The Ghana Institute of Architects has expressed deep concern over the state of the country's built environment, citing a disregard for building regulations, codes, and other statutory documents.

The Institute has called for immediate action to address the uncontrolled nature of development that does not respect the governing documents for managing the built environment.

Mr. Foster Osae-Akonnor, the President of the Institute, voiced these concerns during a town hall meeting organized by the Institute in Sunyani as part of its 60th-anniversary celebrations under the theme “The Architect and the Community.”

The meeting brought together various stakeholders, including Heads of Departments and Agencies, representatives of District and Municipal Assemblies, planning officers, traditional leaders, and religious organizations.

The primary objective of the meeting was to engage in discussions about critical issues affecting the region and to strategize for the creation of a better-built environment that promotes the health and well-being of the people.

Mr. Osae-Akonnor revealed that the Institute would soon enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bono Regional Coordinating Council (BARCC) due to the region's transformation into a business hub.

He explained that the medium to long-term benefits of the MoU would result in a livable, sustainable built environment that would drive economic prosperity in the region, ultimately improving the overall health and well-being of its residents.

Highlighting the essential role of architects in national development, Mr. Osae-Akonnor emphasized the need to design and plan spaces for human habitation comprehensively.

He stressed that architects had a crucial role to play in ensuring the Bono Region and Sunyani became beautiful, vibrant, and sustainable cities, considering economic, socio-cultural, physical development, and environmental attributes.

Mr Osae-Akonnor called for effective collaboration between the Institute and the RCC and encouraged the MDAs in the region to provide drone footage covering their entire boundaries. This footage would serve as the foundation for a Master Plan under the MoU.

The Ghana Institute of Architects has already held similar meetings in six regions and plans to continue in four additional regions by the end of the year, followed by meetings in other regions in 2024.