Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has inaugurated a 13-member Committee of Inquiry to investigate the causes of recent building collapses across Ghana and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences.
The committee, chaired by Brigadier General B. F. Kusi, has been tasked with examining the factors behind the growing number of structural failures that have resulted in deaths, injuries and destruction of property in various parts of the country.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at the Ministry of the Interior, Mr Muntaka described building collapses as more than just structural failures, stressing that they often reflect broader shortcomings in systems, oversight and accountability.
“The collapse of a building is not merely a structural failure. It is often a failure of systems, processes, oversight and accountability. We owe it to the victims and future generations to ensure that the lessons from these incidents lead to meaningful reforms,” he said.
According to the Minister, the committee will investigate a wide range of issues, including structural defects, the use of substandard construction materials, design deficiencies, construction malpractice, environmental degradation, climate-related factors, human negligence and institutional failures.
He urged members of the committee to carry out their work with professionalism, objectivity, independence and integrity, adding that their recommendations must be practical, evidence-based and capable of implementation.
Mr Muntaka noted that the inquiry should not only identify the causes of building collapses but also help establish a framework for safer construction practices, stronger regulatory oversight and improved enforcement mechanisms.
“The committee’s work must help chart a new course for safer construction practices, stronger regulatory oversight, improved enforcement mechanisms and enhanced resilience within our communities,” he stated.
The Interior Minister also called on state institutions, professional bodies, developers, property owners and the public to cooperate fully with the committee in the discharge of its mandate.
He warned that authorities would no longer tolerate negligence and non-compliance with building regulations, declaring that “the era of impunity for unsafe buildings is over.”
Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman Brigadier General B. F. Kusi thanked the government for the confidence reposed in the team and assured the Minister that members would work diligently to produce recommendations that could serve as a blueprint for improving building safety standards across the country.
The committee is expected to submit findings and recommendations aimed at strengthening Ghana’s construction sector and preventing future building disasters.