Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1
PRE-CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
PRE-CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Applied Technology
Class: SHS 1
Term: 1st Term
Week: 9
Grade code: 1.2.1.LI.2
Strand code: 2
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: 1.2.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 1.2.1.LI.2
Theme: BUILDING CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Subtheme: PRE-CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.
For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.
Everywhere we look in Ghana, from the bustling streets of Accra to the quietest village, we see buildings going up: new homes, schools, shops, and hospitals. But have you ever wondered how these projects happen without chaos? Who decides what the building looks like? Who makes sure it won't fall down? Who manages the money? The success of any construction project depends on a team of different people and organisations working together. These are called stakeholders. Understanding their roles is crucial. When stakeholders perform their duties well, we get safe, beautiful, and cost-effective buildings.
What is a Stakeholder?
A stakeholder is any person, group, or organisation that has an interest or "stake" in a construction project. They can be affected by the project, or they can have an influence on its outcome. Think of it as a football team: you have the owner, the coach, the players, the referee, and even the fans. Each one has a different role, but the team's success depends on all of them.
Here are the key stakeholders in a Ghanaian building construction project and their specific roles: The Client / Owner (The Visionary) Who they are: This is the individual, company, or government agency that owns the project and pays for it. Their Role: The Dream: They have the initial idea or need for the building (e.g., "I need a 3-bedroom house for my family," or "The government needs a new clinic for this community"). The Money: They are the source of funding. They must arrange for all the money needed from start to finish. The Brief: They provide the "project brief" to the design team, which is a list of their requirements, desires, and budget. The Final Say: They make the final decisions on design, cost, and changes. Ghanaian Example: Madam Akua Serwaa, a trader in Kejetia Market who has saved money to build her family home in a suburb of Kumasi. Or the Ministry of Education, acting as the client for a new SHS classroom block. The Architect (The Designer) Who they are: A professionally trained and licensed designer who translates the client's vision into a detailed plan. Their Role: Design Creation: They design the building's layout (floor plans), appearance (elevations), and how it will function. They ensure it is beautiful, practical, and safe for human use. Drawings: They produce the architectural drawings that the contractor will use to build. Compliance: They ensure the design complies with local building regulations set by the Metropolitan, Municipal, or District Assembly (MMDA). Coordination: They often lead the design team, coordinating the work of the engineers. Ghanaian Example: An architect from the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) is hired by Madam Serwaa to design her dream home. The Quantity Surveyor (QS) (The Cost Manager) Who they are: The construction project's accountant or financial expert. Their Role: Cost Estimation: Before construction starts, they estimate the total cost of the project based on the architect's drawings. Bill of Quantities (BoQ): They prepare a detailed list of all materials, labour, and work required for the project (e.g., "1,500 cement blocks," "2 tonnes of 12mm iron rods," "labour for tiling 50 square metres"). Budget Control: During construction, they track expenses, value the work done by the contractor, and advise the client on payments to ensure the project stays within budget. Ghanaian Example: A QS firm in Accra is hired to manage the budget for a new office complex being built at Airport City. The Structural Engineer (The "Bones" Expert) Who they are: A specialist engineer who ensures the building is strong and stable. Their Role: Structural Design: They design the building's "skeleton"—the foundation, columns, beams, and slabs—to ensure it can safely support its own weight, the people inside, and withstand forces like wind. Material Specification: They decide on the type and size of materials like iron rods and the strength of concrete needed for structural safety. Calculations: They perform complex calculations to guarantee the building will not collapse. Ghanaian Example: A structural engineer must approve the foundation and column design for a multi-storey building in a water-logged area like Dansoman in Accra to prevent future problems. The Services Engineer (M&E) (The "Systems" Expert) Who they are: An engineer focusing on the Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) systems of the building. Their Role: Electrical Systems: They design the wiring, lighting, power outlets, and generator connections. Plumbing Systems: They design the water supply, drainage, and sewage systems. Mechanical Systems: They design ventilation, air-conditioning (AC), and fire-fighting systems. Ghanaian Example: For a new hospital being built under Agenda 111, the Services Engineer's role is critical to ensure reliable power, clean water, and proper ventilation in the operating theatres. The Contractor / Builder (The "Hands-On" Team) Who they are: The person or company hired by the client to physically build the project according to the drawings and specifications. Their Role: Site Management: They manage the day-to-day activities on the construction site. Hiring Labour: They hire and manage the skilled artisans (masons, carpenters, steel benders, electricians, etc.). Sourcing Materials: They buy and deliver all the necessary building materials to the site. Construction: They carry out the physical work of building, following the plans from the architect and engineers. Health and Safety: They are responsible for safety on the site. Ghanaian Example: KOJO BADU Construction Ltd., a local contractor in Takoradi, wins the bid to build the new community library. Regulatory Bodies (The "Referees") Who they are: Government agencies that enforce laws and standards to ensure buildings are safe, legal, and environmentally friendly. Their Role: Permits: They issue building permits before construction can legally begin. Inspections: They conduct inspections at various stages of construction (e.g., foundation, roofing) to ensure compliance with the building code. Utility Connections: They manage connections to public utilities like water (Ghana Water Company Ltd.) and electricity (ECG/NEDCo). Ghanaian Example: An individual must get a building permit from the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) before they can start laying the foundation for a new house in Tema. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) might be involved if it's a large factory.
Guided Practice (With Solutions)