The Architecture Alliance is calling for urgent enforcement of building regulations following the recent collapse of a structure near the Experimental D/A School at Accra New Town.
In a statement issued on March 30 and signed by its president, Patience Ewurama Ocran, the Alliance expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and sympathy to the injured.
The group says the incident is not an isolated case but a clear sign of systemic failure in enforcing laws governing the built environment in Ghana.
According to the Alliance, while Ghana has sufficient legal and regulatory frameworks for construction, weak enforcement continues to allow unsafe practices, including building without permits, unauthorised alterations, use of substandard materials, and poor supervision.
It also cited weak inspection systems and interference in enforcement processes as key challenges.
The Alliance is urging institutions such as the Ministry of Works and Housing, the Local Government Ministry, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, the Ghana Standards Authority, and the National Disaster Management Organisation to intensify collaboration to prevent future occurrences.
It stressed that the problem is not the absence of laws but the failure to enforce them effectively, pointing to poor monitoring, lack of resources for assemblies, and delays in sanctioning offenders.
The statement called for strict enforcement of building permits, improved inspection at key stages of construction, and firm sanctions against developers and professionals who violate regulations.
It also urged authorities to demolish unsafe structures before they pose a danger and to ensure accountability within regulatory institutions.
The Alliance further appealed to industry professionals to uphold ethical standards and avoid illegal developments while encouraging the public to verify permits before occupying buildings and report unsafe structures.
It emphasised that preventing such tragedies requires a shift from reactive responses to proactive enforcement.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com