The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), in collaboration with German partners, has launched an outreach programme at Koforidua Technical University (KTU) aimed at promoting safer construction practices and supporting Ghana’s shift toward sustainable, low‑carbon building technologies.
Funded by the Government of Germany and implemented with the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), the initiative forms part of GSA’s nationwide efforts to strengthen compliance with building standards and address safety gaps identified in recent years. It also seeks to accelerate the use of locally sourced, low‑carbon cementitious materials in the construction sector.
Speaking at the event, GSA Deputy Director General (General Services) Samuel Abdulai Jabanyite said the outreach reinforces the authority’s core mandate to protect the public from unsafe construction.
“Our mission is to ensure that every building in Ghana meets safety standards that protect lives and property,” he said. “Compliance begins with awareness, and safe, sustainable construction is not a luxury—it is a necessity for national development.”
A major focus of the programme is Ghana’s ongoing research partnership with Germany to identify alternatives to clinker, the primary raw material in cement production. Studies increasingly show that agricultural waste and by‑products can serve as effective substitutes.
“This joint project with BAM and KTU is exploring agriculture‑based cementitious materials that reduce carbon emissions while supporting a circular economy,” Mr. Jabanyite explained. He noted that Africa’s abundant unused arable land offers opportunities to produce such biomaterials locally.
Once research is completed, the GSA will develop standards to ensure these materials can be safely commercialised. “The work is viable and sustainable, and GSA will ensure it is upscaled correctly,” he said.
Mr. Jabanyite also highlighted the GSA’s strengthened enforcement through a new Standards Enforcement Unit, with additional officers posted in regions such as the Eastern Region, routine inspections of structural designs, cement certification checks, and a national complaints desk.
He praised technical universities as “indispensable partners” in developing standards that reflect real-world construction needs, noting that public awareness campaigns and the Industrial Support Programme remain critical tools for educating artisans and the broader construction community.
Dr Wolfram Schmidt, a senior researcher at BAM, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s construction reforms through scientific and technical collaboration.
“We are proud to stand with GSA in advancing sustainable construction practices aligned with international standards,” he said. “Safe housing is a fundamental right, not a privilege.”
Dr. Schmidt highlighted regional differences in construction materials, supply chains, and geology, noting that such diversity allows African countries to adopt innovative solutions more quickly than regions locked into older technologies.
“Worldwide, concrete technology hasn’t changed much in 100 years,” he said. “Through science and standardisation, Ghana can transition to greener, more local, and lower-carbon construction methods.”
Dr Anim Ofoso, Senior Lecturer in KTU’s Civil Engineering Department, stressed the importance of proper on-site practices, warning against common mistakes that compromise safety. He advised artisans not to mix different cement brands in the same project, highlighting risks of weakened concrete.
He also raised concerns over occupational health hazards, including eye injuries and respiratory problems from prolonged cement exposure without protective gear.
“Many artisans are going blind or developing lung issues,” Dr. Ofoso said. “Protect your eyes, hands, and nose. And don’t use masonry cement, which is meant only for mortar, for concrete works.”
The outreach programme engaged artisans, supervisors, former students, and final-year students in civil engineering, building technology, and construction technology. Dr. Ofoso said the knowledge exchange was essential for preventing recurring mistakes.
As Ghana’s construction sector grows, GSA and its German partners expressed confidence that improved standards, cleaner cement innovations, and sustained public education will foster a safer, more resilient, and environmentally sustainable industry for future generations.