The Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) has expressed concern over the lack of architects in metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs), and said the absence of built-environment professionals contributes significantly to the chaotic and unplanned development across the country.
At the Institute’s 2025 annual general meeting in Cape Coast, the President of GIA, Tony Asare, said that only 10 out of the 261 MMDAs currently had professional architects.
He said the yawning gap was partly responsible for the uncontrolled siting of kiosks, unauthorised structures and the disorderly city layouts.
The president added that 20 per cent of all structures in the country were kiosks or containers, describing the situation as worrying for a developing nation.
The three-day event was on the theme: “From castles to our future cities: Lessons for sustainable development.”
Present were the Central Regional Minister, Aduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere, architects, academia, students and key stakeholders in the built environment who discussed strategies for safeguarding the country’s architectural landscape.
The Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast and Executive Chairman of Jonah Capital, Sir Sam Esson Jonah, was the guest of honour.
Mr Asare, therefore, entreated the government to employ architects and other built environment professionals to ensure sustainable development at the district level.
“City planning is not just about erecting buildings, it is about creating vibrant, resilient and inclusive spaces that foster growth, innovation and human flourishing,” he said.
Mr Asare said that as cities expanded, the nation must harness technology, creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle challenges related to sustainable development, climate resilience and inclusive growth.
The Central Regional Minister assured the institute of the government’s commitment to increasing the number of architects within MMDAs.
Mr Okyere also encouraged the use of more local building materials, citing rising costs of cement and the need for sustainable alternatives.
He highlighted the significance of Cape Coast’s iconic castles and forts, touting them as monuments that reflected centuries of durable architectural practice as lessons for modern city planning.
In a goodwill message, the Deputy Minister of Works and Housing, Gizella Tetteh Agbotui, who is an architect, reaffirmed the ministry’s partnership with the GIA in advancing sustainable housing and infrastructure.
She said architects were central to shaping future cities, adding “architects are not just designers of buildings, they are designers of possibilities.
Every sketch, every line, every dot has the potential to shape the future of our country”.
Mrs Agbotui affirmed the ministry’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the institute in areas of research, sustainable material use, design competitions, mentorship, capacity building and strengthening contractor competencies.
The principal architect of MultiCAD Consulting, Joseph Hayford, urged members to uphold the highest standards of professionalism.
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