President Mahama calls for sanctions over building safety failures

President John Dramani Mahama has called for sanctions against officials responsible for approving and monitoring building construction in instances where structural failures or collapses occur. Speaking at the National Conference on Housing Finance in Accra on October 7, 2026, the President emphasized the need to identify and hold accountable those tasked with ensuring building safety.

Mahama expressed particular concern regarding construction projects that continue despite “Stop Work” notices being issued by district assemblies. He noted that developers sometimes appear to treat these notices as a means to prevent interference rather than as a legal mandate to cease activity. He warned that ignoring such directives could lead to fatal consequences when buildings collapse during or after construction.

The President directed the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, to strengthen oversight at the district assembly level. Mahama stressed that the Ministry must investigate who issued permits and who failed to enforce safety standards to ensure that regulatory negligence is met with appropriate penalties.