Accra, Sept. 1, GNA - The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Hackman Owusu- Agyemang on Thursday bemoaned the high cost of construction, saying it was a major disincentive to delivery of affordable housing. Speaking at the fifth Induction Ceremony of newly admitted architects, the Minister said high construction cost coupled with problems of land acquisition and non-existent infrastructures in newly developed areas had combined to rob the average worker of the ability to afford a house.

He, therefore, urged professionals in the construction industry to do more to help achieve lower costs.

Mr Owusu-Agyemang said the construction sector was an important segment in the country's development process because it formed the base of infrastructure growth.

Fourteen newly qualified architects were inducted by the Architects Registration Council of Ghana, the body charged with the promotion and control of the practice of architecture and ensuring high professional education, practice and conduct.

Mr Owusu-Agyemang said the Government was working on the review of the housing policy and would take some drastic measures to ensure that the average worker could afford a house.

He asked the architects to avail themselves of opportunities outside the major cities to influence the development process in those areas.

Alhaji Alhassan Dawuni, Chairman, Architects Registration Council, asked the Government to establish a committee to look into the high level of professional fees.

He said any committee put in place must include all construction related professionals to ensure that any guidelines drawn would meet the needs of both the public and private sectors.

Alhaji Dawuni asked the newly inducted architects to be mindful of their professional undertaking and integrity.