Minimizing Theft on Construction Sites in Ghana: The Perspective of Contractors in the Upper West Region of Ghana

Ephraim Elikem Ablordeppey ,Fortunatus Moo ,Wisdom Akortsu ,Ameen Mustapha

doi:10.7176/cer/12-5-03

Abstract

Theft has been recognized as a major problem in the construction industry. Theft have an impact on the potential profitability of a construction project and also on the overall success of the construction industry. This research is set out to explore the most efficient and appropriate security measures to employ at construction sites in Ghana that would minimize or eliminate the incidence of theft on construction sites. This study was conducted in the upper west region of Ghana with a relatively homogenous population of contractors. The study was conducted using a quantitative research approach in which questionnaires were administered to contractors. The results from the analysis of the data ranked various security measures based on their Mean of frequency. Lighting of sites, fencing of sites and locking of gates were ranked above other security measures as being more efficient in preventing theft both when construction sites are located in densely and sparsely populated areas. The results indicated that employment of watchman is the most efficient and most used security measure on construction sites with security cameras, alarm systems and warning signs constituting the least used security measures. Effective implementation of the most critical security measures whiles giving some consideration to other security measures would most likely protect sites from theft whiles ensuring that value for money invested in securing sites is also achieved. Keywords: Building materials, construction sites, plants, Security, theft, watchman . DOI: 10.7176/CER/12-5-03 Publication date: May 31 st 2020

Highlights

In Ghana, the construction industry has been ‘plagued’ with numerous negative factors notable among which is theft on construction sites; of building materials, plants and equipment, small tools, appliances, among other items
Though many construction companies can keep costs down with momentary labour staffing, construction site theft can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. Whether it be tools or construction equipment, the cost of replacing parts and equipment — as well as the time spent acquiring new materials — can cause a huge loss of productivity and revenue. For these reasons construction site security and theft prevention are of extreme importance to help you keep costs down and delays to a minimum
Seven (7) main security measures were subjected to analysis in order to reveal their efficiency in reducing thefts on construction sites in some cases, and their intensity and frequency of use in other cases

Summary

Introduction

In Ghana, the construction industry has been ‘plagued’ with numerous negative factors notable among which is theft on construction sites; of building materials, plants and equipment, small tools, appliances, among other items. Previous studies in the US has shown that many construction firms do not report the theft of items that are valued less than the company’s insurance deductible amount. This has made it very difficult to know the magnitude of theft in the construction industry. According to LoJack, 2006 the equipment recovery data illustrated the most popular types of equipment targeted by thieves This equipment includes: Backhoe Loaders, skid steers, Generators/air compressors/welders, Forklifts and Scissor Lifts, Light towers and Light Utility/Work Trucks and Trailers.

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