Ebo Sackey Warns Floods Are Exposing Weak Building Structures

A member of the Ghana Institute of Architects, Percy Ebo Sackey has warned that recent flooding across parts of Ghana is exposing underlying structural weaknesses in buildings and contributing to a growing number of collapses.

Speaking on The Big Convo on 3Music TV, Ebo Sackey said many of the affected structures already had integrity issues and were waiting for a trigger to reveal the defects.

“What is currently happening, I will just call them triggers,” he said.

According to Sackey, the recent floods have caused water tables to rise, creating additional pressure on soils that support building foundations.

He explained that when soil becomes saturated with water, it can shift or lose strength, affecting the stability of structures built on it.

“For a structure to collapse, then it means that structure itself has an underlying structural integrity issue,” he said.

The architect stressed that proper site investigations should be carried out before construction begins.

He identified soil testing, also known as geotechnical studies, as one of the most important steps in the building process because it helps determine whether the ground can safely support a proposed structure.

According to him, different soil types have different load-bearing capacities, and engineers use information from soil tests to design appropriate foundations.

Sackey explained that some sites require specialised foundation systems, including piles that are driven deep into the ground to reach stronger soil layers or bedrock.

He noted that failure to properly assess soil conditions can leave buildings vulnerable when heavy rains or flooding occur.

The architect also highlighted concerns about changing the use of buildings without consulting engineers.

He explained that structures are designed to support specific loads based on their intended use.

For example, a building designed for residential occupancy may not be capable of carrying the heavy loads associated with warehouse storage.

“If you decide to change the use of your building… then you put excessive load on the building that the structural elements are not designed for,” he said.

Sackey further warned against unauthorised modifications such as adding extra floors to existing structures without conducting fresh engineering assessments.

Meanwhile, technical sales engineer Rodney Moses said poor foundation work remains a major problem in the construction sector.

He recounted instances where water had washed away soil beneath foundations, leaving walls suspended and vulnerable to collapse.

The experts also urged property owners to pay attention to warning signs such as structural cracks.

Sackey explained that while some cracks may be superficial and limited to plasterwork, cracks affecting structural elements such as beams and columns should be treated seriously and assessed by qualified professionals.

They maintained that stronger adherence to building standards, proper supervision, and improved public awareness of construction processes are necessary to reduce the risk of future building collapses.