Government must be intentional about managing state facilities - IFMA-Ghana

The president of the International Facility Management Association, Ghana (IFMA-Ghana), Sampson Opare-Agyemang is entreating government to be intentional about managing state facilities and ensuring that each facility is managed by a professional.

His comment follows concerns of continuous deterioration of state facilities due to poor management.

He was speaking at the launch of this year’s World Facility Management Day which is set to take place on May 8, on the theme: ‘Inspire, integrate, innovate: Ignite your career in FM’.

Mr. Prince Botwe of IFMA-Ghana adding his voice to the call urged government to invest in training programmes for facility managers, noting that by prioritising the training and accreditation of facility managers, the country can ensure the effective maintenance of infrastructures, leading to improved functionality and longevity.

Mr. Botwe stressed that investing in facility management training is not only essential for preserving national assets but also for fostering a culture of maintenance and sustainability.

“We always say that we do not have a maintenance culture. No, we have a maintenance culture, but it is the absence of facility managers. That is the question we keep asking. Now after all African games, what happens to the facilities? What next? And who ensures the functionality of these facilities? Is it going to be there like the usual facilities that we know, like Independence Square, the National Theater and others?

“Most of our national infrastructures are in a deplorable state. But I know that they rent these out for money. So, if it is something that is bringing us money, what it means is that we have to take good care of them, and those who take good care of them are the facility managers,” he noted.

Adopt cutting-edge technologies

Mr. Opare-Agyemang also urged facility managers to adopt cutting-edge technologies, sustainable methodologies, and collaborative strategies to drive progress within the industry.

He holds strongly that innovation remains critical to navigating and thriving in the ever-evolving industry.

He also emphasised the importance of integration and career development in the field of facility management.

“Our primary objective is to cultivate a renewed sense of inspiration among facility managers, encouraging them to wholeheartedly adopt cutting-edge technologies, sustainable methodologies, and collaborative strategies.

“By fostering a culture of integration, we strive to create seamless connections between professionals, organizations, and industries, recognising that collective efforts are essential for driving progress and achieving excellence in our endeavors,” he stated.

He said it is through this inspiration that his outfit seeks to propel a new generation of facility managers toward embracing innovative practices that will undoubtedly shape the future landscape of our industry.

Acknowledging the inherently multidisciplinary nature of this field, he underscores the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange among diverse stakeholders.

He then pledged his outfit’s commitment to further strengthen the bonds between stakeholders within the facility management community.