Minister warns against delays in GSCSP projects execution

The Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, Mr. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, has cautioned contractors involved in the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Programme (GSCSP) against delays or requests for contract extensions.

He emphasized that requests for extensions in contract duration would not be entertained.
“These projects are essential to our nation’s development, and any delays undermine our goals for economic growth and community wellbeing,” he stated.

Inspection tour across Western and Central regions

The Minister issued the warning during a two-day inspection tour of project sites across the Western and Central Regions.
This firm stance reflects the government’s commitment to delivering on its promises within stipulated timelines, ensuring that infrastructure serves its intended purpose without unnecessary delays.

Significant $245m investment in urban development
With a total investment of $245 million, the GSCSP, under the Urban Development Grant (UDG), aims to revolutionize urban infrastructure and management capacities in four municipalities within the Central Region.
These projects are pivotal to the government’s broader agenda of fortifying secondary cities as engines of socio-economic growth.

The primary goal of the programme is to enhance urban management and basic urban services in the 35 participating Municipal Assemblies (MAs) responsible for urban development in secondary cities.
Launched in 2019, the programme is expected to be completed by 2025 and involves 35 Municipal Assemblies in all 16 Regional Coordinating Councils.

Site visits and project evaluation
During his tour, the Minister visited several Municipal and District Assemblies, including Ahanta West, Effia Kwesimintsim, Mfantseman, Assin Fosu, Agona West, and Awutu Senya East, where he scrutinized the progress of roads, drains, markets, lockable stores, lorry parks, and terminals—all at various stages of completion.
Mr. Korsah urged contractors who are behind schedule to speed up work and meet the deadlines.
He emphasized the importance of adhering to project timelines, warning that failure to do so could lead to contractual breaches and potential cancellation of contracts.

Emphasis on quality and supervision
In addition to stressing timeliness, the Minister called for a heightened focus on quality.
He urged District Assemblies to reinforce their supervisory roles, ensuring that all projects meet the highest standards of durability and efficiency.
“The quality of these projects will determine their longevity and their value to our communities. We cannot compromise on this,” he stressed.

Recognition and commitment to excellence
Mr. Korsah praised contractors whose progress aligned with set timelines and commended the Assemblies for their dedication to these critical projects.
He highlighted that the GSCSP is more than just an infrastructure initiative; it is a vital component of Ghana’s strategy to build resilient, self-sustaining secondary cities capable of driving regional development.

A non-negotiable commitment
As Adjei-Mensah Korsah concluded his tour, his directive was clear: The successful completion of these projects is non-negotiable.
The urgency and quality of the work being done today will define the future of Ghana’s secondary cities, ensuring they become vibrant, sustainable centers of development.
The Minister’s unwavering commitment to this vision sends a strong signal to all stakeholders:
There is no room for complacency; the stakes are too high, and the timeline too critical for anything less than excellence.