Did you know that Ghana had been operating without a comprehensive building code since independence. Essentially, it has been a free for all in the building and construction industry with no clearly defined standards...

In November 2018, the government of Ghana launched its first Building Code aimed at regulating activities of the country’s building and construction industry.

Ghana’s construction environment will now be safe and meet international standards. The Ghana Building Code GS1207 of 2018, is a 1,700 pages and 38 section comprising of requirements, recommendations, planning, management and practices that will lead to a smooth operation and construction of residential and non-residential buildings.

The code was formulated by a 22 member technical team including representatives from the Ministry of Works and Housing, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Institution of Engineers, Surveyors and Institute of Architects and Standards Authority and passed by the legislature.

The building code sets regulations for areas such as;

• Safeguarding during construction
• Site development and land use
• Energy efficiency and sustainability
• Fire and smoke protection measures
• Planning
• Management and practices under construction
• Requirements for plumbing and electrical systems