An Investigation into the Working Conditions of Informal Construction Artisans in the Ghanaian Construction Industry

The study’s purpose was to investigate the working conditions of the informal artisans in the Ghanian construction industry, using the Ejisu Municipality as a study area. The study aimed to identify the existing working conditions of the informal artisans and detail the effects of working conditions on the performance of the informal artisans within the construction industry. The research employed a quantitative and questionnaire-survey method. A sample size of 50 respondents was selected, using the snowball sampling method. Data was analysed using mean scores, and standard deviation. The study reveals that the quality of life of informal artisans is poor and their working conditions are generally deficient. Additionally, it was found that many artisans stopped working or exhibited a lack of commitment, due to inadequate recognition at the work site. Moreover, the unsatisfactory working conditions negatively resulted in low productivity and sub-standard works in the construction industry. The absence of a regulatory body or union responsible for coordinating the welfare and wellbeing of construction artisans exacerbated this situation, leading to a high rate of artisans’ turnover. The study recommends that artisans must be motivated through; capacity building, regular and high remuneration, professional mentorship for effective coordination, institution of a pension scheme, and welfare support, to help improve the performance of informal artisans in the construction industry. Also, adequate government support for local regulatory institutions for artisans, will enhance efficient monitoring of their welfare, wellbeing, health and safety standards in the construction industry.