IFC Edge & STMA engage stakeholders on ‘green’ buildings

The International Finance Corporation in collaboration with the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly has organized a day’s workshop for various stakeholders to discuss and deliberate on Green Ghana Buildings in Ghana.

The workshop held on 26th February 2019 at Takoradi, Western Region focused on creating awareness on the benefits and need for Green Buildings and discussed the IFC’s EDGE Green Building Market Transformation Program.

It was also to highlight the green measures that has been incorporated in the new Ghana Building Code and the way forward to push the country towards a sustainably built environment.

Addressing the participants, Sekondi-Takoradi Mayor, Hon. Anthony K.K Sam said the assembly would introduce a maiden development control week agenda to sensitize indigenes on land development and processes of getting land documents.

He said promoting green buildings is a practical and effective way in achieving GHG reduction.

The Sekondi-Takoradi Mayor emphasized that the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly has a greater leverage in strategic city planning in governance and management to face the urban challenge from constructions and operations through subscription to the URBANAC’s Open Governance Programme.

He indicated that the metropolis will experience dramatic change with the Takoradi business centre “Market Circle” undergoing a major facelift with green structures.

Hon. Anthony K.K Sam urged stakeholders to continually work together to plant the ideas and project in partnership and collaboration that will enhance the sustainability of buildings for future generations.

In a closing remark during the open discussion, the Operation Officer of Green Building Lead Ghana Climate Business Department, Mr. Dennis Papa Odenyi Quansah hinted that the main priority or target of the IFC’s EDGE program is for Ghana to have a lot more green buildings in our cities.

Meanwhile, they will continue to engage the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly to provide incentives to encourage residents and developers to put up green buildings.

On his part, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Green Building Council, Mr.  Foster Osai-Akonor said in 2015 Ghana and sixteen other countries under the United Nations signed a Sustainable Development Goals initiative which has to be achieved in 2030.

“Green is about buildings that are environmentally friendly, energy efficient, using resource wisely and saving other relevant materials”

Mr. Osai-Akonnor stated.

By: BENJAMIN BRAY