Assessing Consumer Awareness and Knowledge Gaps in Circular Construction: Evidence from Ghana

Authors

  • Chris Kurbom Tieru Cape Coast Technical University, Department of Construction Technology and Management, P.O. Box DL 50, Cape Coast Ghana
  • Benjamin Boahene Akomah Cape Coast Technical University, Department of Construction Technology and Management, P.O. Box DL 50, Cape Coast Ghana https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2701-2867
  • Zakari Mustapha Cape Coast Technical University, Department of Construction Technology and Management, P.O. Box DL 50, Cape Coast Ghana https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0653-8739
  • Isaac Arthur Cape Coast Technical University, Department of Construction Technology and Management, P.O. Box DL 50, Cape Coast Ghana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11113/ijbes.v13.n2.1557

Keywords:

Circular Construction, Consumer Awareness, Knowledge Gaps, Ghana, Sustainable Urbanization

Abstract

Consumer awareness of circular construction (CC) remains a critical barrier to achieving sustainable housing and climate goals in Ghana, as limited understanding and persistent misconceptions weaken the demand for circular solutions. This study aimed to assess consumer awareness of CC, identify key knowledge gaps and perceived barriers, and examine demographic variations in awareness among urban housing decision-makers in Ghana. A structured questionnaire was developed from established CC literature, validated through expert review and pilot testing, and administered to 200 adult respondents using stratified random sampling in four cities. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Relative Importance Index rankings, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and thematic analysis. The results indicate that awareness of CC in Ghana is modest and uneven. Respondents showed moderate familiarity with cost-saving potential, environmental certifications, and carbon reduction benefits; however, their understanding of lifecycle benefits, material reuse principles, long-term economic advantages, and policy frameworks remained limited. The most influential barriers were concerns regarding the functional adequacy of CC buildings, perceived maintenance demands, technological complexity, market immaturity, and doubts about the durability of the recycled materials. Information deficits and cost-related concerns were ranked comparatively lower. Nevertheless, qualitative responses revealed ongoing anxiety about perceived high costs, highlighting a gap between recognised long-term savings and perceptions of short-term affordability. Awareness varied by age, education, and work experience but not by gender, occupation, housing, or city. By identifying these knowledge gaps, this study shows how awareness affects CC attitude and adoption. The findings guide policymakers in strengthening CC uptake in Ghana's built environment.

Author Biographies

Benjamin Boahene Akomah, Cape Coast Technical University, Department of Construction Technology and Management, P.O. Box DL 50, Cape Coast Ghana

Benjamin Boahene Akomah is a Senior Lecturer at the Cape Coast Technical University. B. B. Akomah is currently pursuing his PhD at VIT University in India. He obtained his Master of Philosophy degree in Procurement Management in 2014 from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), BSc. in Building Technology from the same university in 2008 and his Higher National Diploma (HND) in Building Technology from the Cape Coast Polytechnic in 2005. He is the co−author of several scientific publications. He is a corporate member of the Ghana Institution of Construction (GIOC − GH) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET − GH).

Zakari Mustapha, Cape Coast Technical University, Department of Construction Technology and Management, P.O. Box DL 50, Cape Coast Ghana

Zakari Mustapha (PhD) is an Associate Professor at the Department of Construction Technology and Management, School of Built and Natural Environment, Cape Coast Technical University, Cape Coast. Ghana. He received his Doctoral degree from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. He received both his MSc and B Tech. Degrees from the Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria and the Federal University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria, respectively. He is the author and co−author of several scientific publications. He is a corporate member of the Ghana Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET-GH).

Isaac Arthur, Cape Coast Technical University, Department of Construction Technology and Management, P.O. Box DL 50, Cape Coast Ghana

Isaac Arthur is a Master of Technology (MTech) student at Cape Coast Technical University in the Department of Construction Technology and Management. He obtained his B.Tech. and HND from Cape Coast Technical University. 

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Published

2026-04-28

How to Cite

Tieru, C. K., Akomah, B. B., Mustapha, Z., & Arthur, I. (2026). Assessing Consumer Awareness and Knowledge Gaps in Circular Construction: Evidence from Ghana. International Journal of Built Environment and Sustainability, 13(2), 153–166. https://doi.org/10.11113/ijbes.v13.n2.1557

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Vol. 13 No. 2 (2026): International Journal of Built Environment and Sustainability, Volume 13, Issue 2, 2026

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