The Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies and the Construction Industry in Ghana

Given the Ghanaian construction industry’s continued reliance on conventional practices, understanding its readiness for digital transformation is essential to enhance productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness. This study investigates the level of awareness and extent of utilization of Industry 4.0 technologies within the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI). A quantitative approach was adopted using a structured questionnaire administered to 100 built environment professionals through convenience and snowball sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools, including one-sample t-tests, independent samples t-tests, and analysis of variance (ANOVA), were used to analyze the data. The results revealed low overall awareness and utilization of Industry 4.0 technologies across the GCI. Drone technology showed the highest awareness and usage, while technologies such as 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics recorded the lowest. Significant differences were observed in utilization based on respondents’ awareness, profession, and years of experience. This study fills a critical gap by providing baseline data necessary for understanding the sector’s digital maturity. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and educators aiming to promote digital innovation. The study concludes that enhancing awareness through training, curriculum reforms, and supportive policies is vital for driving the digital transformation of the GCI.