Housing Minister demands accountability from 3 regulatory boards
The Minister of Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has inaugurated the newly constituted governing boards of the Architects Registration Council (ARC), Ghana Hydrological Authority (HYDRO), and the Engineering Council, with a call for strategic leadership, ethical governance and stronger accountability to drive the country’s built environment forward.
He underscored the urgent need for coordinated action to address the country’s infrastructure challenges, particularly unsafe construction practices, worsening urban flooding and the impact of climate change on vulnerable coastal areas.
“The task ahead is challenging, but with your combined expertise, dedication and resolve, I believe you will lead architectural, engineering and hydrological practice in Ghana toward a future defined by safety, resilience and sustainability,” Mr Adjei said at the swearing-in ceremonies held in Accra last Monday.
Mr Adjei charged the new members to uphold the highest standards of architectural practice, enforce the national building code and ensure sustainable, safe and climate-resilient construction.
“Our buildings must not only be safe and functional, but also environmentally responsible and resilient to the effects of climate change. I expect you to lead efforts to encourage green building practices, efficient resource use, and the careful integration of locally sourced materials where appropriate,” he added.
He tasked them to promote ethical conduct, innovation and professional development, and resolve internal conflicts with the Ghana Institute of Architects.
The minister emphasised reviewing the outdated Architects Act, improving public awareness and signing a performance contract with the Registrar to ensure accountability and results in the council’s operations.
To the HYDRO Board, Mr Adjei enumerated pressing issues of coastal erosion and frequent flooding, which continue to threaten lives, property and livelihoods in Ghana.
He mentioned the rising impact of climate change, poor urban planning and indiscriminate waste disposal as key contributors.
“In Ghana, flooding, unfortunately, ranks second among natural disasters and hazards, behind only epidemics.
The human and economic toll is immense, with hundreds of deaths, hundreds of millions in estimated damages, and millions of lives impacted over the past centuries,” he lamented.
The minister charged the board to provide strategic leadership by developing a comprehensive, practical and innovative plan to combat coastal erosion and flooding.
He also stressed the need for sustainable solutions, measurable outcomes, stakeholder collaboration, and alignment with national development goals to build a resilient country.
Engineering Council
Mr Adjei underscored the council’s crucial role in regulating engineering practice and safeguarding national infrastructure standards.
He urged the board to uphold ethical conduct, enforce strict licensing and eliminate substandard practices that endanger public safety.
The minister also stated that the importance of climate-resilient infrastructure, local content promotion and high engineering standards aligned with national development goals.
Mr Adjei, therefore, admonished the board to resist political interference, ensure value for money and build a capable team.
“We expect the Council to serve as a beacon of excellence in infrastructure delivery, ensuring that every project — whether a rural bridge, a national highway, a public hospital or a water treatment facility — serves the future to the highest standards, is climate resilient and meets the long-term needs of our communities,” he added.
