‘Establish Construction Dev’t Board To Champion Reforms’n

The government has been urged to establish a construction development board to champion reforms in the construction industry.

Speaking at a ceremony to climax the 20th anniversary celebration of Berock Ventures Limited, Mr. Rockson Dogbegah, Chairman of Berock, said the board was needed to address the increasing challenges that were impeding the growth of the industry.

Mr. Dogbegah said this at grand ceremony to climax activities marking the 20th anniversary of the company in Accra on Wednesday.

As part of the ceremony, Mr. Dogbegah launched a scholarship scheme aimed at closing the gap between industry and academia, so that students could make their studies mutually beneficial to the society.

The beneficiaries would be awarded a frame citation, a linked-up employment in the industry and an exposure to international network after meeting certain requirements.

According to Mr. Dogbegah the scholarship would be a proactive measure to stimulate innovative and creative thinking skills in students to position them to deal with graduate unemployment and develop leadership skills.

Recalling his humble beginnings, when he started as a contractor with virtually no capital, he said it took determination, strong willpower, and focus to strive in the face of the huge challenges.

He said the current trend in the industry, where payment are duly delayed, coupled with lack of capital and quality materials, have made it difficult for small contractors to rise.

“We are therefore calling for reforms that would create the enabling environment for contractors to operate with maximum capabilities,” he stated.

According to him, government should enact a law that would stipulate payment schedule for contract to help contractors re-finance their work.

Mr. Dogbegah further asked for a code of ethics for the industry which he believed could be made available when the board is established.

Renowned civil engineer and traditional ruler, Torgbui Kporku III, Dufia of Alakple who chaired the ceremony, also reiterated his call for a bank for the industry, which will support construction companies.

He said there is an urgent need to address the challenges of industry so it can bloom and provide employment opportunities to the youth.

The Chief Executive Officer of the BVL, Courage Dogbegah commended the founder for the scholarship initiative and also believing in young people by giving them the opportunity to compete internationally.

He told the story marking the beginning of the company, saying “the company which was registered in 1993 built a headteacher’s bungalow in Keklebesi in the Agotime-Ziope District of the Volta Region in 1994”.

“That contract was completed with materials and equipment on credit, a scenario synonymous with start-ups in the country. Twenty years down the lane, the company had become one of the leading building firms in the country, competing with international players”, he remarked.

Source: The Ghanaian Times