Benjamin Boahene Akomah, Prasanna Venkatesan Ramani

The Negative Factors that Influence the Performance of Ghanaian Construction Projects

Introduction

The negative factors that influence the performance of ghanaian construction projects. Study identifies negative factors in Ghanaian construction project performance: poor assessment, weak management, & inefficient regulations. Addresses impacts on health, safety, & environment. Policy recommendations.

Abstract

Numerous factors affect the performance of construction projects. The goal of this paper is twofold: first, to identify and determine the negative factors influencing construction projects, and second, to specify the hypothesised causal relations between the observed and hidden variables using a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model. A deductive research approach and a cross-sectional design method were chosen for the study. A literature review was first conducted, and 66 negative variables were identified. The factors were modified and designed into a questionnaire for data collection. The Cronbach alphas of the three components indicate a high degree of internal consistency. The measurement variables adequately measure the negative factor construct. In addition, the fit indices suggest that the postulated model sufficiently describes the dataset. Poor environmental practices (PAS2), inadequate environmental legislative framework to address modern environmental concerns in the delivery of construction projects (PAS1), and non-inclusion of occupational health and safety in contracts (PAS3) were identified as three relevant negative factors impacting project performance. The paper identified poor assessment strategies, weak management systems, and inefficient regulatory systems as the significant latent factors that affect performance. According to the findings, a poor assessment strategy is more consequential. The results of the study suggest that poor assessment strategies, weak management systems, and inefficient regulatory systems can lead to worsening health and safety conditions in the construction industry, as well as environmental violations and poor environmental practices. The government should enact adequate health and safety and environmental and local community protection laws to protect the environment and local communities during construction. Clients must liaise with consultants to incorporate sufficient health and safety clauses into construction contracts and ensure judicious compliance by contractors. To reduce corruption in the construction sector, the government should strengthen its anti-corruption mechanisms.

Review

This paper undertakes a critical examination of the negative factors hindering performance in Ghanaian construction projects, aiming to both identify these factors and model their causal relationships using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Employing a deductive research approach and a cross-sectional design, the study meticulously identified 66 variables through a comprehensive literature review, which were then refined into a questionnaire for data collection. The robust internal consistency of the survey instrument was confirmed by high Cronbach's alpha values. Key findings illuminate specific concerns such as poor environmental practices, an inadequate environmental legislative framework, and the non-inclusion of occupational health and safety in contracts. More significantly, the study pinpointed "poor assessment strategies," "weak management systems," and "inefficient regulatory systems" as the overarching latent factors, with poor assessment strategies deemed the most consequential. The methodology adopted, particularly the use of CFA, is a strength of this study, providing a robust statistical framework for understanding complex interrelationships between observed and latent variables. The abstract clearly articulates the analytical rigour, mentioning internal consistency checks and model fit indices, which lend credibility to the findings. By distinguishing between specific negative factors and underlying latent constructs, the research offers a multi-layered understanding that moves beyond surface-level observations to identify systemic issues. The contextual focus on Ghana is particularly valuable, addressing performance challenges within a specific developing economy and contributing to region-specific knowledge that can inform targeted interventions. The implications of this research are significant and far-reaching, directly linking identified issues to critical outcomes such as deteriorating health and safety conditions and environmental violations. The study's clear recommendations, urging the government to enact stronger protective laws and anti-corruption mechanisms, and clients to integrate comprehensive health and safety clauses into contracts, offer practical pathways for improvement. This paper serves as a vital call to action for stakeholders in the Ghanaian construction sector, providing an evidence-based foundation for policy reform and improved project management practices. The findings also hold broader relevance, as the identified systemic challenges—poor assessment, weak management, and inefficient regulation—are common impediments to construction performance globally.

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