Kumasi, Aug 8, GNA- The Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA), has decried the high rate at which buildings were being constructed in the country without due diligence to building regulations by developers. Mr. William Evans-Anfom, National President of the Institute, who made the observation, said the situation could get out of hand and result in environmental degradation and collapse of urban settings if concrete measures were not instituted to reverse the trend. He was speaking at the mid-year meeting of the GIA, under the theme "Architecture-the New Direction for Sustainable Development", which was organized in Kumasi on Friday.

Mr. Evans-Anfom said the GIA was collaborating with the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment, on the possibility of attaching architectural firms to the assemblies for them to play oversight responsibility over the inspection of buildings. He said this would ensure proper planning at all stages of the construction of buildings and to conform to environmental regulations to enhance eco-system and bio-diversity.

Mr. Ekow Sampson, Northern Sector Chairman of the GIA, urged the participants to reflect on their achievements and challengers and chart a new path towards the total development of the institute.