Ghana Institute of Architects President Warns Churches: Loud Drumming and Singing Can Weaken Buildings
The President of the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA), Tony Asare, has issued a strong warning to churches, cautioning that loud drumming, singing, and amplified sound systems can significantly weaken building structures and lead to serious safety risks.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Mr Asare linked his concerns directly to the recent tragic collapse of an uncompleted multi-storey building near the Experimental D/A School in Accra New Town on March 29, 2026, which killed three people and injured others during a church service.
“In our churches, we do a lot of drumming and singing, and the rhythm affects buildings,” he said. “These activities actually set buildings on resonance and even weaken it further.”
He described the growing practice of using unfinished or structurally compromised buildings for worship as both widespread and extremely dangerous.
“These days, you even see churches operating within incomplete structures, including spaces around fuel stations,” he noted. “Is it acceptable for a building that is not fully completed to be used for such purposes?”
Regulatory and Enforcement Concerns
Mr Asare stressed that Ghana’s building regulations explicitly prohibit the occupation of unfinished structures. He pointed out that a certificate of habitation must be obtained before any building can be occupied, and any change in use requires a review of the original design.
He criticised weak enforcement by local assemblies and the tendency of property owners to allow such risky practices.
Beyond enforcement issues, the GIA President blamed recurring building collapses on the widespread use of substandard construction materials and poor workmanship. He cited examples of iron rods sold as 14mm but measuring only about 12.5mm, as well as brittle materials that fail to meet safety standards.
Mr Asare also highlighted a critical shortage of qualified professionals, noting that with 261 assemblies nationwide, there are only about 10 to 12 qualified architects available to handle building regulation and inspection duties.
“If you engage a mason or steelbender from the roadside, there is little in the law to prevent it,” he said.
Call for Reforms
The Ghana Institute of Architects is preparing a comprehensive policy paper to advocate for stronger regulations, better enforcement mechanisms, and stricter professional oversight in the construction sector.
Mr Asare urged the government and relevant authorities to take building safety more seriously to prevent further avoidable tragedies.
“This country must take the safety of its people seriously,” he concluded.
The recent Newtown collapse has once again spotlighted the urgent need for improved building standards, regular inspections, and stricter enforcement of existing regulations across the country.
Source: Interview with Tony Asare, President of the Ghana Institute of Architects, on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show
