LOGSAPP commends government's commitment to enforce planning regulations

The Local Government Service Association of Physical Planning (LOGSAPP) has praised President John Mahama for his commitment to enforcing planning regulations and environmental safety to prevent haphazard developments.

While addressing the National Eid-ul-Fitr prayers in Accra on Monday, President Mahama condemned the illegal construction of buildings in waterways and attributed such practices to the devastating floods affecting many communities across the country. He described these illegal constructions as "a deeply troubling issue" that leads to consistent flooding and emphasized that building a better Ghana is a shared responsibility. He assured that the law would be enforced and that those who violate it would face consequences.

LOGSAPP believes that President Mahama's decisive and proactive approach can help create resilient cities for the future, impact wildlife systems, and protect natural habitats. Planner Gifty Nyarko, the Interim National President of LOGSAPP, told the media in an interview that the President's actions would facilitate the achievement of Goals 11 and 13 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative is expected to significantly foster sustainable urban growth and create livable cities for future generations.

According to the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act, 2016 (Act 925), Planner Nyarko explained the Assembly's mandate to ensure proper land use and spatial planning for sustainable development. She highlighted Section 121 of Act 925, which specifically addresses unauthorized development. The law empowers Assembly officers to remove, prohibit, or demolish any unauthorized structures that create nuisances to the environment, interfere with public spaces such as resource lands, urban utility spaces, riparian buffer zones, natural parks, forests, urban parks, recreational areas, health zones, infrastructure rights-of-way, and areas of cultural or historical interest, or violate zoning laws, building codes, and other land-use regulations.

Planner Ashmond Baffoe, the General Secretary of LOGSAPP, stated, "We planners are ready to support President Mahama's initiative," and called for stronger legal processes. He pointed out that "violators sometimes exploit legal loopholes to delay necessary demolitions." He emphasized the need for various Assemblies to employ lawyers to assist technocrats during law enforcement and prosecution stages.

Planner Baffoe also noted the insufficient enforcement capacity within the Assemblies, highlighting challenges such as a lack of resources, personnel, and advanced tools needed to monitor and effectively carry out their mandates. "The Physical Planning and Works Departments, responsible for preventing illegal structures, face significant limitations due to the absence of vehicles and modern technological tools for regular inspections," he stated.

Planner Kwabena Asiedu Bediako, the Vice President of LOGSAPP, suggested that accurate data on land features is essential for understanding land behavior, including risks of flooding, erosion, and soil instability. He emphasized that more detailed topographical studies, including soil type, slope, and water flow, are critical for ensuring land safety for construction.

Planner Ruth Agyeiwaa Badu, the Women's Commissioner of LOGSAPP, highlighted the need for systematic changes in areas such as political interference and the strengthening of departments to ensure compliance with regulations. She expressed concern that non-compliance with planning regulations has contributed to current market fire disasters and noted that women and children are the most vulnerable groups in such incidents.