Dr. Prince Hamid Armah, who serves as both Member of Parliament for Kwesimintsim constituency and Advisor to Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Minister for Works and Housing, has called for a more efficient approach to the built environment to ensure a sustainable future.
In a keynote address at the prioritization workshop dubbed ‘Transforming Ghana’s Built Environment through Sustainable Materials,’ Dr. Armah stated that one of the primary strategies that could be adopted is the promotion of energy-efficient designs.
“We must employ strategic approaches to minimize the environmental footprint of the built environment through sustainable design, materials, and practices. This means implementing energy-efficient systems, obtaining green building certifications, sourcing green building materials, and practicing water conservation,” he said.
“Moreover, sustainable transportation and urban planning, climate-resilient design, education and training, innovative technologies, and stakeholder collaboration should form the bedrock of our strategy. Each element is crucial to ensuring that we construct buildings that serve the dual purpose of meeting human needs and protecting the environment,” he added.
The workshop, a collaborative effort between the Government of Ghana, UN-Habitat, and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPs), showcased Ghana’s commitment to revolutionizing its construction sector for a greener, more resilient future.
The Deputy Minister- designate for the Ministry of Works and Housing acknowledged the profound influence of Ghana’s cultural heritage on its architecture and urban landscapes.
However, he also highlighted the need to integrate sustainability into Ghana’s built environment while preserving its cultural identity. He noted that sustainable construction practices are not just about reducing environmental impact but also about honouring and preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage for future generations.
Drawing attention to the environmental challenges posed by traditional construction methods, Dr. Armah emphasized the potential for improvement through the prioritization of sustainable materials.
“According to the United Nations Environment Programme 2022, ‘The built environment sector is one of the largest contributors to climate change, responsible for more than a third (37 percent) of global energy-related carbon emissions.’ Moreover, this sector accounts for 40% of global energy consumption, 30% of global raw materials extraction, 12% of global water consumption, and 20% of global waste generation. These stark numbers illustrate the magnitude of the challenge but also highlight the tremendous potential for improvement,” Dr. Armah said.
The main objective of the prioritization workshop is to decarbonize the building and construction sector by 2050 and promote the use of low-carbon construction materials.
Dr. Armah concluded with a commitment from participants to implement the strategies outlined and accelerate Ghana’s transition to sustainable construction practices.
