Works and Housing minister promises free land, funds for architects

The Minister for Works and Housing Samuel Atta Akyea has pledged his unflinching support for Ghanaian architects and building developers who are pushing for the use of alternative materials, which reduce the negative impacts of building on the environment.

According to him, he could facilitate a budgetary allocation as well as free lands for architects who are keen on partnering with the government in developing Ghana’s Green Building initiative.

The minister made the promise while delivering a keynote address on the role of the ministry in promoting alternative material use at the 2nd edition of the Ghana Green Building summit, Thursday, June 13, 2019, at the Kempinski Gold Coast hotel.

He noted that if Ghanaian architects would be able to develop a world-class prototype building which would use mainly local building materials, and is cost-effective, he, on behalf of his ministry would provide a free land space and a budgetary allocation for such persons.

“Industry players will be sponsored, let’s have the first world-class prototype where you’ll mix pozzolana and cement and then we get that structure. Trust me when it comes out...and you show that it’s even cost effective as measured against even foreign technology...trust me we’ll promote it.” He said.

Mr. Atta Akyea emphasized that “...because of this conversation, we’ll even allot some money for you if you want to put your energies together and let’s say that this is a Ghanaian initiative...In fact, I promise you also where you’ll do your prototype building, the land, we’ll give it to you for free and let’s see the Ghanaian seriously doing something...”

The minister amongst other things noted that the private sector plays very instrumental roles in driving the economy, hence the need for government to create an enabling environment for them to thrive.

The Ghana Green Building is aimed at evaluating efforts in reducing the negative impact of real estate projects on the environment while conserving natural resources.

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