Assessment of construction projects in Ghana- factors and challenges (a case study of the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region of Ghana)

Abstract

Construction projects in Ghana suffer from many problems and complex issues such as cost, time and safety. This research sought to identify and evaluate the main factors affecting efficient execution of construction projects in Ghana as well as the major challenges they face with. The effectiveness of the organization also depends on the ability to integrate the workforce into a well-motivated and productive team, which is committed to the completion of a project and the overall success of the firm. Three different well-structured questionnaires, interview and observations were prepared and evaluated and ranked from clients, consultants and contractors perspectives with an interview schedule with contractors that cannot read and write. Several factors were identified as factors affecting efficient project execution including, conformance to specification, delay in payment of certified certificates, cash flow of the project, projects labor cost, escalation of materials costs, political interferences and leadership skills for project manager. On the part of contractors issues such as inability to use high quality materials to provide correct documentation and invoices, to adapt to changes and meet needs and to keep clients facilities and environment clean are some of the failures resulting in inefficient execution of projects. It was recommended that, clients are to facilitate payment to contractors in order to overcome delay, disputes and claims. A structured methodology and technique should be identified to overcome the effect of local political and economic situations on the performance of construction projects in Ghana. It is necessary for construction organizations in Ghana to evaluate both the market share and liquidity before implementation of any construction project because of difficult economic situation.