Chartered Institute of Building Africa launches Ghana branch

Accra, Aug 17, GNA - The Ghana branch of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Africa, was launched in Accra on Monday with a call on members to bring the highest standards to bear on the construction industry.

Mr Saani Iddi, Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, who gave the advice, said the high rate of late completion of construction projects due to poor time management had often brought the industry into disrepute.

He, therefore, asked the leadership of CIOB Africa to collaborate with allied professional bodies and institutions to develop a clear policy on project programming and scheduling, to ensure accountability and help build the confidence of all stakeholders in the industry. "Government expects from you a definitive best practice guide to govern this industry because the future success of the construction sector depends on the availability of skilled professionals," he said. Mr Iddi pledged government's support to CIOB to make its presence in Ghana meaningful in building a strong construction industry. Ms Bridgette Gasa, President of CIOB Africa Region, said members of the Institute shared the commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest possible professional standards.

She said the role of the CIOB was to promote the importance of the "built environment in any economy", create an industry where excellence prospers and set the highest standards in quality safety and qualification.

In addition, the CIOB is supportive of the development and implementation of industry-wide anti-corruption mechanisms and committed to investigating complaints against members and instituting the necessary disciplinary measures.

"We believe in dealing with corruption, having transparency in our dealings and instilling ethics, which are governed by the CIOB code of conduct," Ms Gasa said.