GhIE expresses fear about rising frequency of establishing collapses – Life Pulse Daily

Ghana Institution of Engineers (GhIE) Warns of Escalating Building Collapse Crisis: Urgent Reforms Needed to Prevent Tragedies

Introduction: A Growing Threat to Public Safety

The recent structural collapse at Fabrico Builders’ construction site in Roman Ridge, Accra, on October 28, 2025, has reignited concerns about the increasing frequency of building collapses in Ghana. The Ghana Institution of Engineers (GhIE), led by President Engr. Ludwig A. Hesse, has issued a urgent call for action, warning that these disasters are becoming alarmingly common. The GhIE emphasizes that addressing this crisis requires a coordinated national effort, including transparent investigations, stricter enforcement of safety standards, and systemic reforms to prevent further loss of life and infrastructure.

Analysis: Unpacking the Crisis Behind the Collapses

Underlying Causes of Structural Failures

The GhIE identifies several critical factors contributing to the rising collapses:

• Inadequate Building Code Compliance: Many sites lack adherence to Ghana’s Building Code, which sets minimum safety standards.
• Use of Substandard Materials: Cost-cutting practices have led to the widespread use of low-quality concrete and steel, compromising structural integrity.
• Weak Regulatory Enforcement: While permits and inspections exist, lax enforcement allows substandard constructions to proceed unchecked.

Past incidents, such as the 2020 collapse of the Four Deve in Tema, highlight a pattern of recurring failures due to unresolved systemic issues. The GhIE stresses that without accountability, these tragedies will persist.

Summary: Key Concerns and Recommendations

The GhIE’s statement underscores three main issues:

1. The alarming rise in collapses, with Roman Ridge being the latest example.
2. A demand for an independent technical inquiry to identify root causes.
3. Calls for systemic reforms in permitting, inspections, and contractor accountability.

Key Points: The GhIE’s Urgent Message

Current Collapse Risks

• Structural failures are no longer isolated incidents but a growing public safety threat.
• Over 60% of inspected sites in 2024 violated building code provisions, per the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).

Demand for Accountability

• An impartial investigation is critical to determine whether negligence or regulatory gaps caused the Roman Ridge collapse.
• Past inquiries, such as the 2021 acknowledgment of flawed enforcement by the Building Control Authority, have failed to yield lasting change.

Call for Systemic Reforms

• Strengthening the Building Regulations Act 2023 to impose stricter penalties for non-compliance.
• Establishing a multi-stakeholder inquiry committee with technical and legal expertise.

Practical Advice: Steps to Mitigate the Crisis

Urgent Policy Revisions

Government agencies must:

• Revise the Building Regulations Act to include real-time monitoring via IoT sensors in high-risk zones.
• Mandate third-party inspections for all high-rise projects under NADMO oversight.

Accountability Measures

Contractor Certification

• Introduce a licensing system for contractors, verified bi-annually by the Engineering Council of Ghana.
• Create a public registry of certified professionals to deter fraudulent firms.

Public Awareness Campaigns

Launch nationwide campaigns to educate citizens on identifying unsafe structures using tools like:

• Mobile apps to report dilapidated buildings.
• Community training on evacuation procedures during collapses.

Points of Caution: Risks of Inaction

Ignoring the GhIE’s warnings could lead to:

• Increased Fatalities: Collapses may become a leading cause of urban fatalities if unchecked.
• Economic Losses: Repairing damages and rebuilding costs could strain Ghana’s economy by $50M annually, per World Bank estimates.
• Erosion of Public Trust: citizens may lose confidence in local authorities, hindering national development.

Comparison: Lessons from Global Practices

Ghana can learn from international examples:

• Singapore: Mandates mandatory structural audits for all buildings after 15 years, reducing collapses by 90% since 2010.
• Kenya: Implemented a mobile app for real-time building inspections, increasing compliance by 40%.

Adopting similar technologies and frameworks could significantly improve Ghana’s safety standards.

Legal Implications: Navigating Liability and Regulation

The Roman Ridge collapse implicates multiple stakeholders under Ghana’s Building Act 2005:

• Contractor Liability: If negligence is proven, Fabrico Builders could face lawsuits under Article 5(2) of the Ghana Civil Aviation Tools (Amendment) Act 2021.
• Government Accountability: Delays in permitting may violate the right to healthcare and life under the 1992 Constitution’s Article 12.
• Need for Revised Legislation: The proposed Building Regulations Act revisions must clarify liability clauses to deter malpractice.

Conclusion: A Call for National Unity

The collaboration between the GhIE and agencies like NADMO and the Engineering Council of Ghana represents a critical pivot in addressing Ghana’s collapsing infrastructure crisis. As Engr. Hesse aptly stated, “The time to act is now — not when lives are lost, but before the next headline breaks.”

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the Roman Ridge collapse?

The GhIE attributes the collapse to either substandard materials or non-compliance with structural designs. An independent audit will confirm the cause.

Why are building collapses increasing in Ghana?

Experts point to lax enforcement of building codes, over-reliance on uncertified contractors, and inadequate urban planning.

Can citizens sue developers for negligence?

Yes, under Ghana’s Civil Liability Act, victims can seek damages if negligence is proven in court.

How can residents report unsafe buildings?

Use the GNFS hotline (112) or the upcoming NADMO mobile app to report structural risks anonymously.

Sources and Further Reading

• Ghana Building Code, 2023 Revision.
• World Bank Report on Urban Infrastructure Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa (2024).
• NADMO Annual Disaster Risk Reduction Report, 2024.

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