{
  "id": 13325870,
  "title": "Uncontrolled urban development threatens safety, environment – Amissah-Koomson",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/uncontrolled-urban-development-threatens-safety-environment-amissah",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-10T04:09:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ghana Business News",
    "slug": "ghana-business-news",
    "url": "https://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2026/10/10/uncontrolled-urban-development-threatens-safety-environment-amissah-koomson/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Accra's Mr Charles Amissah-Koomson, President of the Architectural Society of Ghana, has raised concerns that uncontrolled urban development and extensive vegetation removal could exacerbate environmental hazards, particularly flooding. He highlighted that excessive construction in urban centers was resulting in the haphazard cutting of trees and inadequate landscaping around structures, which endangered efforts to build sustainable and resilient communities. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Amissah-Koomson stressed the necessity of enhanced cooperation among experts, developers, government bodies, and the public to ensure urban development is meticulously planned and environmentally conscious. He noted that today, urban areas witness unchecked building without oversight; any financially able individual seeks property investment, ultimately leading to tree removal. The proliferation of concrete structures and paved surfaces in cities is diminishing green spaces and heightening environmental perils, such as flooding. He expressed worry over building collapses, underscoring the need for better planning, design, and construction standards. Mr Amissah-Koomson advocated for adopting principles of traditional architecture, focusing on designs that maximize natural light and ventilation. These traditional buildings typically included courtyards and open areas that improved air circulation and sunlight, whereas many contemporary structures heavily rely on artificial lighting and air-conditioning systems. He emphasized that modern buildings should not result in darkness once occupied and should function without air conditioning. Mr Amissah-Koomson urged architects and engineers to intensify public education on the long-term effects of construction choices, stressing that the initial building cost should not be the sole factor. While some building choices might seem cheaper initially, they can negatively impact occupants' health and safety if they result in poorly ventilated, unhealthy living or working environments. He pointed out that architects' role extends beyond designing structures to ensuring buildings provide safe, healthy, and functional spaces for people. \"Architects must ensure a safe environment for everyone, especially in schools, hospitals, and homes. Wherever people sleep or work, it must be safe,\" he said. Therefore, he called for ongoing collaboration between professionals and the public to promote urban growth that balances investment, environmental preservation, and public safety. This collaboration is vital in tackling issues like flooding, vegetation loss, and unsafe construction, while fostering healthier, safer, and more resilient communities.",
  "summary": "Mr Charles Amissah-Koomson, President of the Architectural Society of Ghana, has warned that uncontrolled urban development and the widespread removal of vegetation could worsen environmental challenges, particularly flooding. The post Uncontrolled urban development threatens safety, environment – Amissah-Koomson appeared first on Ghana Business News .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}