An investigation into challenges facing building contractors in Accra metropolis

Abstract

The study sought to investigate the challenges facing building contractors in Accra Metropolis. The main aim of the study was to examine the challenges they face in the execution of building projects in Accra. The total sample targeted was ninety-five (95) construction workers made up of project managers, clients, trade foremen, artisans and labourers. Besides, a survey questionnaire and interview guide was used to investigate the challenges. The questionnaire was delivered personally to the respondents. A time lapse of one week was allowed to enable the respondents complete the questionnaires. However, seventy-five (75) questionnaires were distributed to twenty-five (25) project managers, twenty-five (25) clients and twenty five (25) trade foremen. Thereafter, the researcher went round to retrieve them. In addition, ten (10) artisans and then (10) labourers were interviewed. It was face to face interview. The study followed mixed method approach. The data collected were analysed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) using a variety of statistical methods including descriptive statistics analysis, one way analysis of variance and person chi-square. The following findings were made from the results of the analyse: lack of skilled human resources experts, lack of efficient project managers, lack of conducive working environment, lack of motivation to perform up to maximum potential and management not doing a good job at keeping sites workforce motivated. Based on these findings, it was therefore recommended that contractors should ensure that they employ skilled personnel in the organisation. It was also recommended the employees should be motivated. More importantly it was therefore recommended that policy makers should ensure that the contractors in the industry develop and therefore there should be organised programs for continuous assessment and grading of the building.