Outsource Building Permits Issuance to Professionals – Asenso-Boakye to MMDAs

The Minister for Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has called on Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to consider outsourcing the issuance of development and building permits to relevant professional bodies within the built environment space.

This move aims to address the ongoing issues of perennial flooding and building collapses in the country.

Asenso-Boakye’s call to action was prompted by concerns regarding the lack of necessary expertise within MMDAs to effectively manage the critical task of permit issuance, especially in the development of cities and towns. He made this proposal during the induction ceremony of 55 newly qualified architects held at the Shippers House in Accra.

The ceremony served as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of these architects who had successfully completed their rigorous training, showcasing their competence in the field.

The Minister, himself a professional in the built environment as a planner, emphasized the pivotal role architects play in ensuring that construction projects meet the required standards in terms of safety, functionality, and aesthetics.

He referred to a report from the Ghana Institute of Architects which revealed that many MMDAs lack architects and other development professionals such as engineers and planners.

Asenso-Boakye commented, “Who are working on these permits then? No wonder we continue to experience the perennial flooding and the collapse of buildings.”

He emphasized that until MMDAs are capable of recruiting qualified professionals to assist in the permit application processes, they should seriously consider outsourcing this crucial function to professional bodies.

He called upon the leadership of these professional bodies within the built environment space to devise an effective arrangement to implement his proposal.

Asenso-Boakye stressed that this approach will not only result in better-designed and safer buildings but also streamline the often complex permit application processes, ultimately reducing the prevalence of building collapses in the country.

The Minister stated, “Our cities and towns are rapidly evolving, and it is imperative that we adapt to these changes with precision and professionalism. While MMDAs are at the forefront of development controls, we must recognize that the complexity of important role demands specialized expertise. Architects, along with other professionals, can bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.”

He further underscored that this collaborative approach would contribute to the sustainable development of urban areas and enhance the overall living conditions of citizens.

“We want our cities to be more than just concrete jungles; we want them to be thriving, aesthetically pleasing, and safe environments for all residents,” he added.

The Minister’s call to involve these professionals in the permit issuance process signifies a shift toward a more comprehensive and expert-driven approach to development control mechanisms in the country.

As the nation looks toward a future of urban growth and development, the Minister’s initiative aims to elevate the standards of the building and construction industry, ensuring that buildings are not merely structures but also exemplify artistry and functionality.

He appealed to MMDAs to heed this call for collaboration with professional bodies.

Story by Nana Kwaku Boffah.