The Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project has taken a significant step towards strengthening infrastructure delivery in the beneficiary regions of the 48 participating assemblies by organising a specialized workshop on Construction Quality Management and Contract Administration for 48 MMDA Engineers from January 27th to 31st, 2025. The training, held in Bolgatanga and Tamale, aimed to enhance the capacity of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assembly (MMDA) engineers to supervise subprojects and ensure construction quality.
The workshop covered critical aspects of contract administration and construction quality control, equipping participants with advanced skills in supervision, communication, change orders, material testing, and field assessment techniques. Key areas of focus included the use of the Schmidt Hammer for concrete strength assessment, material sampling methodologies, and laboratory testing procedures. These techniques are essential for ensuring the durability, safety, and structural integrity of SOCO-funded projects, which span vital sectors such as education, healthcare, water, and road infrastructure.
A major highlight of the training was the practical field exercises facilitated by the Highway Authorities in the Upper East and Northern Regions. These sessions allowed participants to gain hands-on experience in material sampling, grading of soils, laboratory testing of concrete cubes and the use of the Schmidt Hammer to test concrete on site, reinforcing their understanding of quality control measures.
Ing. Joseph Oddei, a Geotechnical Engineer and Director of the Geotechnical Department at Architectural and Engineering Services Ltd (AESL), led the training on Concrete Technology. With over 25 years of experience across Ghana, Liberia, Uganda, and Mali, Ing. Oddei provided in-depth technical insights on concrete mix designs, material performance evaluation, and site testing procedures. His expertise ensured that participants left the workshop with practical skills to enhance construction quality in their respective districts.
Ing. David Nyante, a fellow of the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) and the immediate past executive director of the institution, also took participants through contract administration procedures. He addressed the roles and responsibilities of parties to the contract, managing contract changes and variations, payment and claims management, dispute resolution and contract close-out. His over 32 years of industry experience enriched the Q&A session in answering the various questions posed by the participants.
The training forms part of the SOCO project’s broader commitment to improving infrastructure standards in the six project regions. By equipping MMDA engineers with modern quality control techniques, the project seeks to strengthen the supervision of subprojects, reduce structural defects, and enhance the sustainability of infrastructure investments.
With Ghana’s increasing focus on climate-resilient and sustainable infrastructure, capacity-building initiatives are essential for bridging technical gaps and improving local project implementation. The SOCO Project remains committed to delivering high-quality infrastructure that meets national and international standards, ensuring long-term benefits for communities in the Gulf of Guinea’s northern regions.
