At a time when Ghana’s construction sector is bedevilled with numerous challenges and hurdles threatening its sustainability, the National President of the Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana (ABCECG), Anthony D. Klutse, is calling for a more collaborative paradigm shift within the industry.
The sector is currently battling mounting housing deficits, project delays, and sustainability challenges, delayed payments among others. Given these hurdles, the President believes a move from the traditional adversarial mode of project delivery to one anchored on collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility is crucial.
Anthony Klutse made these remarks at the Association’s 16th Annual General Meeting held in Accra under the theme “ Resetting the Construction Industry, The Way Forward.”
The President painted a sobering picture of the construction industry but also acknowledged the immense potential that lies ahead, if only stakeholders are willing to work together rather than against one another.
The Urgent Need for Collaboration: “Let’s Build Together”
To drive the industry’s goal and sustenance, the president is calling on all contractors and engineers as well as other stakeholder to work together instead of working against each other.
This, he stressed, is not just a matter of convenience but of necessity. With numerous housing projects either uncompleted or poorly executed, the mobilization difficulties, and an ever-growing housing deficit, the consequences of business-as-usual could be dire for generations to come.
“The industry must move away from the traditional adversarial approach, where each stakeholder is working against the other, and towards a more collaborative approach, where all stakeholders work together to achieve a common goal,” he campaigned.
Embracing Modern Technology & Innovation
Beyond collaboration, Klutse emphasized the need for a bold embrace of innovation and modern construction technologies. He noted that resetting the building industry requires “a commitment to innovation and technology.”
He therefore underscored the relevance of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and digital construction tools in improving efficiency, reducing waste, and enhancing the quality of output.
With the government’s agenda to roll out the $10 billion Big Push Infrastructure project, integration of technology will be crucial not just to meet deadlines but to ensure resilience and cost-effectiveness in the long run.
Sustainability is No Longer Optional
The president also addressed the urgent need for environmentally responsible building practices. With climate change already affecting infrastructure and livelihoods in Ghana, he urged stakeholders to adopt green building materials and techniques that “minimize waste, reduce carbon emissions, and promote energy efficiency.”
His vision is for a construction industry that not only builds for today but also protects tomorrow by aligning with global environmental goals and creating a legacy of responsible development.
Prioritizing Skills Development
Recognizing that no transformation is possible without people, the ABCECG President further underscored skills development as the heartbeat of industry reform. He acknowledged the support of institutions such as the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industries and GIZ in enhancing member competencies, but insisted that more must be done.
“The industry must prioritize the development of the skills and competencies necessary to deliver projects efficiently, effectively, and timely manner,” he said.
Contractors Ready to Support Government’s Infrastructure Agenda
The President also reaffirmed the association’s readiness to support government efforts, particularly the Affordable Housing Agenda promised by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, by mobilizing skilled contractors and artisans across the country.
Over the past 11 months, he revealed that 18 young contractors have joined the association. A development he describes as proof of the sector’s vibrancy and untapped talent. He recounted how the industry continues to operate a 24-hour economy, with contractors working overnight to cast concrete and transport materials efficiently despite logistical constraints.
“Contractors are ready to work,” Klutse said firmly, adding that what is needed now is policy support, fair mobilization terms, and a stable business environment that enables long-term planning and execution.
The Road Ahead
Anthony Klutse’s vision for the future of Ghana’s construction industry is a more collaborative and future-focused industry that embraces technology and prioritizes skills development.
The new government is racing against time to meet its housing and infrastructure goals. The success and the transformation of the country’s build environment will depend on whether its players can stop working in silos and start building together.
