The former Provost of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) College of Engineering says Ghana’s roads have a short lifespan because little or no research is done into the soil before construction.

According to Professor Samuel Ampadu, a clear understanding and appreciation of soil in road construction is critical in determining the mode of work.

Speaking to Luv FM on the sidelines of a Geotechnical Engineering Conference for Young African engineers in Kumasi, he said, “Soil is very varied as you move from one place to another it changes. Some places are good; some are poor and so forth." 

"So it is very important that we do a careful and detailed study every time we are going to build a road,” he added.

Prof. Ampadu believes the failure of industry players to pay attention this aspect of building roads is a drain on state resources.

The use of qualified persons in the field is crucial in maintaining a high quality of roads in the country.

He insists, “after doing a careful and detailed study, you need people who understand that is why geotechnical engineering is so important, you need a good design, then the next is having people who can construct and the next is keeping your hands on it to maintain them.”

The rise in population has resulted in demand for infrastructure, therefore the need to build local capacity to make up the deficit.

The conference creates a platform for young Geotechnical Engineers to meet and share ideas to improve their knowledge, under the guidance of experienced players in the field.