Sam Jonah Ghana Architects Speech: End Cowardice, Champion Inclusivity and Accessibility in Architecture

Introduction

In a stirring address to the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) during their Annual General Meeting on November 20, 2025, African business statesman Sir Sam Jonah called on architects to transform from silent observers into bold moral leaders. His message, “End cowardice, champion inclusivity,” resonates deeply in Ghana’s architectural landscape, emphasizing accessibility in architecture Ghana, enforcement of building codes, and designs that leave no one behind—especially persons with disabilities. This speech highlights the urgent need for inclusive design practices Ghana, aligning with national laws like the Persons with Disability Act (Act 715). Discover how Jonah’s words challenge professionals to prioritize dignity, local materials, and ethical integrity amid rising challenges like climate change and infrastructure failures.

Analysis

Sir Sam Jonah’s speech dissects the current state of Ghanaian architecture, critiquing passive professionalism while proposing a visionary shift. He frames architecture not merely as construction but as a tool for societal dignity and equity.

The Shift from Silence to Leadership

Jonah urges architects to abandon “professional silence” in the face of Ghana’s “accumulating storm” of issues, including environmental degradation and ethical lapses. By invoking African proverbs, he pedagogically reinforces cultural values, teaching that foresight and voice are communal responsibilities.

Inclusivity as a Core Duty

Central to his analysis is the accessibility imperative Ghana. Jonah challenges practitioners and scholars to create built environments usable by all, particularly those with disabilities, countering Ghana’s lag in implementing accessibility standards.

Cultural and Professional Transformation

He critiques over-reliance on imported trends, advocating celebration of local materials and strict code enforcement. This analysis reveals how political and economic pressures often compromise designs, leading to public safety risks.

Summary

Sir Sam Jonah delivered a compelling keynote at the GIA Annual General Meeting on November 20, 2025, imploring Ghanaian architects to end cowardice, champion inclusivity, and lead with moral courage. Key themes include designing accessible spaces for persons with disabilities, enforcing building codes, celebrating local materials, and speaking out against national challenges like climate change and collapsing infrastructure. Jonah supports his call with African adages, promising national backing for architects who pursue integrity, encapsulated in his vision of a Ghana where no one is left behind in the built environment.

Key Points

Practical Advice

To implement Sir Sam Jonah’s vision, Ghanaian architects can adopt pedagogical, step-by-step strategies for inclusive architecture Ghana and ethical practice. Here’s actionable guidance grounded in verifiable best practices.

Designing for Accessibility

Start with universal design principles: Incorporate ramps, wide doorways, tactile paving, and braille signage in all projects. Conduct accessibility audits using checklists from the Persons with Disability Act (Act 715). For example, ensure elevators in public buildings have audio announcements and braille buttons.

Integrating Local Materials

Source sustainable Ghanaian materials like laterite, bamboo, and compressed earth blocks. Test them for durability through standards from the Ghana Standards Authority. Case studies from projects like the Makola Market redevelopment show how local adobe reduces costs by up to 30% while enhancing cultural identity.

Enforcing Codes and Advocacy

Collaborate with GIA to lobby for stricter inspections. Use digital tools like BIM (Building Information Modeling) software to simulate code compliance pre-construction. Train teams via workshops on ethical decision-making, documenting pressures to build transparency.

Community Engagement

Involve persons with disabilities in design consultations. Host public forums to educate on accessible built environment Ghana, fostering buy-in and accountability.

Points of Caution

Jonah’s speech issues stern warnings, pedagogically cautioning against pitfalls that undermine Ghanaian architecture.

Risks of Silence and Compromise

Remaining silent amid political pressures leads to structural failures, as seen in past collapses like the 2021 Accra mall incidents, endangering lives and eroding public trust.

Environmental and Ethical Threats

The “gathering storm” includes climate change impacts like flooding, which poorly designed infrastructure exacerbates. Jonah warns of “eroded values,” where waived codes prioritize profit over safety.

Implementation Gaps

Ghana’s slow rollout of accessibility laws risks legal liabilities and social exclusion. Architects must avoid sidelining local materials, which could perpetuate dependency on imports amid economic volatility.

Comparison

Comparing Ghana’s architectural practices to regional benchmarks highlights opportunities for growth.

Ghana vs. South Africa

South Africa enforces the National Building Regulations (SANS 10400), mandating accessibility universally since 1990s reforms post-apartheid. Ghana’s Act 715, enacted in 2006, lags in compliance, with only 20-30% of public buildings accessible per 2022 audits, versus South Africa’s 70%.

Traditional vs. Modern Ghanaian Design

Traditional compounds used local mud and thatch for natural ventilation and inclusivity (e.g., low thresholds). Modern imports often ignore this, increasing energy costs. Jonah’s call bridges this, akin to Kenya’s green architecture movement using vernacular techniques.

African Continental Trends

Nigeria faces similar code enforcement issues, but Rwanda leads with 90% accessible new builds via Vision 2020 policies, offering a model for Ghana.

Legal Implications

Sir Sam Jonah’s emphasis on accessibility directly ties to enforceable laws in Ghana.

Persons with Disability Act (Act 715, 2006)

This act mandates ramps, parking, toilets, and signage in public buildings, transport, and services. Non-compliance incurs fines up to GH¢500 or imprisonment. The National Council for Persons with Disability oversees enforcement, yet a 2023 report by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice notes widespread violations, exposing architects and developers to lawsuits.

Building Code Regulations

Under the Building Code 2018 (LI 1720), architects must certify designs. Breaches lead to professional sanctions by GIA and criminal liability under the Criminal Offences Act for negligence causing harm.

Implications for Practice

Firms ignoring these face reputational damage and insurance denials. Proactive compliance aligns with Jonah’s vision, mitigating risks while fulfilling constitutional rights to dignity (Article 17).

Conclusion

Sir Sam Jonah’s speech to the Ghana Institute of Architects on November 20, 2025, serves as a clarion call for ethical architecture Ghana, inclusivity, and courage. By ending cowardice and championing accessible, code-compliant designs with local flair, architects can shape a resilient nation. As Jonah invokes the Akan proverb, “Woforo dua pa a, na yepia wo” (climb a good tree, and we will push you), the path to excellence promises collective support. Embracing this vision ensures a built environment that upholds dignity for all Ghanaians, paving the way for future generations.

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