GSA urges firms to comply with construction regulations

Accra, March 13, – The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has cautioned construction companies that failure to adhere to established building standards could result in strict legal action.

The Authority stated that it would continue enhancing testing procedures in the construction sector and regularly review standards to ensure they remain practical and effective.

Mr Samuel Abdulai Jabanyite, Deputy Director‑General of GSA, made these remarks during a stakeholder dialogue on concrete development in Accra, held under the theme: “Integrating Standards, Cementitious Materials, and Concrete Technology for Good Construction Practice.”

He highlighted that the partnership between GSA and BAM, a German research institute, had strengthened the technical expertise of staff and resulted in a handbook for safe and durable construction practices in Ghana.

Mr Jabanyite also noted that the Authority was collaborating with BAM and Koforidua Technical University to explore the incorporation of agricultural waste, including groundnut husk, rice husk, and sugarcane residue, in cement production.

He stressed that Ghana’s ambitious infrastructure agenda relied on the use of high-quality concrete to guarantee safety and compliance.

“Concrete is the backbone of modern construction. This dialogue represents a collective effort to tackle challenges in the sector,” he said.

Mr Jabanyite affirmed that the Authority would continue to enforce standards and provide firms with the necessary tools to protect consumers from substandard structures.

Dr Wolfram Schmidt, Senior Researcher at the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, highlighted the value of international collaboration in modernizing construction standards and fostering innovation.

Dr Nana Benyi Ansah, Senior Lecturer at Accra Technical University, emphasized that public test laboratories were crucial for quality infrastructure and credible standard enforcement.

“Laboratory modernization should be treated as a national infrastructure priority, not merely an administrative upgrade,” he said.

Madam Sarah Acheampong, Head of Production at Regimanual Concrete Products, underscored that concrete quality cannot be compromised and called for urgent attention to challenges relating to materials and structural strength failures.

GHBUSS

13 March 2026