Protect Ghana's Reputation, Pay International Companies - Canadian Envoy to Mahama

Ghana's incoming administration is facing mounting pressure to address delayed payments to international companies, with Canada and the US among those raising concerns. The Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, warned that these delays could tarnish Ghana's reputation and deter future investments.

During a meeting with President-Elect John Dramani Mahama, High Commissioner Montrat emphasized the need for prompt action to resolve the issue.

“I do think that one of the things that will be helpful in ensuring that companies are being paid on time because that is also another factor that has been a huge deterrent, having to fight to get the money that has been owed,” she stated.

Mahama on his part acknowledged the concerns, revealing that the American ambassador had also raised similar issues, including a list of unpaid American companies.

“You are not the only country to raise the issue of payments. I met the American ambassador, and she also raised payments to international companies that have done work. I thought that the government treated only domestic companies sociably,'' he stated.

“I didn’t know that extended to international companies, but she gave us a list of American companies that have done work and not been paid. I don’t know if there are Canadian companies but if we get that list we can keep a focus on it and see how [to go about it,'' he added.

The President-Elect's transition team has already flagged concerns over last-minute recruitments and payments by the outgoing government, which could have severe fiscal repercussions.

Source: Lead News Online