In a statement copied to Ghana News Agency, he urged property owners, developers and enforcement authorities to conduct regular inspections and maintenance and prioritise occupant safety and well-being to help prevent disasters. 

The appeal follows the collapse of an uncompleted three-storey structure at the Accra New-Town Experimental School in the Greater Accra Region on Sunday, March 29.  

The incident resulted in the deaths of three persons and left 23 others injured.  

Authorities have since rescued all trapped individuals and commenced investigations to determine the cause of the collapse. 

Mr. Opare-Agyemang described the tragedy as a stark reminder of the consequences of non-compliance with established building safety regulations.  

“A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is more than just a document; it’s a guarantee that a building has met the required safety standards and is fit for habitation.  

“The Ghana Building Code, 2018 (Section 145), outlines the requirements for occupancy permits, emphasising the need for certification letters confirming compliance with the Code. We urge building owners to obtain COs before occupancy as mandated by the Ghana Building Code,” he stated. 

Mr. Opare-Agyemang commended the efforts of regulatory bodies in enforcing building codes but said “more needs to be done.” 

“As facility management professionals, we are committed to promoting a culture of safety and compliance. We call on building owners, developers, and authorities to ensure COs are obtained before occupancy, as mandated by the Ghana Building Code,” he added. 

The IFMA is the world’s foremost association for professionals in the industry, supporting over 23,000 members globally.   

Since the establishment of its Ghana Chapter in 2010, the Association has played a key role in promoting professional standards through education, research, and industry collaboration.