The Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, has expressed concerns over the delayed payments owed to international companies by the outgoing government.

Speaking during a meeting with President-Elect John Dramani Mahama in Accra on Friday, High Commissioner Montrat warned that the issue could tarnish Ghana’s international reputation and discourage future investments. 

“I do think that one of the things that will be helpful is 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 remarked.  

She urged the incoming administration to address the challenge promptly to preserve Ghana’s appeal as a destination for foreign businesses while fostering strong diplomatic and economic ties. 

Mahama acknowledges concern  

Responding to the concerns, President-Elect John Dramani Mahama acknowledged that Canada was not alone in raising the issue of delayed payments to international firms. “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,” he stated. 

Mr. Mahama added, “I thought that the government treated only domestic companies sociably. 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].”