By: Michael Aboagye & Arc. Patience Ewurama Ocran
The Architecture Alliance has called on government authorities to strictly enforce Ghana’s building laws and modernise construction practices to curb the recurring incidents of building collapses, fires and flood-related disasters across the country.
In a press statement issued on January 27, 2026, the Alliance described the frequent structural failures and disaster-related losses as evidence of a systemic failure in the enforcement of existing building regulations, warning that the situation has become a national safety crisis rather than a purely technical issue.
According to the group, Ghana already has comprehensive laws governing the built environment, including the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority Act, 2016 (Act 925), the National Building Regulations, 2022 (LI 2465), and the Ghana Building Code.
However, it noted that weak and inconsistent enforcement has rendered these regulations ineffective. The Alliance stressed that enforcing building regulations is a statutory duty, not an option. It pointed to the roles of the Ministry of Works and Housing and the Ministry of Local Government in providing policy direction and oversight, while Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) are legally mandated to issue permits, conduct inspections and halt illegal developments.
Despite these responsibilities, the statement noted that unapproved buildings continue to spring up, including in waterways and flood-prone areas, often without professional supervision. It added that stop-work notices are frequently ignored and demolitions usually occur only after disasters have claimed lives.
The Architecture Alliance warned that weak enforcement comes with severe human and economic costs. It said victims of building failures are often tenants, schoolchildren, worshippers and passers-by, while communities are displaced and government funds are diverted from development to emergency response and disaster relief.
The group also called for stronger institutional accountability, urging authorities to insulate enforcement processes from political interference and personal influence. Officials who fail to perform their duties, it said, must be held accountable.
Beyond enforcement, the Alliance advocated for the modernization of construction practices through the adoption of digital tools, innovative building methods and sustainable materials to improve safety, resilience and efficiency. It further called for the full digitization of the building permit process to reduce delays, improve transparency and strengthen monitoring.
The statement also urged built environment professionals to uphold ethical standards and participate in continuous professional development, while encouraging the public to report unsafe and illegal developments.
The Architecture Alliance concluded by calling on government agencies to enforce building laws without compromise, stop illegal developments early and prioritize public safety.
Press Release Below:
