GHANA INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERING CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO  STRUCTURAL COLLAPSE OF BUILDING AT ROMAN RIDGE

The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) has received reports of the structural collapse that occurred on Tuesday, 28th October 2025, at an ongoing construction site managed by Fabrico Builders at Roman Ridge, Accra.

The GhIE expresses its deep concern and sympathy to all affected individuals and their families. The Institution notes with worry the growing frequency of building collapses across the country and calls for urgent, coordinated, and transparent action to address the root causes of such incidents.

While the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has indicated its intention to investigate the incident, the GhIE calls on the Government of Ghana to institute an independent technical investigation to determine the underlying causes of the collapse. It is vital that the findings of such investigations lead to meaningful reforms and accountability.

Past investigations into similar occurrences have not resulted in the sustained changes required to strengthen safety and regulatory compliance in the construction sector. If decisive measures are not taken now, these tragic incidents risk becoming routine — with innocent lives needlessly lost.

The GhIE therefore urges the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, in collaboration with relevant state agencies, to immediately constitute an independent committee of inquiry comprising experts from:

• The Engineering Council of Ghana
• The Architects Registration Council
• The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS)
• The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO)
• The Local Government Service, and
• The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE)

This committee should review and strengthen:

• The building permitting and approval processes
• The enforcement of the Ghana Building Code
• The compliance and supervision mechanisms for construction projects
• The certification and regulation of contractors, developers, and professionals involved in the built environment

The Ghana Institution of Engineering stands ready to support the authorities with technical expertise and collaborate in developing practical measures to prevent future tragedies.

“This is the time to act decisively — to do it well, and to do it right,”

Signed:
Ing. Ludwig A. Hesse(F-GhIE)
President, Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE)