Engage Architects in MMDAs to Safeguard Ghana’s Built Environment, Urges GIA President.

Accra: Mr. Foster Osae-Akonnor, President of the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA), has made a call to the government to ensure that qualified architects are present within the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across Ghana. This appeal was made during the Institute's 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Accra, where he highlighted that the absence of architects in the 261 MMDAs is contributing to challenges in the built environment.According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Osae-Akonnor identified several issues such as unplanned urbanisation, the neglect of developmental controls, and a general disregard for architectural expertise as significant hurdles facing the industry. These challenges were discussed among architects and allied professionals who gathered under the theme: 'Economic Significance of a Quality Built Environment.'Mr. Osae-Akonnor reaffirmed the Institute's dedication to promoting 'the arts and science of architecture' and urged governmental intervention to tackle thes e challenges. He emphasized that the quality of a nation's built environment has a direct impact on its wealth, health, and well-being, urging the government to take concrete steps to engage architects in every MMDA.Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afaru, First Deputy Governor, also addressed the meeting, underscoring the importance of a quality built environment. He encouraged professionals to focus on sustainable structures, space maximization, tourism promotion, and investment attraction. He articulated the economic benefits of a quality built environment, including increased property values, improved productivity, and enhanced economic growth, among others.Dr. Opoku-Afaru highlighted 'The Bank Square,' the new Bank of Ghana Head office, as a testament to the impact of architecture, which has garnered substantial attention. The AGM featured an exhibition and a panel discussion on the economic significance of a quality built environment, with contributions from panellists like Mr. David Kojo Derban, Dr. Irene Appeanin g Addo, and Dr. P. Eshun Jr., among other top architects.