GSA presents copies of Ghana Building Code to MMDAs
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has begun the distribution of free copies of Ghana’s first published ‘Building Code’ to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Western and Western-North regions to help them begin the implementation and enforcement of building and structural regulations.
The presentation of hard copies of the ‘Building Code’ to the assemblies is expected to serve as a guide for the application of regulations and standards required in putting up any building in the country.
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The strict application of the ‘Building Code’ is also expected to rid the country of the construction of buildings without due adherence to health and safety standards.
Essence
The Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority, Prof Alex Dodoo who led the team from the GSA to conduct the exercise said the Western Region must open up for more investments to remain the “goose that laid the golden egg”.
He said although the enforcement of the Code was difficult, it was also important in raking in revenue for the assemblies.
“In relation to the code, my plea to all of you is that you know you are to enforce and we are giving you a reason for the enforcement although we know
it’s a lot of work but we also know that it will generate a lot of revenue for you,” he said.
He said the Authority will provide the needed technical support to the assemblies to help them in fulfilling their enforcement obligations.
Collaboration
The Western Regional Minister, Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah said the document presented was helpful as it simplifies the processes of construction with certainty.
“The building and construction industry should see us [MMDA’s] as people serving them and not Policemen trying to intimidate them so I see the distribution of the Building Code for the betterment of the people in the region,” he said.