On October 7, 2026, President John Dramani Mahama addressed the National Conference on Housing Finance at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Ghana. He emphasized the need for accountability in building safety regulations. According to President Mahama, officials responsible for ensuring building safety must be sanctioned when houses collapse due to failures in the permitting and enforcement process. This call for action aims to address the frequent occurrence of building collapses in Ghana.
President Mahama expressed concern about the effectiveness of building permits and enforcement at the district assembly level. He noted that developers are required to obtain permits from relevant assemblies to ensure buildings meet safety standards. However, he observed that construction often continues despite stop-work orders issued by assemblies. This practice can have devastating consequences when structurally unsafe buildings eventually collapse.
The President highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of building collapses, particularly the enforcement of building regulations by district assemblies. He warned that some developers allegedly continue construction despite stop-work notices, sometimes under the assumption that the notices are intended merely to discourage other people from interfering with their projects. President Mahama tasked the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and district assemblies to take the issue seriously and establish accountability when building safety regulations are breached.
President Mahama emphasized that adequate housing must not only be affordable but also safe, accessible, and connected to essential services. He noted that Ghana's housing challenge goes beyond the construction of additional units, stressing the need to address poor sanitation, overcrowding, insecure tenure, and inadequate access to utilities. The President called for a comprehensive approach to housing development.
The President also called for housing developments to be planned alongside roads, drainage systems, water, schools, and healthcare facilities. He noted that a cheaper house can still become unaffordable if residents have to spend excessive amounts on transportation or basic services. This integrated approach aims to deliver safe and affordable communities.
President Mahama stressed that land administration, planning approvals, infrastructure provision, and housing finance must work together to achieve the goal of safe and affordable housing. He encouraged stakeholders to collaborate in addressing Ghana's housing challenges. The President's remarks underscore the need for a coordinated effort to ensure that housing development is sustainable and safe.
In conclusion, President Mahama's call for sanctions over building collapses highlights the need for accountability in building safety regulations in Ghana. The President's emphasis on a comprehensive approach to housing development and the importance of enforcement at the district assembly level aims to address the root causes of building collapses and ensure that housing is safe, affordable, and accessible to all.
Key points
- President Mahama demands sanctions for officials responsible for building safety when houses collapse due to enforcement failures.
- The President emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to housing development, including planning, infrastructure, and finance.
- President Mahama stresses the importance of enforcement at the district assembly level to prevent building collapses.
