Mitigating the effects of delay risk in building construction projects in Ghana

The completion of a project within stipulated time duration is a key variable of project performance. However, delays in completion of projects remains a common occurrence in the construction industry in Ghana. Delays in completion result in resources employed on such projects to exceed what has been planned. The aim of the study is to explore the effects of delays and develop strategies/framework for mitigating the effects of delay risk in building construction projects in Ghana. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted with structured questionnaires administered to construction professionals in the building construction sector. A total of Six Hundred and Forty-four (644) questionnaires were distributed to the respondents with Three Hundred Thirty (330) questionnaires were recovered which represents a response rate of 51.2%. The findings of the study suggest that; economic losses to the contractor (X<overline>=4.28, sigma=.672), loss of integrity or image of project participants (X<overline>=4.37, sigma=.703), cost overrun X = 4.32, sigma = .913), compromised commercial relationships between project stakeholders X = 4.23, sigma = .761), disputes, and reduced profitability of clients' organization were the severest forms of the effects of delays (X = 4.09, sigma = .822). The study concluded that delays adversely affect the integrity or image of project participants and are the most severe effects of delays in the Ghanaian construction industry. The study recommended that, respecting payment schedule and honoring payment certificates promptly and clarity in contract provisions were the effective measures to mitigate the effects of delays.