Koforidua, March 13, – 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 greener cement technologies.
The initiative, supported by the Government of Germany and implemented alongside the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), is part of GSA’s nationwide drive to enhance compliance with building standards and address structural safety gaps in Ghana. It also seeks to encourage the use of low-carbon, locally sourced cementitious materials across the construction industry.
Mr Samuel Abdulai Jabanyite, GSA Deputy Director General (General Services), noted that the programme reinforces the Authority’s mandate to protect the public from unsafe building practices. “Safe and sustainable construction is a national necessity,” he said. “Raising awareness is the first step toward ensuring every structure meets required standards and safeguards lives.”
A major focus of the partnership is research into alternatives to clinker, the primary raw material in cement production. Mr Jabanyite said agricultural by-products could replace traditional materials, lowering carbon emissions while supporting a circular economy. “Our collaboration with BAM and KTU explores agriculture-based cementitious materials that can be safely commercialised,” he explained.
The Deputy Director General added that Ghana’s unused arable land offers opportunities to produce these biomaterials locally, with GSA set to develop standards for their safe deployment once the research is complete. The Authority is also strengthening enforcement through its new Standards Enforcement Unit, deploying officers across regions, including the Eastern Region, and maintaining a national complaints desk.
Highlighting the role of academia, Mr Jabanyite described technical universities as “critical partners” in translating research into practical standards. The outreach brought together final-year students, artisans, supervisors, and former graduates to foster knowledge sharing.
Dr Wolfram Schmidt, a senior BAM researcher, reiterated Germany’s commitment to supporting sustainable construction practices in Ghana. “Science and standardisation must work hand in hand. Safe housing is a right, not a privilege,” he said, adding that African countries have a unique opportunity to adopt modern, lower-carbon construction techniques more rapidly than regions dependent on older technologies.
Dr Anim Ofoso, Senior Lecturer in KTU’s Civil Engineering Department, cautioned against common construction errors, such as mixing cement brands on a site, which weakens concrete. He also raised concerns about health risks among artisans, including eye injuries and respiratory problems from prolonged cement exposure. “Protect your eyes, hands, and lungs, and avoid using masonry cement for concrete works,” he advised.
Participants at the programme, including students, artisans, and supervisors, engaged in interactive sessions aimed at reducing errors and improving safety standards. Dr Ofoso emphasised that the knowledge exchange would help prevent recurring mistakes in construction projects.
The GSA–Germany outreach reflects a shared commitment to enhancing Ghana’s construction sector through research, innovation, education, and enforcement, fostering a safer, more resilient, and environmentally sustainable building industry.
GHBUSS
13 March 2026
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