Buying property in Accra demands more than admiring floor plans and imagining furniture placement. You need answers to the hard questions. Is the building safe? Does the developer prioritize quality? How do they respond when problems arise?
Recent news about Devtraco Plus Ghana’s Roman Ridge project site has prompted these exact questions among prospective buyers. An incident occurred during construction. Workers sustained injuries. Headlines spread quickly. But what actually happened? More importantly, what does Devtraco’s response reveal about their standards?
This analysis provides the facts, explains what they mean for your investment, and shows you how to evaluate any developer’s commitment to safety in Ghana’s real estate market in 2025.
What Happened at Roman Ridge on October 28, 2025
Temporary formwork supporting freshly poured concrete gave way during first-floor slab construction. Approximately 50 square meters of wet concrete collapsed. Fourteen workers sustained minor to moderate injuries. Medical teams transported them immediately to 37 Military Hospital and Ridge Hospital. Twelve workers received treatment and went home the same day. Two remained under observation in stable condition.
The critical detail many headlines missed: No structural failure occurred. The incident involved temporary construction equipment only. The permanent building structure suffered zero damage. All structural work follows approved designs from qualified, certified consultants. The building’s integrity remains intact.
Devtraco’s management responded within minutes following established emergency protocols. The affected area was cordoned off immediately. A joint investigation began to identify causes and strengthen preventive measures before work resumes.
Understanding Temporary Works vs Permanent Structure
Most property buyers lack construction background. Terms like “collapse” or “failure” trigger alarm. You deserve clarity about what these words mean for your investment.
Temporary works include scaffolding, formwork props, and support systems. These hold concrete in place during curing. Workers remove them once concrete gains sufficient strength. The Roman Ridge incident involved only these temporary supports.
Permanent structure refers to the actual building: foundations, columns, beams, slabs, and walls. These form the completed home you’ll occupy. No permanent structural elements failed at Roman Ridge.
Picture temporary works as moulds used to create pottery. If a mould breaks during casting, you repair or replace the mould. The finished pottery remains unaffected because the clay hasn’t set yet in its permanent form.
Why Devtraco’s Response Demonstrates Quality Standards
How developers respond to challenges reveals their true character. Devtraco Plus Ghana’s actions following the Roman Ridge incident demonstrate standards serious developers maintain:
Immediate Emergency Response: Medical teams transported injured workers to hospitals within minutes. This rapid response prevented serious complications and showed preparedness for unexpected events.
Complete Transparency: Devtraco issued a public statement the same day, providing specific details about the incident, worker conditions, and structural status. Many developers hide problems or delay disclosure. Transparency builds trust.
Professional Investigation: The company initiated a joint investigation involving project consultants, safety officers, and contractors to identify root causes. This systematic approach prevents future incidents.
Structural Integrity Confirmation: Devtraco stated clearly no structural failure occurred. The building’s permanent elements remain sound. All work follows approved designs from qualified consultants.
Safety Priority Commitment: The statement emphasized personnel safety and well-being remain the foremost priority. Work won’t resume until preventive measures are reinforced.
Your Safety Checklist When Evaluating Any Accra Developer
Protect your investment by following this systematic approach when evaluating property developers:
Request Certification Documentation: Ask for approved architectural and structural drawings, building permits from local authorities, soil investigation reports, structural engineer certification, and fire safety compliance certificates.
Verify Professional Credentials: Confirm the project team includes licensed architects registered with the Architects Registration Council, structural engineers certified by the Ghana Institution of Engineering, and quantity surveyors with professional accreditation.
Inspect Safety Protocols: During site visits, observe workers wearing proper protective equipment, clearly marked emergency exits, first aid stations, organized material storage, and visible safety signage.
Review Track Record: Research the developer’s completed projects in Ghana, client testimonials, industry reputation, response to previous incidents, and financial stability.
Arrange Independent Inspection: Hire a qualified structural engineer to review construction progress, verify concrete strength, check reinforcement placement, and provide written assessment.
Essential Questions to Ask Your Developer
Professional developers welcome tough questions. Hesitation or vague responses should raise concerns. Ask these direct questions:
“What is your safety incident rate over the past three years? How do you track and report safety metrics?”
“What emergency protocols do you have on site? How quickly does your team respond to incidents?”
“Who supervises daily construction activities? What are their qualifications?”
“What quality control measures do you implement? How do you test concrete strength?”
“Which firms prepared your structural designs? Are they licensed in Ghana?”
“How do you communicate construction updates to buyers? Will you provide site access for my independent inspector?”
“What insurance coverage protects the project during construction? What structural warranties do you provide after completion?”
Finding Trusted Properties on Ghana Property Finder
The Roman Ridge incident offers an important lesson: Transparency, swift action, and clear communication distinguish quality developers. When searching for properties in Accra, use platforms like Ghana Property Finder to explore listings from verified developers across price ranges and locations.
Ghana Property Finder provides detailed property information, developer backgrounds, and market insights to inform your decisions. Browse residential and commercial properties, filter by location and budget, and access virtual tours before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Roman Ridge incident mean the building is unsafe?
A: No. Only temporary construction supports failed. The permanent building structure suffered no damage. All structural work follows approved designs from qualified consultants.
Q: How common are construction site incidents in Ghana?
A: Construction sites involve inherent risks. Professional developers implement strict safety protocols and respond swiftly when incidents occur. Devtraco’s immediate medical response and transparent communication demonstrate proper incident management.
Q: What documentation should I request before buying property?
A: Request approved architectural drawings, structural engineer certification, building permits, soil investigation reports, and fire safety compliance certificates. Professional developers provide these documents willingly.
Q: Should I hire an independent inspector?
A: Yes. Spend GHS 2,000-5,000 on professional inspection. Independent structural engineers identify potential issues invisible to untrained eyes. This investment protects you from future repair costs.
Q: How do I verify a developer’s safety record?
A: Research completed projects, speak with existing homeowners, request safety incident reports, and ask about emergency protocols. Visit active construction sites to observe safety measures firsthand.
Make Informed Property Decisions
Your home represents dreams realized, security established, and wealth built for future generations. You deserve developers who share your commitment to quality, safety, and transparency at every stage.
Visit Ghana Property Finder to explore verified property listings across Ghana. Filter by location, price, and features. Access market insights and connect with trusted developers who prioritize your safety and investment protection.
