Only 10 of Ghana’s 261 Assemblies Lack Licensed Architects: GIA Warns of National Safety Crisis

Introduction

The Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) has issued an urgent warning about a critical shortage of licensed architects in Ghana’s local governance structures, urging immediate action to address what it describes as a “nationwide safety menace.” With only 10 out of 261 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) currently employing qualified architects, the Institute highlights systemic risks to infrastructure quality, public safety, and sustainable urban development. Published on World Architecture Day 2025 under the theme “Design for Strength,” this report underscores the urgent need to align architectural oversight with Ghana’s building regulations and climate resilience goals.

Analysis: The Architect Shortage Crisis

The GIA’s findings reveal a stark gap between technical requirements and local governance capacity. Key drivers of this crisis include:

• Regulatory Deficiencies: Outdated Building Regulations (L.I. 2465, 2022)
• Resource Limitations: Limited budgets for MMDAs to hire licensed professionals
• Implementation Gaps: Frequent non-compliance with safety standards

World Architecture Day 2025: A Call to Action

Commemorating the global event, the GIA emphasized that safe, resilient design is neither optional nor aspirational—it is a fundamental public health imperative.

Risk of Structural Failures

Recent collapses of buildings in Accra and Kumasi exemplify the consequences of inadequate oversight, often linked to unqualified project evaluators and lax enforcement.

Summary

The GIA’s report highlights:
– Systemic understaffing in MMDAs undermines compliance with building standards
– Chronic safety hazards threaten communities, particularly in flood-prone and densely populated areas
– Holistic urban planning requires integrating architects, engineers, and policymakers

Key Points