Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Ghana has finally developed and launched a Building Code to specify the requirements needed for all aspects of building and construction in the country.
It would ensure value for money by providing a yardstick against which all construction-related procurement can be measured.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia believes the Building Code would be a game-changer which would ensure value for money in public construction in Ghana.
To guarantee the quality and durability of materials used in constructing schools, roads, hospitals and all types of public construction works, he stressed the need for all to use materials that are in line with the standards specified in the Ghana Building Code going forward.
“Once the specifications for building in accordance with the standards specified in the Ghana Building Code and the construction materials utilized are as specified in the Code, it should be possible to have fairly accurate and uniform costs for all types of construction in the country.”
Apart from providing satisfactory costs for construction projects and ensure achievement of Value for Money, Dr Bawumia indicated that “the Ghana Building Code will make Ghana safer. “With the launch of the Code and the passing of the necessary legislation, we can provide relief to the people of Ghana from collapsing buildings, as well as assuring the safety of private, public and industrial buildings.”
“Our building and construction industry needs to be regulated in a manner that will ensure that public safety is guaranteed. We cannot continue to look on unconcerned when structures in the industry are put up without paying attention to the required rules and regulations. As the years go by and the building industry becomes characterised by complex constructions, it’s important that the necessary regulations are put in place and enforced to ensure sanity and bring about progress,” he said.
The new Ghana Building Code covers all essential areas necessary for the smooth and safe operation in the industry.
The 38-part document covers areas such as Occupancy Classification and Use, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and Use, Site Development and Land Use, General Building Heights and Areas, Types of Construction, Fire and Smoke Protection Features, Interior Furnishes, Energy, Efficiency and Sustainability.
The rest are Soils and Foundations, Electrical Systems and Allied Installations, Plumbing Systems, Lift and Conveying Systems, Safeguards during Construction and Green Building Requirements.
It sets out requirements and recommendations for efficiency standards for residential and non-residential buildings.
The Vice President was optimistic with a joint effort, issues of uncontrolled development and flouting of planning laws and building regulations would be curbed.
“The Building Code will help to achieve governmental and societal goals relating to health, safety and accessibility of developed structures. In addition, other social goals can be achieved through this Code,” he added.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Presidential Correspondent