Architects Demand Urgent Reforms as Building Collapses Expose Regulatory Failures in Ghana

Architects in Ghana are calling for sweeping reforms in the country’s construction sector, including mandatory structural audits for long-abandoned buildings and the deployment of qualified professionals to district assemblies, amid rising concerns over recurring building collapses.

The President of the Ghana Institute of Architects, Tony Asare, has warned that persistent gaps in regulation and enforcement continue to endanger lives.

Speaking in an interview on Joy FM on March 30, 2026, Mr Asare said repeated structural failures point to systemic weaknesses in supervision, enforcement, and professional capacity at the local government level.

“This country must take the safety of its people seriously. We keep asking ourselves why this keeps reoccurring,” he said.

His comments follow the collapse of an uncompleted multi-storey building at Accra New Town on March 29, which claimed three lives and left several others injured.

Call for Mandatory Structural Audits

Mr Asare stressed the urgent need for structural integrity assessments of buildings left uncompleted for long periods, noting that prolonged exposure to weather conditions can significantly weaken their stability.

He expressed concern that many such structures are being repurposed for religious and commercial activities without undergoing proper safety checks.

According to him, building permits typically expire after five years, after which assemblies are expected to demand structural audits before renewal.

“If a building is sitting there, usually the permit expires after five years. As part of the re-permitting process, the assembly demands a structural audit before a new permit is issued. Are we taking these decisions?” he queried.

He added that any decision to demolish abandoned buildings should be guided by technical assessments rather than blanket enforcement measures.

Shortage of Qualified Professionals

The GIA President also highlighted a critical shortage of architects within district assemblies, which are responsible for enforcing building regulations nationwide.

“We have 261 assemblies. There are only about 10 architects. Who does the architectural work? Somebody is playing a role the person is not qualified to carry out,” he said.

He noted that although assemblies are mandated to oversee development control, the absence of a legal requirement to maintain adequate technical staff undermines effective supervision.

Concerns Over Use of Incomplete Structures

Mr Asare questioned the growing trend of using uncompleted buildings for public activities, particularly for worship and commercial operations, without proper certification.

“Before you can occupy a building, you need a certificate of habitation. Is it permissible for a building that is not fully completed to be used for such purposes?” he asked.

He further warned that buildings designed for specific purposes are often repurposed without proper structural reassessment.

Regulatory and Workmanship Gaps

Addressing broader regulatory challenges, Mr Asare said current laws place significant responsibility on developers, allowing them to engage unqualified workers with limited oversight.

“If the developer picks somebody who is not competent, the law cannot do much about it,” he said.

He revealed that the institute is preparing proposals to amend building regulations to strengthen accountability and enforcement mechanisms.

Material Quality Under Scrutiny

Mr Asare also raised concerns about the quality of construction materials on the market, particularly reinforcement bars, which he said are sometimes below standard specifications despite being advertised otherwise.

While the Ghana Standards Authority is mandated to regulate material quality, he noted that capacity constraints hinder effective monitoring.

Call for Comprehensive Review

He concluded by urging a comprehensive review of how institutions enforce construction standards, warning that the absence of qualified professionals in assemblies poses a serious risk to public safety.

“If you go to the assembly and there is no architect and there is no engineer, who supervises the building?” he asked.

Reiterating his call, Mr Asare said Ghana must urgently prioritise building safety to prevent further tragedies.