Ghana’s burgeoning urban population and rapid development are placing immense strain on its infrastructure, leading to a pressing need for affordable and accessible solutions in construction. The demand for schools, hospitals, housing, and sanitation facilities far outstrips the current supply, largely due to escalating construction costs that pose a significant barrier. While both government and private entities are striving to address this challenge, a key element remains underutilized: construction research. The Green Fortland Foundation (GFF) emphasizes the critical role of research in revolutionizing Ghana’s construction sector, advocating for a paradigm shift towards sustainable and cost-effective practices rooted in local resources and knowledge.
GFF identifies several contributing factors to Ghana’s high construction costs: an overreliance on imported building materials, adherence to antiquated construction methods, and a slow adoption of modern building technologies. Furthermore, traditional architectural practices, often well-suited to Ghana’s climate and cultural context, are frequently overlooked in favor of imported designs that may be less appropriate and more expensive. This reliance on foreign materials and designs not only inflates costs but also represents a missed opportunity to leverage Ghana’s abundant natural resources and indigenous knowledge.
The solution, according to GFF, lies in a renewed national commitment to research and development within the construction sector. This involves increased investment in universities, research institutions, and innovation hubs, fostering an environment conducive to the development of locally tailored, sustainable, and affordable construction solutions. By focusing on research, Ghana can harness its abundant natural resources, such as laterite, bamboo, clay, and pozzolana cement, reducing dependence on expensive imports. Research can also pave the way for climate-responsive architectural designs that minimize reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems, resulting in long-term cost savings.
Beyond utilizing local resources, research can also facilitate the adoption of modern construction techniques such as modular construction and prefabrication. These methods offer significant advantages, including reduced waste generation, faster construction timelines, and lower overall costs. Moreover, research can inform policy decisions and urban planning strategies, leading to more efficient land utilization and infrastructure development. By understanding community needs and cultural practices through research, public facilities can be designed for optimal functionality, durability, and ease of maintenance.
GFF highlights successful examples from other developing nations, such as India and Rwanda, where research has driven innovation in affordable and sustainable construction. India’s Centre for Science and Environment has pioneered affordable housing projects using local materials and passive design principles, while Rwanda’s Green Building Minimum Compliance System, based on university research, has significantly reduced construction costs and promoted resilient urban growth. These examples demonstrate the potential of research to transform the construction landscape and address pressing infrastructure needs.
To effectively translate research findings into practical applications, GFF emphasizes the importance of collaboration between academia and the private sector. Incentivizing partnerships between private firms and academic institutions, particularly in exploring new materials and repurposing industrial waste in construction, can accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions. This collaborative approach can bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world implementation, fostering a culture of innovation that prioritizes locally sourced solutions over imported alternatives. Ultimately, by prioritizing research, Ghana can establish a construction industry that is not only affordable and sustainable but also deeply rooted in local knowledge and resources, ensuring that future infrastructure meets the needs of a growing nation.
