The President of the Ghana Institute of Architects, Tony Asare, has issued a warning to churches, cautioning that building structures are highly vulnerable to loud drumming and singing.

He pointed out that such activities weaken the building, a situation that can lead to serious consequences.

His caution comes in the wake of a fatal incident at Accra New Town, where an uncompleted multi-storey structure caved in near the Experimental D/A School on March 29, 2026, killing three people and trapping 23 worshippers.

Speaking in a radio interview on Joy FM's Super Morning Show (SMS) on Monday, March 30, Mr Asare pointed to the physical impact of church activities on structurally compromised buildings.

Loud sounds, particularly those generated by high-intensity musical instruments and amplified sound systems in churches, can have significant impacts on church building structures. These impacts range from structural vibrations and acoustic damage to the deterioration of building materials over time. 

“In our churches, we do a lot of drumming and singing, and the rhythm affects buildings,” he said. “These activities actually set buildings on resonance and even weaken it further.”

He described the growing trend of using uncompleted structures for worship as both widespread and dangerous, warning that such practices expose congregants to avoidable risks.

“These days, you even see churches operating within incomplete structures, including spaces around fuel stations,” he said. “Is it acceptable for a building that is not fully completed to be used for such purposes?”

Mr Asare stressed that Ghana’s building regulations clearly prohibit the occupation of unfinished structures, noting that compliance remains weak.

“Before a building can be occupied, it must have a certificate of habitation,” he said. “If the building is to be used for a different purpose, then the design must be reviewed to suit that use.”

He expressed concern that property owners continue to allow such usage, while enforcement authorities fail to act decisively.

Beyond enforcement lapses, the GIA President blamed recurring building collapses on substandard construction materials and poor workmanship. He cited inconsistencies in reinforcement bars sold on the market as a major risk factor.

“Some companies advertise iron rods as 14mm, but when you check, they measure about 12.5mm,” he said. “People buy them thinking they are getting the right size.”

He added that some materials are brittle and fail to meet required safety standards, placing additional strain on already weak structures.

Mr Asare also criticised gaps in Ghana’s building regulatory framework, arguing that current laws place too much responsibility on developers without ensuring strict professional supervision.

“If you engage a mason or steelbender from the roadside, there is little in the law to prevent it,” he said.

He further highlighted the acute shortage of qualified architects and engineers within local assemblies tasked with enforcing building codes.

“We have 261 assemblies, but only about 10 architects, possibly not more than 12,” he said. “People without the right training are performing roles they are not qualified to handle.”

The GIA, he disclosed, is preparing a policy paper to push for reforms aimed at tightening regulations and improving enforcement.

Calling for urgent national attention, Mr Asare warned that failure to act could result in more avoidable tragedies.

“This country must take the safety of its people seriously,” he said.