Contractors responsible for delivering substandard work in the Assin North District of the Central Region may soon face legal action, according to the District Chief Executive (DCE), Sylvester Amakye-Nyarko.
He says the move is intended to serve as a deterrent to others and to ensure value for money in all public infrastructure projects.
Speaking exclusively to Citi News on July 14, Amakye-Nyarko addressed growing concerns over stalled and poorly executed school infrastructure in the district. He emphasised the importance of accountability and strict adherence to standards in project delivery.
At Oboba Kokrowa, a three-unit classroom block still under construction is reportedly collapsing due to weak structural columns and a lack of proper reinforcement. According to the DCE, the contractor received full payment under the previous administration but failed to meet the project deadline or deliver the expected quality.
Similarly, in Aniakragya, a contractor awarded a contract to construct a six-unit classroom block abandoned the project after demolishing the existing school building. The school is now operating from the community’s social centre—an arrangement that Amakye-Nyarko says is gravely affecting academic activities.
He said the assembly is considering legal options to compel the defaulting contractors to either complete the work or face sanctions.
“Anytime the community has a social event, it means there is no school. In cases where a funeral of a Saturday worshiper is being held, the school closes on Thursday and Friday, and this is affecting academic activities,” said the DCE.
Though he opted not to mention the names of the contractors, the DCE told Citi News that, “I have written to the two contractors- the one working on the Oboba building as well as the one in charge of Aniakragya- to invite them for discussions. We’ll try again for a few more times, and if they fail to honour our invitation, we will first terminate their contracts and then take legal action against them.”
“We want to ensure that there’s value for money. You can’t receive payment and decide not to execute the contract. It’s something we won’t tolerate,” he added.
Meanwhile, the District Chief Executive (DCE) has described the lack of adequate and befitting educational infrastructure as a challenge beyond the assembly’s capacity, and is therefore appealing to the central government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for support.
“This is a new district with so many challenges beyond our capacity. We are therefore appealing to the central government and NGOs, including you- Citi FM- to come to our aid,” the DCE said.
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