Recent incidents, including the collapse of a three-storey structure at Roman Ridge and several unfinished projects in Ashaiman, Kumasi, Cape Coast and Kasoa, have once again exposed the deep cracks in Ghana’s construction supervision system. In many cases, investigations reveal a common pattern - unqualified supervision, weak enforcement of permits, substandard materials, and the absence of certified professionals.
A Growing Crisis
According to the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), many construction sites operate without qualified structural engineers. Some developers, in a bid to cut costs, employ artisans or foremen to oversee complex projects meant for professional engineers. The result? Poorly mixed concrete, weak reinforcements, and unsafe load-bearing structures that become ticking time bombs.
The Ministry of Works, Housing, and Water Resources has also acknowledged that the lack of a centralized inspection and certification framework makes it difficult to track construction quality, especially in rapidly growing urban areas.
Why Supervision Matters
Supervision in construction isn’t just about compliance, it’s about safety, accountability, and the protection of human life. Certified professionals ensure that designs meet engineering standards, that materials are tested and approved, and that contractors follow approved plans.Without this oversight, even a beautifully designed building can become structurally compromised.
Government and Institutional Action
The Ghana Standards Authority, Lands Commission, and Metropolitan Assemblies have all been urged to step up inspection and enforcement. The Real Estate Agency Council (REAC) and the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA) have also stressed the need for joint monitoring systems to ensure that registered developers and engineers are held accountable for every project they undertake.
The Way Forward
To end this cycle of preventable tragedy, Ghana must:
Enforce permit and inspection regulations at every construction stage.
Digitize building approvals and tracking to reduce corruption and human interference.
Ensure all developers engage licensed engineers and architects.
Strengthen public education - homeowners should know it’s illegal to build without permits or professional supervision.
Introduce building insurance as a legal requirement for major projects.
A Call to Build Right
Ghana’s urbanization is inevitable but it must not come at the cost of human safety. Every life lost under a collapsed building is a tragedy that could have been prevented through diligence and integrity.
As Housing In Ghana continues to advocate for safer, smarter, and more sustainable communities, we echo a simple truth: development is only meaningful when it’s built on a foundation of safety.
