The Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) has held its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) with passionate appeal to Government to address the shortage of Professional Architects within Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDA’s), warning that the absence of built-environment professionals is contributing significantly to the chaotic and unplanned development across the country.
GIA President, Arc. Tony Asare who made the appeal in his address during the Institute’s 2025 Annual General Meeting held in Cape Coast, on Thursday, 20th November 2025, revealed that only 10 out of Ghana’s 261 MMDAs currently have professional architects, an alarming gap they say is partly responsible for the uncontrolled erection of kiosks, unauthorized structures, and disorderly city layouts.
According to the Institute, 20 percent of all structures in the country are kiosks or containers, a statistic they describe as troubling for a developing nation.
Call for Government Action
The Institute reiterated the urgent need for Government to employ Professional Architects and other built environment Professionals to guide 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,” Arc Asare stated.
He further emphasized that as Ghana’s cities expand, the nation must harness technology, creativity, and interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle challenges related to sustainable development, climate resilience, and inclusive growth.
This year’s AGM was held under the Theme: ‘From Castles to our Future Cities: Lessons for Sustainable Development.’ Guest Speaker was Sir Samuel Esson Jonah, Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast & Executive Chairman of Jonah Capital.
The event was graced by several dignitaries including: A delegation from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, led by Mr. Kofi Ohene Benning, Director of Finance and Administration, The Central Regional Minister, Hon. Aduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere and A representation from the Oguaa Traditional Area, on behalf of Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, Omanhene of Oguaa.
Government’s Commitment
The Central Regional Minister Aduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere assured the Institute that government is committed to increasing the number of architects within MMDAs. He also encouraged the use of more local building materials, citing rising costs of cement and the need for sustainable alternatives.
Mr. Okyere highlighted the significance of Cape Coast’s iconic castles and forts, touting them as monuments that reflect centuries of durable architectural practice as lessons for modern city planning.
Delivering the keynote address, Sir Samuel Esson Jonah described the theme as timely, noting that architecture is a profound reflection of a nation’s values. He therefore urged architects to uphold integrity, resist societal ills such as corruption and galamsey, and ensure that Ghanaian architecture continues to reflect the nation’s culture and heritage.
“Do not be over-reliant on cement. Let us be innovative. Integrity builds; advocacy builds. You are custodians of standards and so do not lower your voices on issues affecting society,” he charged.
Partnership for sustainable Housing and Infrastructure
In a goodwill message, the Deputy Minister for Works and Housing, Arc. Gizella Tetteh Agbotui, reaffirmed the Ministry’s partnership with the GIA in advancing sustainable housing and infrastructure and emphasized that architects are central to shaping Ghana’s future cities: “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.”
She announced the Ministry’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the Institute in areas such as research, sustainable material use, design competitions, mentorship, capacity building, and strengthening contractor competencies.
Call for Professional Excellence
Chairman of the function, Arc. Joseph E. Hayford, Principal Architect of MultiCAD Consulting, urged members to uphold the highest standards of professionalism. He encouraged deep deliberation at this year’s AGM to produce design and planning solutions that balance economic, social, and environmental needs.
About the GIA 2025 AGM
The three-day event brought together Professional Architects, academia, student architects, and key stakeholders in the built environment to discuss strategies for safeguarding Ghana’s architectural landscape. Activities held included: Opening day paper presentations, The AGM Business & CSR Day, Excursions to the Cape Coast Castle, Kakum National Park, Fun games and a Gala Night which climaxed the event with awards to outstanding members. The Ghana Institute of Architects reaffirmed its dedication to sensitizing members, engaging Government stakeholders, and strengthening capacity towards building sustainable, culturally grounded, and future-ready cities.
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