Politicians Are Taking Over Engineers’ Duties – Expert Blames Political Interference for Avenor Building Collapse

A structural engineering expert has blamed political interference and weak enforcement of building regulations for the latest building collapse at Avenor in Accra, warning that politicians are increasingly taking over responsibilities meant for technical professionals.

The comments follow the collapse of a two-storey building at Avenor on Saturday, June 6, after a heavy downpour in the capital. Reports indicate that at least four people were trapped under the debris following the incident.

According to sources, the building housed a maternity facility and was located close to the Odaw River in the Greater Accra Region.

Speaking of the disaster to Kessben Maakye show in Accra, engineer Emmanuel Asante expressed concern over what he described as the growing influence of politicians in technical decision-making processes relating to construction and infrastructure development.
“Politicians are taking over engineers’ duties,” he stated, arguing that professionals are often sidelined when critical decisions are made on building projects.
Asante alleged that some Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) have established task forces that lack the necessary engineering expertise to effectively monitor and enforce construction standards.
“None of the task force members in our assemblies are engineers. They are full of party boys,” he claimed.
The engineer further questioned the quality of construction materials being used on many projects and called for stricter supervision throughout the building process to ensure compliance with approved standards.
He also urged the Ghana Standards Authority to respond to concerns surrounding the certification and monitoring of construction materials available on the market.
“The Standards Authority must also give answers because they are the institution mandated to certify materials used in construction,” he said.

Beyond material quality, Asante raised concerns about whether adequate geological and soil investigations are being conducted before structures are erected, suggesting that poor site assessments could contribute to recurring building failures.

To prevent future disasters, he recommended strict adherence to approved construction practices, the engagement of qualified and skilled professionals, and stronger enforcement of building regulations.
The latest collapse has renewed public concerns about building safety in Accra, particularly following a series of structural failures recorded across the country in recent years. Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the incident as rescue and recovery efforts continue.