Kumasi, Ghana’s bastion of culture and history is steadily losing its architectural soul. Once adorned with buildings that reflected the cultural identity of the Ashanti people, the city is now overwhelmed by rapid urbanisation, dwindling use of indigenous building materials and a complex land ownership system.
The transformation is raising critical questions about the sustainability of local materials and the future of Kumasi’s heritage.
In the heart of the city, particularly the Central Business District at Adum, old structures are being demolished to make way for modern high-rises.
Yet, these new buildings, while ambitious, largely abandon indigenous aesthetics, cultural symbolism and sustainable local resources.
The Chronicle sought insights from academics at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), who stressed that Ghana must urgently rethink its approach to housing and indigenous construction.
Housing as a Right, Not a Privilege
Dr. Stephen Appiah Takyi, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Planning, KNUST, framed the issue within the broader scope of housing policy.
“A good planner must look at the social well-being of the people. Food, clothing and shelter are basic necessities of life. If citizens lack a place to sleep, there’s something fundamentally wrong with the country. From a planner’s view, housing is not a privilege, it is a right,” he said.
For him, the solution lies in a national policy that prioritises research, innovation and investment in indigenous building materials.
“If we don’t invest in local materials, the cost of housing will remain high. The less privileged will be pushed into homelessness, worsening social inequality and stifling development,” he warned.
Dr. Takyi reminded Ghanaians that their forebears built homes suited to local climates long before colonial influence.
“Before the colonial masters came, we had houses. They were constructed with indigenous materials adapted to local weather and socioeconomic conditions.
“Even within Ghana, materials varied by region. In the north, for example, builders used different methods because of the climate,” he explained.
He argued that these traditional practices should have been refined over time into modern technologies, preserving both identity and sustainability.
Instead, Ghana has become over-dependent on imported materials.
Policies Without Commitment
Over the years, Ghana has introduced housing and urban development policies that make reference to indigenous materials. Yet, implementation remains weak.
“Since 1992, ask any government how much has been invested in the research and development of indigenous materials, you’ll find very little. The policies are there, but the commitment is missing,” the Senior Lecturer at the Department of Planning noted.
At KNUST’s Centre for Settlement Studies, researchers have already developed technology blocks from local materials. But without policy support and funding, these innovations remain stuck at demonstration level.
Despite centuries-old examples of durable indigenous housing, Dr. Takyi believes modern technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), can enhance these methods for today’s demands.
“Without technology, we already have indigenous houses lasting 100 to 200 years. With AI and smart labs, we can test, refine and scale these materials,” he said.
For him, adopting technology is not about discarding heritage, but improving upon it.
“We must integrate building codes with our cultural identity. That way, we improve without losing essence.”
Another key challenge, Dr. Takyi stressed, is perception. “People don’t reject indigenous materials because they’re inferior. Humans are rational, they want quality and aesthetics. The reason people prefer imported rice over local rice is branding.
“It is the same with building materials. If we brand indigenous products well, they’ll compete with international ones,” he argued.
The Role of Planners
The Senior Lecturer at the Department of Planning highlighted how indigenous materials support climate adaptation.
“With rising heat levels, northern builders already developed roofing systems that cool houses. Using such materials can reduce reliance on air conditioners, lowering energy costs,” he explained.
Urban and heritage planners, he said, must also preserve old structures as models for future generations.
Dr. Takyi called for a national programme to train artisans, strengthen supply chains, and document indigenous practices.
“We lack industries dedicated to developing these materials. Government should give tax incentives and credit facilities to companies investing in them. District assemblies, universities, and traditional authorities must document building methods for posterity and even tourism,” he urged.
Architecture vs. Local Materials
Dr. Emmanuel Banahene Owusu, a Lecturer at KNUST’s Department of Architecture made an important distinction between indigenous and local materials.
“Indigenous materials are those traditionally used from our environment—mud, bamboo, thatch. Local materials are those produced here, like tiles or fired bricks, which are not traditionally Ghanaian,” he clarified.
For example, sand-dried bricks were indigenous, but fired bricks were introduced by Europeans.
Challenges and Opportunities
Dr. Banahene Owusu noted that Ghana currently lacks engineering standards for indigenous materials like mud walls or bamboo. This absence, coupled with low academic interest, has contributed to their decline.
“We’re not investing in research. Most studies focus on concrete. Yet, at KNUST, we’ve experimented with stabilised mud blocks since the 1970s by adding cement to improve durability. These need further standardisation,” he said.
He also highlighted the use of additives such as grass, rice husk and cow dung in traditional mud construction, which improves binding. Modern methods could incorporate cement, bitumen or other stabilisers.
For Dr. Banahene Owusu, the fastest way to restore trust in indigenous methods is through public buildings.
“If the state builds a theatre in Kumasi with mud or bamboo, confidence will grow. Private citizens won’t risk their limited funds on experiments, but public projects can set the example,” he suggested.
He argued that demand and supply would follow naturally once people see these materials applied successfully in large projects.
Towards a National Policy
Both academics agreed that Ghana urgently needs a national policy on indigenous building materials.
Such a policy would promote research, training, industry development, and standardisation, while encouraging the integration of local materials into modern construction.
“Development doesn’t happen magically. It requires conscious effort, investment, and the right policies. Any country relying solely on imported materials will face rising housing costs and worsening deficits,” Dr. Takyi stressed.
Dr. Banahene Owusu also added that with the right policies, Ghana could pioneer hybrid construction—combining indigenous and modern materials through modular and prefabricated systems. But this requires research-backed standards and government-led projects.
A Wake-Up Call
The academics believe Ghana is standing at a crossroads. On one path lies continued dependence on imported materials, spiralling housing costs, and loss of cultural identity. On the other lies innovation rooted in heritage—cheaper housing, sustainable urban growth, and preservation of Kumasi’s soul.
“It’s possible,” Dr. Takyi said firmly. “The sand beneath our feet can build homes. What we need is leadership, innovation and the belief that we can develop what is ours,” he added.
