The use of local building materials and its challenges in Ghana: a case study of Denkyembour district–Akwatia

Abstract

Over the years, the construction industry of Ghana has witnessed tremendous increase in the cost of building. Despite the clarion call by successive governments and civil society organisations to use indigenous materials, the patronage still remains a challenge. This study sought to investigate into the use of indigenous materials for buildings construction and its inherent challenges using Denkyembour District Akwatia as the case study. The target population involves contractors, employees of construction firms and clients. Convenience sampling technique was employed in selecting sample size of 207, out of which 186 responded. Questionnaire served as the main data collection instrument and results were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The study found that most respondents alluded they patronise indigenous materials for construction activities. The three most dominant challenges to the use of indigenous materials were apathy, low technical know-how and misconception based on social class. This has been fueled by the misconception that indigenous materials are of low standard and quality. It was established that the quality of buildings are highly determined by the nature and type of materials used. The use of indigenous materials were found to promote cultural heritage, keeps money in the local economy, provide cool room temperature and most of them were affordable and cheap. Despites these challenges, the use of indigenous materials help to promote culture of the local communities and retain income in the local economy. There should be a comprehensive policy that would motivate the communities to adopt the use of local materials for buildings and it is appropriate for producers of local materials to adopt enhanced technology to improve their products.