The Minister for the Interior, Mr. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has inaugurated a 13-member Committee of Inquiry to investigate the causes of recent building collapses across the country and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences.
The Committee, inaugurated on Tuesday in Accra, has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the increasing incidents of building collapses, which have resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Muntaka described the incidents as more than mere structural failures, stressing that they reflect broader shortcomings in systems, processes, 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 stated.
The Minister explained that the Committee’s investigations would cover a wide range of factors, including structural defects, the use of defective construction materials, design deficiencies, construction malpractice, environmental degradation, climate-related influences, human negligence and institutional failures.
He urged members of the Committee to carry out their mandate with the highest level of professionalism, objectivity, independence and integrity. He further charged them to produce recommendations that are practical, evidence-based and capable of implementation.
According to him, the Committee’s work must go beyond identifying the causes of the incidents and contribute to shaping a safer and more resilient built environment for the country.
The Minister called on all relevant institutions, professional bodies, developers, property owners, communities and stakeholders to cooperate fully with the Committee in the discharge of its duties.
He emphasised that government remains committed to ensuring strict compliance with building regulations and safety standards.
He warned that the era of impunity for unsafe building practices was over and reiterated government’s determination to protect lives and property through effective regulation and enforcement.
On behalf of the Committee, the Chairman, Brigadier General B. F. Kusi, expressed gratitude to the Minister for the confidence reposed in the members and assured him of their commitment to delivering a thorough and credible report.
He stated that the Committee would work diligently to produce recommendations that would serve as a blueprint for strengthening building safety standards and preventing future tragedies in the country.
Judith Twumwaa & Mary Olivia Cobblah, ISD
