The President of the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA), Mr. Foster Osae-Akonnor, has bemoaned the limited involvement of architects in local governance in the country.
Speaking at a town hall meeting in Sunyani as part of activities for the institute’s 60th Anniversary celebration, themed “Architects and the Community,” Mr. Osae-Akonnor noted that, of the 12 Municipalities and Districts in the Bono Region, none had a resident architect, leaving the region’s built environment under the sole supervision of assembly engineers.
He said the absence of the core professionals within local governance affected effective planning and supervision of the built environment, as assemblies do not have the capacity to check hazardous construction.
According to him, the crucial role of architects was being under-utilised at the assembly level, which presented a challenge for the region’s built environment.
Mr. Osae-Akonnor noted that architects felt excluded from the nation’s development, leading to various issues related to structural integrity and service quality in “unregulated” buildings.
He, therefore, urged the assemblies to incorporate architects into the permitting process and various stages of construction, including final certification of habitable structures.
Mr. Osae-Akonnor called on assemblies to collaborate with architects to ensure that infrastructure is well-designed to enhance the country’s development.
He pointed out that haphazardly placed kiosks, signboards, and poorly located infrastructures contribute to the unattractiveness of cities and hinder planned development.
The town hall meeting brought together architects, assembly representatives, chiefs, and the media, focusing on the theme “Architects and the Community” and aimed at introducing the GIA to the region and highlighting the pivotal role architects play in physical development.
The GIA President expressed concerns about recent building collapses in the country but pledged collaboration with the Regional Coordinating Council to implement stronger policies.
Mr. Osae-Akonnor noted that most assemblies lack the capability to issue habitation certificates due to the absence of architects.
He disclosed that the institute is working alongside the ministry of local government to formulate a ten-year strategic plan that would be meticulously followed through to implementation.
He also encouraged architects to initiate comprehensive planning for all municipal and district assemblies, emphasizing the importance of involving professionals in urban planning for a safer and more sustainable built environment.
