The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana (IET-GH), has expressed concern over the collapse of a four-storey building under construction in the Ayawaso Central Municipality, calling for a full investigation and stronger enforcement of building standards.

In a press statement issued on 30 March, the Institution noted that preliminary engineering assessments suggest such failures are usually caused by a combination of factors rather than a single issue. These may include inadequate structural design, poor construction practices, the use of substandard materials, premature removal or inadequate formwork, overloading during construction, and possible foundation or sub-soil bearing capacity problems.

The statement emphasised the importance of key structural elements, noting that “particular attention is often drawn to the integrity and adequacy of load-bearing elements such as columns, especially at the ground level, which are critical to the stability of multi-storey structures.”

Despite these observations, the Institution said the exact cause of the collapse cannot yet be confirmed.

“The exact cause of the collapse can only be established through a comprehensive and independent technical investigation… led by Civil or Structural Engineers,” it said.

The IET-GH used the incident to issue a strong warning to stakeholders across the construction sector. Contractors were urged to strictly follow approved drawings and specifications, maintain quality control, and avoid unsafe practices aimed at cutting costs.

Engineers and consultants were reminded to uphold professional standards by ensuring proper design, close supervision, and ethical responsibility in safeguarding public safety.

The Institution further called on Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, as well as regulatory authorities, to step up enforcement. Authorities must intensify monitoring, ensure only permitted and professionally supervised projects are carried out, and strengthen inspection at all critical construction stages by providing adequate resources to their works departments.

Concerns were also raised about emergency response during the incident. The Institution noted that “it was deeply distressing to witness individuals trapped beneath debris for extended periods without access to oxygen before rescue efforts could reach them,” calling for modern and adequate rescue equipment to improve response times.

The general public was also advised to take precautions, particularly as the rainy season approaches, and to avoid seeking shelter in buildings that appear unsafe or incomplete.

The IET-GH called for a thorough forensic investigation into the collapse to identify both immediate and underlying causes, and to ensure any lapses are addressed to prevent recurrence. It also recommended that all similar ongoing construction projects within the assemblies undergo structural integrity audits as a preventive measure.