Prof Gyan urges homebuilders to seek professional advice, obtain permits

Legal expert Professor Kwame Gyan has advised prospective homeowners to seek professional guidance and obtain all necessary permits before commencing any construction projects. Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on September 11th, Gyan emphasized the importance of seeking advice from qualified built-environment professionals to avoid potential legal, safety, and financial risks associated with DIY construction.

According to Gyan, Ghana's building laws and standards mandate strict compliance, and engaging professional services is strongly recommended. He explained that the built-environment professionals possess the expertise to guide homeowners through the planning and construction process. Obtaining a building permit is mandatory, as stipulated by the Local Governance Act of 2016 (Act 936), which prohibits construction without the required permit.

Gyan highlighted that the requirement for proper land use planning and approval is not a recent development, citing Article 267(3) of the 1992 Constitution that requires certification that a proposed land use is consistent with an approved development plan. Beyond the building permit, Gyan stressed the necessity of securing a fire permit and ensuring that buildings are designed to provide safe escape routes in case of a fire outbreak.

He expressed concern over substandard building designs that could trap occupants during emergencies, attributing the issue partly to developers' failure to adhere to established construction standards. Gyan also called for consideration of energy efficiency from the design stage, citing Ghana Standard 1207 of 2018, which covers various building requirements, including energy efficiency.

He urged homeowners to ensure their buildings comply with relevant energy standards to promote safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.