He noted that the infrastructure needs of the country cannot be well accomplished without an effective Ghanaian construction industry.  Mr. Ledi, who is founder and Chief Executive of Proko Construction Ltd, was elected unopposed by the Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana (ABCECG) at its 10th Annual General Meeting and Conference held in Winneba.

He took over from Mr. Martin Nnuro.

Speaking in an interview, on the side lines of the conference, Mr. Ledi noted that, the construction industry was central to the economy, adding that, economic activities slowed down any time contractors were not paid and vice versa. 

According to him the construction industry is faced with myriads of challenges but said the way out is to have contractors who can effectively engage with government and other stakeholders as partners in solving the challenges.

 “As leader of the Association I will galvanise our members into a formidable group and engage government continuously. This is our country, we are the builders, and once we do our homework well, we can get every government to do what we believe is appropriate”, he stressed.

Mr. Ledi, who has over three decades of experience in the industry, said delayed payment for work done without interest, improper regulation of the industry, the unlevelled playing field with their foreign counterparts as well as the general mistrust and badmouthing of indigenous contractors are major challenges that he intends to confront.

The new ABCECG President indicated that he and his executives will use their term in office to drive up membership and build a united front for contractors.  He said they will also push for a construction development authority as well as institute various programmes to build their capacity and reward outstanding contractors.

“The only way we can also get the big jobs, and stop the perennial delayed payments is to be united, build our own capacity and be seen as a credible partner to the country’s development”.

The ABCECG is made up of both indigenous construction firms as well as foreign firms registered and working in Ghana.   Mr. Ledi said he will push for both groups to co-operate and leverage on each other’s strength.

Ghana has a huge infrastructure gap which is one of the major reasons why the government is looking to China for funding. There are also reported cases of shoddy works, and haphazard siting of structures.

Mr. Ledi said while these are problems, they also constitute opportunities for contractors.

He therefore invited all building and civil engineering contractors in the country to become active members of ABCECG, so that together they can champion the cause of contractors in Ghana and make them major stakeholders in the country.

The conference also elected Tony Asante-Gyinae as 1st Vice President, Harry Anim-Danso as 2nd Vice President, Martin Ganyo Nukpezah as National Treasurer and Dela-dem Ocloo as Assistant Treasurer.

The rest are Yusif Mohammed Ali, Northern Sector Organiser, Sampson Ayiku, Southern Sector Organiser, Agnes Ofori, Trustee, George Peter Grant and Charles Siessegh, also Trustees.