The impact of COVID-19 on the construction industry in Ghana: the case of some selected firms

Abstract

Purpose

With its impact already felt, the construction industry worldwide is gradually reviving following the lifting up of lockdowns amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Though some articles have been written regarding its impact on the construction industry in other countries, much is yet to be known concerning the current impact in Ghana. This study aims to examine the impact of COVID-19 on Ghana’s construction industry and assess how construction companies are contributing to the fight against COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews with nine key professionals working with D1K1 firms currently working on projects of almost similar sizes within the confines of a reputable tertiary institution in Ghana were conducted over a span of three weeks. Thematic analysis was conducted with Nvivo 12 Pro Application software.

Findings

From the findings, the major impact includes: a decrease in work rate, delays in payments and an increase in the cost of materials arising from border closure. On the measures by construction companies in contributing to the fight against the pandemic, findings indicated: educating the workforce on the virus, the provision of PPEs, regular and effective checks on entry and exit from the site.

Practical implications

The study is significant, as knowledge of the impact posed by the pandemic will provide some idea of the measures to put in place to ensure the gradual to full recovery of the industry.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in the fact that it is a pioneering study on the impact of COVID-19 on the Ghanaian construction industry.

Citation

Agyekum, K., Kukah, A.S. and Amudjie, J. (2022), "The impact of COVID-19 on the construction industry in Ghana: the case of some selected firms", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 20 No. 1, pp. 222-244. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-11-2020-0476