What Every Homeowner Should Know Before Hiring a Builder in Ghana

A 2026 Intelligence Brief from Accra Street Journal

Executive Introduction

The decision to hire a builder is one of the most consequential financial decisions a Ghanaian homeowner will ever make. Build a home with the right partner, and you create an asset that lasts generations. Choose poorly, and you may face abandoned projects, inflated costs, substandard work, or outright fraud. The Francis Ayariga case—a supposed contractor who posed as a “man of God,” recited Bible verses, and took thousands of pounds from a London-based Ghanaian while barely advancing her Accra renovation—is not an isolated incident . Similar stories are documented across the diaspora.

A 20-year review by the International Monetary Fund identified Ghana’s procurement system—and by extension, the contractor-client relationship—as highly prone to corruption, with widespread bribery and kickbacks draining resources . The Public Procurement Authority’s Contract Administration Manual explicitly identifies the implementation stage—when money starts flowing—as the most fraud-prone phase of any project.

This ASJ report provides a practical framework for every homeowner: the essential questions to ask, the verification steps to take, the contract terms to demand, and the red flags that signal you should walk away.

Part 1: Before You Hire—Questions Every Homeowner Must Ask

1. Are You Licensed and Registered?

The number one question every project owner should ask is the legality of the contractor’s business incorporation . A contractor must be registered with the Registrar General’s Department and hold the necessary licenses to operate in Ghana .

What to look for: Request the company registration number and verify it. Check for membership in industry bodies such as the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA), which holds members to published standards . A developer with years in the Ghanaian market, multiple completed projects, and ties to recognised financial institutions is a fundamentally different risk from one with only “coming soon” listings . For government-related projects, the Bureau of Public Procurement classifies contractors by capacity—some are only qualified to build bungalows, not 10-storey buildings .

2. What Have You Actually Completed?

Renders look identical on every developer’s website. The difference is in their history . Ask for a list of completed projects with full addresses and handover dates. A reputable builder will provide these without hesitation.

Verify independently: Use Google Maps to view sites. Find YouTube walkthroughs or drone footage. If you have a family member or trusted contact in Accra, ask them to visit one of the completed buildings and send honest photos and video . Consistent quality across projects is what separates serious builders from one-project operators .

Request references: Ask for contacts of previous clients, especially diaspora buyers who managed their projects remotely . Join Facebook groups and community forums where Ghanaian diaspora homeowners share their experiences. Ask direct questions: Did the builder deliver on schedule? Did the final product match the plan? Would they buy again?

3. Who Will Be Managing the Project on Site?

Depending on the size and structure of the contractor, the answer could vary widely . Many construction companies will assign a foreman responsible for the day-to-day work on-site. Ask direct questions: Who opens and locks the site daily? Who supervises labourers? Whom can you call with daily questions ?

Why this matters: A builder who cannot tell you who is physically on your site is a builder who cannot be held accountable for what happens there.

4. What Is the Cost and Payment Structure?

Unexpected cost overruns and delays are common in Ghanaian construction. That is why you must request a detailed cost breakdown, including labour, materials, and additional fees for every construction project . Studies reveal that housing projects often exceed their budget by at least 20% .

Do not pay a large upfront sum. Make payments based on project milestones rather than a single advance payment . A builder who demands 50–70% upfront either lacks capital or plans to use your money for other projects.

5. What Is Our Schedule?

Every top building contractor should provide a work schedule outlining the tasks and timing of all activities . This gives a clear picture of sequencing and deadlines for materials and labour. Don’t start a project without a schedule that tells you what days and times workers will be on-site .

6. How Will You Communicate With Me?

Ensure you understand how you will be contacted and receive information, especially if you are abroad . Good developers have structured remote processes, including digital signatures, regular construction photo updates, and clear procedures for snagging and handover for overseas clients .

Part 2: The Contract—Your Legal Shield

A written contract is not optional. It is your primary legal protection . The most used standard-form contracts in Ghana’s construction industry are the FIDIC contracts (International Federation of Consulting Engineers) and the NEC 3 suite of contracts . For government and donor-funded projects, these are often mandatory .

Essential Terms to Demand in Your Contract

Critical warning: Never rely on verbal promises. If it is not in the contract, it does not exist . A trustworthy builder ties payment milestones to construction stages, not arbitrary dates, and addresses what happens if they miss those dates .

Insurance Requirements

The Insurance Act, 2021 (Act 1061) mandates that construction projects carry commercial building insurance covering collapse, fire, earthquake, storm, flood, and related legal defence costs . After completion, you must continue to carry public liability insurance. Failing to insure a building is a criminal offence in Ghana .

What to ask your builder:

• Do you have insurance coverage for workers, materials, and equipment?

• May I see a copy of your insurance policy?

• Are your subcontractors insured?

Your Own Legal Team

Do not use a lawyer the builder recommends unless you have independently verified that lawyer . Your lawyer should conduct a search at the Lands Commission to confirm clean title, review the sale agreement for fair delay and defect clauses, and advise on power of attorney if you cannot travel for signing . Budget for legal fees from day one—they typically run around 1.5% of the purchase price . This is not optional.

Part 3: Red Flags—When to Walk Away

Part 4: Practical Steps for Every Homeowner

Before hiring:

1. Verify the builder’s registration with the Registrar General’s Department .

2. Check membership in industry bodies (e.g., GREDA) .

3. Visit at least one completed project—or have someone you trust do it for you .

4. Speak with past clients, especially diaspora homeowners .

5. Get three detailed, itemised bids—not flat quotes .

Before signing:

1. Ensure the contract is in writing and covers scope, timeline, payment, permits, and dispute resolution .

2. Demand a performance bond (typically 10% of contract value) .

3. Confirm insurance coverage for workers, materials, and the project itself—it’s legally required .

4. Have an independent lawyer review every page .

During construction:

1. Tie payments to completed milestones, not arbitrary dates .

2. Inspect work regularly—or hire a project manager to do it for you .

3. Require photo evidence and progress reports.

4. Do not release final payment until snagging is complete and you are satisfied .

ASJ Conclusion

Hiring a builder in Ghana without a structured framework is gambling with your life savings. The Francis Ayariga case is a warning, not a rarity—scammers pose as trustworthy contractors, exploit faith and relationships, and disappear with diaspora funds . The IMF’s 20-year review confirms that corruption and weak contract management are systemic problems .

The tools to protect yourself are clear: verify registration, visit completed projects, demand a written contract, tie payments to milestones, and hire your own independent lawyer. Do not let urgency override due diligence. A builder who cannot answer your questions, provide references, or put everything in writing is a builder who should not be building your home.

Quick Reference: Builder Hiring Checklist

Last Updated on June 17, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.

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