Road and Building Consultant, Ing. Abdulai Mahama, has noted that recent wave of building collapses reflects persistent construction violations rather than a sudden or isolated failure.
He explains that many structural failures in Accra are linked to deviations from approved building designs, poor material quality, and weak enforcement of construction standards.
According to him, although building plans are often properly vetted and approved by local authorities, the real problems begin at the construction stage where specifications are frequently altered.
“The assemblies would have their drawings properly approved, but when it comes to the execution of the construction, that is where some of the owners of the buildings decide to shortchange their own designs.”
“In terms of the number of iron rods they are supposed to put in the building and then the concrete mix, let’s say if I know that one cement bag is supposed to produce 30 blocks… people go and do 60 or 40 blocks with one cement bag.”
He noted that such compromises significantly weaken structural integrity over time, even if buildings initially appear stable.
Ing. Mahama also pointed to weak site supervision and limited regulatory inspections as contributing factors, saying assemblies are expected to conduct stage-by-stage checks but often lack the capacity to do so consistently.
He further highlighted the importance of soil testing before construction, stressing that failure to assess ground conditions can lead to long-term structural instability, particularly for multi-storey buildings.
The consultant also cautioned against altering the intended use of buildings after construction, explaining that converting residential structures into commercial spaces without redesign increases structural load beyond design limits.
He said such changes often manifest as cracks, column stress, and eventual structural failure if not professionally assessed.
The comments come in the wake of the Avenor building collapse in North Kaneshie, where rescue operations are still ongoing, and authorities continue to assess the cause of the incident. So far, one person has been confirmed dead.
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