Architects Registration Council of Ghana registers new Architects

The Architects Registration Council of Ghana has registered 43 newly-qualified Architects. The newly qualified Architects were inducted onto the Standing Register of Architects permitted to work in Ghana.

The qualified architects were inducted during the 16^thinduction of the Architects Registration Council of Ghana that took place in Accra under a champion theme ‘The Architect – A Vital Partner in Development’.

Turkson Stephen Leslie Bentum, Abbey Tei Mensah and Afram Maxwell Ofosuhene who were among the inductees were awarded with 1st Runner-up, 2nd Runner-up and Overall winner prizes respectively for Best Performance at the qualifying examinations.

According to Hon. Dr. Kwaku Agyeman-Mensah, the Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, the Ghana Building Code had been finalized and the Water Resources, Works and Housing Ministry is in the process to amend the building Regulations L.I. 1630 of 1996 to reflect the Code.

In the meantime, the Ministry is positively working on a strategy to implement the National Housing Policy which had the overall goal of providing safe, secure, adequate, affordable, and decent housing. Moreover, a bill for the establishment of a Real Estate Authority has already been presented before the parliament.

However, the proposed bill is expected to regulate real estate agency practice, commercial transactions in real estate, including the purchase, sale and leasing of Real Estate and related fixed assets and to provide for connected purposes.

With the increased development of high rise buildings and implications for shared ownership of common areas, a draft Condominium Bill has been concluded for cabinet approval. On the other hand the Rent Act is expected to instill sanity into rent administration in Ghana and to restructure the administrative structure of the Rent Control Department to make it more representative and assessable at the District level.

Inductees were urged to stand out in their field of endeavour and be relevant to society, given that the society does not recognise those who never stood out. Besides, in order to be able to make meaningful contributions to society, the inductees are similarly advised to be acquainted with contemporary best practices of the architectural profession and make public buildings accessible for persons with disability, safe and inclusive.

Arc. Joseph Hayford the President of the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) observed that the institute will acquire good reputation through the quality of each individual who strives for excellence in the service of clients, eschew corrupt practices and engage in ethical and truthful practice.

Arc. Henry Yartey, Chairman oftheGoverning Board, advised the inductees to acquire integrity, good conduct and fairness in delivering to the society. Inductees are urged to be guided by the Vision of ARC to be a Regulator of world class standards for professionalism in architectural practice as well as its Mission of promoting the practice of architecture, protecting the public by ensuring quality and sound professional conduct, education and practice.

Arc. Stella N.D. Arthiabah, the Registrar of the Architects Registration Council urged government and the general public to explore architecture for major policy tools for development. “Architecture is a strategic planning tool that helps you manage limited space and resources in a most effective way to meet your desired needs and enhance your efficiency,” she added. Arc. Arthiabah also said that the Council is strengthening its regulatory regime by developing an open and constructive relationship between itself and the regulated i.e. architects and technicians.

The Architects Registration Council has a dual responsibility for regulating the architectural profession, and protecting the general public from quacks.