Mr Sampson Opare-Agyemang, President of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Ghana Chapter, has encouraged stakeholders in the built environment to prioritise the issuing and enforcement of Certificates of Occupancy before allowing the usage of multi-story buildings.
He urged property owners, developers, and law enforcement officials to emphasise tenant safety and well-being and carry out routine maintenance and inspections in order to assist prevent calamities, in a statement copied to Ghana News Agency.
The appeal comes after an incomplete three-story building at the Accra New-Town Experimental School in the Greater Accra Region collapsed on Sunday, March 29.
Three people were killed and twenty-three others were injured in the event.
Since then, authorities have freed everyone who was trapped and started looking into what caused the collapse.
According to Mr Opare-Agyemang, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of what happens when established building safety norms are broken.
A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is more than simply a paper; it’s an assurance that a structure satisfies the necessary safety requirements and is suitable for occupancy.
“The Ghana Building Code, 2018 (Section 145), outlines the requirements for occupancy permits, emphasising the need for certification letters confirming compliance with the Code. We urge building owners to obtain COs before occupancy as mandated by the Ghana Building Code,” he said.
While praising regulatory agencies’ attempts to enforce construction rules, Mr Opare-Agyemang stated that “more needs to be done.”
“As facility management professionals, we are committed to promoting a culture of safety and compliance. We call on building owners, developers, and authorities to ensure COs are obtained before occupancy, as mandated by the Ghana Building Code,” he continued.
With more than 23,000 members worldwide, the IFMA is the leading organization for experts in the field.
Through teaching, research, and industry engagement, the Association has been instrumental in advancing professional standards since the founding of its Ghana Chapter in 2010.
Source: newsthemegh.com