Alert: Ghana Building Regulations You Should Know

You are perhaps aware of the Melcom department store that collapsed in Accra, Ghana. It was reported that nine people died in the collapse. Approximately seventy people were rescued from the debris and rescue workers (as of the writing of this article) continue to search for survivors. Experts have yet to determine the cause of the department store collapse.

What is it that causes buildings in Ghana to collapse? Why has there been a rampant rash of building and project demolitions in Ghana in recent months? What building regulations have been adopted in Ghana to prevent future demolitions and collapses? The answers to these questions can be found in the following list. However, if a you truly wish to understand building regulations in Ghana, you should work with certified architects and engineers in Ghana who understand the system and can design a house plan that qualifies for a permit and meets all requirements.

Building Regulations in Ghana

The goal of building regulators in Ghana is to establish a common set of baseline requirements for all structures erected in Ghana, enforce the regulations, and educate building contractors on building the safest buildings possible. The building regulators of Ghana focus on the following:

• A builder must first apply for the proper development permits with the regulating body.
• A builder must then acquire and report on a suitable plot for development that meets the requirements of the regulations.
• Excavation of the plot must be done with accommodation for water tables, sub-soil drainage, and the surrounding environment.
• The building’s design must be reviewed to ensure structural stability.
• The builder must include structural fire precautions in the design.
• Proper accommodations must be made for accessing the structure.
• The regulations enforce correct ventilation and air flow design and set up including the proper expulsion of gasses produced by heat producing appliances.
• Other regulations deal with the proper intake, usage, and disposal of water.

These are only a few of the building regulation highlights in Ghana. For a more in depth understanding of Ghana building regulations, it is recommended that you work with certified Ghanaian engineers and architects who understand building regulations and can help you build a structure that meets all of the building regulations and requirements.

Contact The Ghana Homes Group today for a FREE building planning consultation.