The President of the Ghana Institute of Architects, Tony Asare, has called for immediate and decisive action to safeguard lives following the recent building collapse in Accra Newtown, warning that Ghana is failing to prioritise public safety.
He described the incident as a reflection of deep-rooted challenges within the construction sector, citing weak enforcement of regulations, inadequate oversight, and lapses in professional standards.
“This country must take the safety of its people seriously,” he stressed, expressing frustration over recurring incidents and what he sees as a lack of meaningful change despite repeated warnings over the years.
Mr. Asare questioned whether the persistent problem stems from a shortage of expertise or a failure to enforce existing standards.
“Do we not have competent architects and structural engineers? What role are local assemblies playing in ensuring proper development control and quality assurance on construction sites?” he asked.
The collapse, which occurred on Sunday, involved an uncompleted structure within the premises of the Accra Newtown Experimental Basic School—a site reportedly used for religious gatherings. Mr. Asare cautioned that such activities could further compromise structurally weak buildings.
He explained that vibrations from activities such as drumming and singing may place additional stress on unstable structures, potentially accelerating their deterioration.
The architects’ president also highlighted broader concerns about the quality of construction in the country, noting that many buildings fail to meet required standards due to shortcomings in supervision and quality control.
He pointed to possible contributing factors, including substandard materials, inadequate workmanship, and insufficient attention to quality assurance processes.
Mr. Asare further raised concerns about the capacity of regulatory bodies, particularly in monitoring construction materials available on the market. He noted that professionals have repeatedly flagged issues relating to the quality of reinforcement materials, including concerns about brittleness and non-compliance with required specifications.
According to him, proper testing and verification of materials are essential to ensuring structural safety.
Another major challenge, he said, is the shortage of qualified professionals within local assemblies responsible for enforcing building standards.
“With over 260 assemblies nationwide and only a handful of architects, the question remains—who is providing the technical oversight?” he queried.
Mr. Asare emphasised the urgent need for strengthened regulation, improved enforcement, and increased investment in professional capacity to prevent future tragedies and restore confidence in Ghana’s construction sector.
