Some local government assemblies are putting money first instead of public safety, according to Gifty Nyarko, Head of the Physical Planning Department. She is also the National President of the Local Government Service.
Nyarko says these Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies MMDAs collect fees for building permits. However, they are not properly checking if the buildings are safe or if they follow the rules for planning.
This means buildings might be put up in unsafe areas or without the right safety measures. The focus on earning money from fees is overshadowing the important job of enforcing planning laws.
A Named Official stated that this practice leads to poor development. It can cause problems like unsafe structures and bad land use.
The Physical Planners Association is concerned about these MMDAs. They believe the assemblies should be ensuring that all construction projects meet safety and planning standards.
Nyarko believes that proper planning enforcement is crucial for the safety and well-being of citizens. It ensures that communities are developed in a structured and secure way.
The official stressed the need for MMDAs to balance revenue generation with their responsibility to ensure public safety. They must follow the rules for urban planning.
This issue affects how cities and towns are built and can have long-term consequences for residents. It highlights a need for better oversight of MMDAs' planning enforcement practices.