By Jesse Ampah Owusu, GNA
Accra, Oct. 5, GNA – The Architecture Alliance (TAA) has called on local authorities, particularly Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), to strictly enforce building and construction regulations to ensure safety and sustainability in the built environment.
It said effective enforcement of existing laws would help prevent building collapses, the proliferation of abandoned structures, and flooding associated with poor construction practices and planning.
Ms Patience Ewurama Ocran, President of the Alliance, made the call at the maiden Architecture and Built Environment Conference Ghana, held on Monday, at The Palm by Eagles, Airport City, Accra.
Organised to coincide with the World Architecture Day, the conference brought together key stakeholders in the built environment to deliberate on challenges affecting the industry and explore sustainable solutions.
Ms Ocran said Ghana already had adequate laws and regulations to safeguard building integrity, but enforcement remained a major challenge.
She urged the public to obtain the necessary building permits before commencing construction projects to protect lives, property and the environment.
Ms Ocran said the conference would also serve as a platform for research and dialogue on emerging challenges within the sector, with the aim of developing practical and lasting solutions.
She noted that recommendations from the conference would be pursued to ensure they informed local planning and development processes.
Mr Charles Amissah-Koomson, President of the Architectural Society of Ghana, underscored the need for continuous capacity building for regulators at the local level to enhance their effectiveness.
“We want to focus on capacity building, which is why we have established this conference. It is not intended to be just an annual event. We plan to organise workshops to train engineers and other professionals within the sector,” he said.
Mr Amissah-Koomson also advocated the digitisation of regulatory processes to improve access to services and enhance efficiency.
“We want to see building permit processes become more accessible, enabling drawings to be vetted and approved more efficiently. We are also looking at establishing a digital register that will allow members of the public to easily verify information on professionals in the built environment sector,” he added.
Meanwhile, World Architecture Day 2026 is being observed on Monday, October 5, on the theme: “Housing Is a Human Right. Build It.”
Designated by the International Union of Architects (UIA), the day is commemorated annually on the first Monday of October.
The observance seeks to draw global attention to the housing crisis and emphasises access to safe, healthy and affordable housing as a fundamental human right essential to dignity, social inclusion and well-being.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
5 Oct. 2026
Reporter: Jesse Ampah Owusu
Email: [email protected]