The first ever comprehensive building code for the west African nation of Ghana has been launched.
The 38-part, 1,700 page document hopes to end the "virtual free-for-all in the building and construction industry" and will create criteria "to ensure Ghana’s built environment is safe and meets international standards" according to Mahamudu Bawumia, the vice president of the republic.
The building code sets out regulations for areas such as:
- Planning, management and practices during construction
- Site development and land use
- Fire and smoke protection features
- Energy efficiency and sustainability
- Requirements for plumbing and electrical systems
- Safeguarding during construction.
Twenty-two people worked on the document, including representatives from Ghana’s Ministry of Works and Housing, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Institution of Engineers, Surveyors and Institute of Architects and Standards Authority.
Bawumia said: "The Ghana Building Code being launched today should be a game-changer as far as ensuring value-for-money in public construction in Ghana.
"With the launching of the code and the passing of the necessary legislation, we can provide relief to the people of Ghana from collapsing buildings as well as assuring the safety of private, public and industrial buildings."
All local Ghanaian government authorities and training institutions will be provided with copies, it will soon be available online here (https://www.gsa.gov.gh/).
Images courtesy of Mahamudu Bawumia’s Twitter account
