The construction industry in Ghana presents a mixed bag of fortunes and challenges. Despite being a significant contributor to the national economy and employment generation, the industry is plagued with a series of problems, notably inefficiencies in processes and lack of adherence to building regulations.
This article delves into the inherent problems in the Ghanaian construction industry and provides recommendations to mitigate these challenges.
Overview of the building industry in Ghana
The building sector in Ghana is vibrant and contributes substantially to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, the industry’s buoyancy is overshadowed by recurring problems and inefficiencies. The government of Ghana, as the major developer, significantly influences the economic viability of the sector.
The construction industry in Ghana receives significant funding from the government, donor funded projects, and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Moreover, the private sector and remittances from Ghanaians abroad also contribute to investment in the construction industry. However, despite the numerous funding channels, the sector experiences frequent delays and poor performance by contractors.
Challenges in the preliminary and construction stages
Project management and decision-making at the initial stages of construction in Ghana often face significant hurdles. In many cases, insufficient time for thorough feasibility studies and project analysis leads to rushed projects with inadequate budgetary allocation and unclear assessment of needs. This often results in ineffective and slow decision-making, impacting all parties involved.
The role of developers
Developers play a crucial role in shaping the construction process. However, inexperienced developers often fail to set clear objectives and conduct a careful trade-off analysis. This lack of foresight and planning often results in lapses in the design and construction process.
Implications of poor design information and documentation
For a construction project to succeed, the design information, including drawings and specifications, must clearly define the contractor’s resource needs. Failure to do this often results in design changes and construction problems, leading to cost overruns.
Contractual arrangements and financial management
The prevailing contractual arrangement assumes that the developer has sufficient financial resources and the contractor has the necessary expertise. However, contractors and consultants are often not paid promptly for their work, causing financial difficulties for many construction companies.
Management and expertise in construction companies
Many construction companies in Ghana are owned by entrepreneurs with interests in various fields but lacking expertise in construction. Contracts are often awarded to individuals with political, social, and ‘old boy’ connections rather than industry expertise.
Shortage of skilled craftsmen
The construction industry heavily relies on middle-aged craftspeople. However, the number of craft operatives, such as skilled carpenters, masons, and plumbers, among others, has significantly reduced over the years.
Material procurement and import dependency
Due to the low level of manufacturing and extractive development in Ghana, most construction materials are imported. This often leads to uncertainty in the delivery of ordered materials and shortage of funds to procure materials, which contractors often cite as reasons for project delays.
Lack of Effective Legislation
The lack of an effective legislative instrument to regulate professionals in the construction industry exacerbates the problems. Currently, only the Architects’ Registration Council is empowered to regulate operations and architectural practices in the country.
Recommendations for Improvement
To address these challenges, emphasis should be placed on project analysis before the commencement of projects. Developers should also allow sufficient time for feasibility studies. Investment in training, research, and development is crucial to improving the construction industry’s ability to innovate and improve.
Conclusion
The problems in the building and construction industry in Ghana are numerous and complex. But with comprehensive solutions and strategic planning, the industry can overcome these challenges and thrive. The government, stakeholders, and professionals in the industry need to collaborate and implement measures to ensure efficient and sustainable building in Ghana.
