Abstract

This paper investigated construction materials-batching behaviour of artisans in the informal construction sector in Ghana. The research was conducted in three major towns across three regions namely the Volta, Greater Accra and Eastern regions of Ghana. A quantitative data collection approach was adopted as the primary methodology for gathering the data from the target population using cluster-sampling technique to select the sample population. The results showed that the informal construction sector in Ghana paid little attention to the standard practices and procedures in constructing residential buildings. This is due to inadequate levels of apprenticeship training to develop the skills and competence of artisans. Low-quality training duped apprentices into thinking that they were fully qualified when they were not. Furthermore, apprenticeship varied widely across construction trades and master artisans. Batching was eyeballed instead of being measured scientifically resulting in insufficient cement to the aggregate ratio in cement blocks, concrete and mortar works. Moreover, weak cement blocks often lead to poor construction and weak buildings with rising moisture content in walls, leaking roofs, cracks and structural failures.

Key words: Artisans, batching, concrete materials, construction industry, Ghana, informal sector.