The Chairperson of Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee, Hon. Queenstar Maame Pokuah Sawyerr, has called on Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) to develop comprehensive plans to replace deteriorating buildings and improve housing conditions for residents.
Hon. Sawyerr expressed concern over the collapse of old buildings in Cape Coast, emphasising the urgent need for proper redevelopment, building reconstruction and urban planning measures to prevent further incidents and protect lives.
She stressed that Regional Coordinating Councils must take proactive steps to identify unsafe structures and establish clear strategies for the rehabilitation and replacement of dilapidated buildings.
The lawmaker made the remarks when the Central Regional Coordinating Council appeared before the Local Government and Rural Development Committee to present its 2025 Annual Statement of the Audit Committee.
Parliament Calls for Improved Housing and Urban Development
The call highlights the importance of effective local government administration, proper housing management and sustainable urban development in Ghana.
Ageing buildings and deteriorating residential structures remain concerns for communities where inadequate maintenance and poor building conditions can pose risks to residents.
Hon. Sawyerr’s remarks underscore the need for coordinated action by regional authorities and local assemblies to improve housing safety, strengthen infrastructure and support orderly community development.
Developing effective redevelopment plans could also help local authorities identify vulnerable buildings, prioritise reconstruction projects and improve living conditions for people across the Central Region.
Central Regional Coordinating Council Appears Before Parliamentary Committee
The public hearing brought together the Central Regional Coordinating Council and several Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the Central Region.
The participating assemblies included Agona West, Effutu, Awutu Senya East, Cape Coast Metropolitan, Upper Denkyira East, Gomoa Central, Gomoa West, Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Assin North, Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam, Awutu Senya, Mfantseman, Gomoa East, Assin Fosu, Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa, Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem, Assin South, Upper Denkyira West, Ekumfi, Twifo-Atti Morkwa, Twifo-Hemang Lower Denkyira and Agona East.
The engagement provided an opportunity for the committee to review the regional council’s audit-related statement and discuss issues concerning local government operations and development priorities.
Need for Stronger Building Safety Measures in Cape Coast
The reported collapse of old buildings in Cape Coast has renewed attention on the need for effective building maintenance, safer residential accommodation and improved urban planning.
Regional and local authorities play an important role in promoting compliance with building regulations, identifying potentially dangerous structures and supporting appropriate redevelopment initiatives.
A coordinated approach involving the Regional Coordinating Council, district assemblies and relevant authorities could help address deteriorating infrastructure and reduce risks associated with unsafe buildings.
Hon. Sawyerr’s call places housing safety, infrastructure renewal and improved living conditions among the important issues requiring attention from local government authorities in the Central Region.
Source: newsthemegh.com