Architects Registration Council commits to sanitise built environment
The Architects Registration Council (ARC) has successfully concluded a field compliance monitoring exercise across selected project sites in the country to ensure high standards in architectural practice.
The acting Registrar of the Council, Josephine Essie M. Kpesese, explained that the initiative was undertaken to verify whether architectural works on site were being executed in accordance with approved architectural drawings, professional standards and applicable building regulations.
She noted that a key focus of the inspection was to confirm that architectural designs for projects were prepared by duly qualified architects registered with the council and that such professionals were in good standing.
The compliance team also assessed whether approved architectural drawings and permits were available on site; architectural supervision was being undertaken by registered professionals; construction works conformed to approved designs; and architectural works complied with the Ghana Building Code GS 1207:2018 and other applicable standards.
According to Ms Kpesese, the exercise represented a two-way regulatory process aimed not only at enforcement but also at sensitising, educating and sanitising the built environment sector in the interest of public safety.
“Our inspections and engagements over time have revealed that while some projects demonstrate satisfactory levels of compliance and professional supervision, there remain concerning cases of unauthorised practice, inadequate supervision, non-compliance with approved drawings and disregard for regulatory requirements,” she stated.
She emphasised that such practices compromise public safety, weaken confidence in the profession and expose the public to avoidable risks.
She warned that where non-compliance was identified, the appropriate enforcement actions would be taken.
These include issuance of notices of non-compliance, directives for corrective action and regularisation and collaboration with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to enforce stop-work directives in cases involving serious violations or unsafe practices.
She said project owners and consultants would be allowed to rectify deficiencies within specified timelines by engaging registered architects in good standing and ensuring adherence to approved standards and regulations.
She, however, cautioned that failure to comply with directives or continued unauthorised practice would attract sanctions in accordance with the Architects Act and other applicable laws.
Commitment to professional standards
Ms Kpesese reaffirmed the council’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the architectural profession and promoting safe, accountable and compliant development practices across Ghana.
She cautioned developers, consultants, contractors and all persons engaged in construction activities to desist from unauthorised architectural practice and non-compliance with approved designs.
“The era of unchecked professional violations and unregulated construction practices must come to an end,” she stressed, adding that the council would intensify monitoring, enforcement and collaboration with relevant authorities.
The Chairman of the Compliance Monitoring Committee, Samuel M. Quartey, observed that many construction projects across the city and other parts of the country were not supported by registered architects.
“This is a serious concern, and the public must be protected,” he stated.
He indicated that the committee would continue the exercise in the coming weeks, extending visits to various sites nationwide.
