Elevators and lifts, while common in many parts of the world, are becoming increasingly prevalent in Ghana’s rapidly developing urban landscape. From Accra’s soaring high-rises to Kumasi’s expanding commercial zones, vertical transportation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for modern life. Whether you’re a homeowner, real estate developer, or commercial property manager, understanding the basics of elevators in Ghana is crucial.
This guide demystifies elevators and lifts, outlines essential components, and provides practical tips and insights for anyone engaging with these vital systems.
Understanding the Basics: What Are Elevators and Lifts?
In Ghana and other Commonwealth countries, the term “lift” is often used interchangeably with “elevator.” These systems transport people or goods vertically across different floors of a building and come in several types:
- Passenger Elevators: Common in homes, offices, and malls for transporting people efficiently and comfortably.
- Freight Lifts / Service Elevators: Designed for carrying goods, with more robust construction and higher load capacities.
- Dumbwaiters: Mini-lifts for moving items like food, laundry, or documents. Great for restaurants, hotels, and luxury homes.
- Accessibility Lifts: Including platform lifts and stairlifts, these are designed to assist those with mobility impairments—supporting inclusive design in Ghanaian infrastructure.
Key Components of an Elevator System
A modern elevator system includes several mechanical and electrical components that work together to ensure safe, smooth transport:
- Cabin (Car): The enclosed structure where passengers or goods are carried.
- Hoisting Mechanism:
- Traction Elevators (with counterweights): Best for high-rise buildings in Accra or Tema due to speed and energy efficiency.
- Hydraulic Elevators: Powered by fluid-driven pistons, ideal for low-rise buildings and heavier loads.
- Shaft/Hoistway: The vertical path the elevator travels within.
- Machine Room: Contains the motor and control equipment. Many new systems are machine-room-less (MRL) to save space.
- Control Panel: Located inside the elevator, used to select floors or trigger emergency functions.
- Safety Systems: Include emergency brakes, overload sensors, intercoms, door locks, and power backup systems.
How to Use Elevators Safely in Ghana
Whether you’re riding a lift in a corporate tower in Osu or a shopping mall in Kumasi, here are essential usage tips:
- Wait Your Turn: Allow passengers to exit before entering.
- Don’t Overload: Every elevator has a weight limit. Exceeding it can cause system errors or mechanical strain.
- Press Only Once: Avoid hitting floor buttons repeatedly—it doesn’t make the lift faster!
- In Case of Emergency: Use the alarm or emergency phone. Most elevators today have uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems in case of outages.
- Report Issues Promptly: Any noise, jerking, or unresponsive buttons should be reported to facility managers or building security.
Why Maintenance and Safety Are Non-Negotiable
Ghana’s elevator industry is still growing, and formal regulatory oversight is evolving. However, safety and maintenance should remain top priorities for property owners and facility managers.
Best Practices Include:
- Routine Maintenance Contracts with licensed elevator companies.
- Regular Safety Inspections for brakes, sensors, and hoisting mechanisms.
- Load Testing annually or bi-annually to ensure weight-handling capability.
- Training for Security Staff to assist in case of elevator entrapments or malfunctions.
Tip: Choose a lift service provider in Ghana that adheres to international safety standards like EN 81 or ASME A17.1.
Elevators and Ghana’s Urban Future
With the rapid expansion of real estate and vertical living, elevators will play a growing role in the urban future of Ghana.
Emerging Trends:
- Smart Elevators: Integrated with building automation systems for faster, more efficient rides.
- Energy-Efficient Models: New lifts consume less electricity and regenerate power during use—helping meet Ghana’s green building goals.
- Modernization of Old Systems: Many aging buildings in Ghana are updating their old lifts with safer, sleeker models.
- Accessibility for All: As awareness grows, more buildings are being designed with universal accessibility in mind—including wheelchair-friendly platform lifts and voice-guided control panels.
Choosing the Right Elevator Company in Ghana
Installing or maintaining a lift is not a DIY job. You need a professional elevator company in Ghana with a proven track record.
What to Look For:
- Extensive local experience in Ghana’s construction and property sectors.
- Qualified engineers and certified technicians.
- Genuine spare parts and after-sales service availability.
- Ability to handle various lift types—hydraulic, traction, pneumatic, MRL, and more.
PE Lifts Ghana stands out as a top-rated provider of lift solutions, offering installation, servicing, modernization, and accessibility support across Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, and beyond.
Ready to Install or Upgrade a Lift in Ghana?
Whether you’re constructing a new property, upgrading an existing lift, or adding mobility access to your home, PE Lifts Ghana is your trusted partner in vertical transportation.
Visit: https://gh.pelifts.com
Call/WhatsApp: +233 59 713 9227
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