New approaches to constructing buildings continue to emerge, but as typical of the Ghanaian, they are not willing to embrace this new normal.

The Real Estate Developers Association of Ghana strongly believes the refusal of Ghanaians to adapt to new building technologies have had dire impact on their members.

Mr. Sammy Amegayibor, the Executive Secretary of the Association, while speaking on the recent hikes in the components of construction, disclosed that Ghanaians despite the new witty building innovations, are still adamant to change.

“There are lots of technologies used for building. We have the prefabricated and steel buildings and a host of others.
“But one problem we face is that our citizens are slow in adapting to new technologies and this has become a problem for estate developers.”
Mr. Sammy Amegayibor

As disclosed by Mr. Amegayibor, there has been instances of acute low patronage of buildings constructed by means of advanced technological innovations.

“The potential house owner sees and touches them only to tell you the buildings are hollow and weak.”
Mr. Sammy Amegayibor

The Executive Secretary, during an interview, admonished Ghanaians to be open minded about new housing technologies.

He further revealed that, with the right magnitude of public education on verified new building innovations accepted and used by some Ghanaians, he believes that“can help reduce the problem of high cost of construction”.

“It is high time for a high level of education in the area of technology for constructing buildings.”
Mr. Sammy Amegayibor

Also, in light of the world’s ‘green agenda’ Mr. Amegayibor disclosed that adopting new building innovations will likely reduce the incidence of deforestation in Ghana.

Building materials price hikes

The construction industry in Ghana has witnessed an exponential rise in the cost of building materials over the past few months and this has raised stakeholder concerns.

The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia while addressing members of construction industry at the maiden edition of Ghana Construction Industry Excellence Awards, highlighted the adverse impact of Covid-19 on the construction industry.

“The growth and vibrancy of the construction industry depends on the growth and vibrancy of the economy as a whole.
“This is why economic management is key, the economic indicators of our first term in office tells a story of competent economic management.
“However, the world has suffered a global recession; in fact, it is the worst global recession since 1945, as a result of Covid-19, which hit us high in 2020.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia

Dr. Bawumia further attributed the 650 percent rise in shipping cost from some parts of Asia to the rising cost of building materials.

“Throughout the world, prices of goods have shot up. Shipping cost of container from China to Europe have increased from around $2000 Dollars in August last year, to $13,000 Dollars now per container, that is equivalent to 650 percent price increase”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia

Dr. Bawumia assured the contractors that just as government prudently managed the economy prior to Covid-19 devastating it, government is on course to manage the impact of Covid on the economy and local industries, including the construction sector.

The Ghanaian economy currently stands at a deficit of over 2 million housing unit. With rising stakeholder concern and its related housing deficit interventions from both international and domestic entities, as well as the government, owning a home will sooner than later become a reality for Ghanaians.