The Head of the Local Government Service, Ing. Dr. Nana Ato Arthur has stressed the urgent need for a streamlined and efficient building permitting system to drive growth and infrastructure development. He said, this was in line with the transformative initiative spearheaded by the Local Government Service which aims to enhance the role of Engineers in local governance and national development. 

The Head of Service made the call when he addressed the Second Annual General Meeting of the Local Government Service Engineers Association (LoGSEA) held under the theme “Towards Effective and Efficient Building Permitting System: The role of Local Government Service Engineers”in Accra.

He acknowledged that Engineers are at the forefront of our development agenda since their expertise remains crucial in transforming our permitting processes to ensure sustainable development.

Ing. Dr. Ato Arthur outlined several key initiatives designed to empower Engineers and improve their effectiveness. These include the establishment of the Committee of Heads of Development Permitting Institutions, which he chairs. This committee he said has been tasked with reforming the permitting process, reducing bureaucratic delays, and introducing a unified e-system for permit administration.

Ing. Dr. Arthur also called for a focus on professional development, urging Engineers to continuously update their skills and embrace new technologies. He emphasized professionalism and continuous learning as the bedrock of effective service delivery. 

He bemoaned the issue of corruption in the permitting process and advocated for a transparent and accountable system. "We must root out corrupt practices and ensure that our permitting system is fair, efficient, and accessible to all. This will not only enhance public trust but also attract more investments into our communities," he advocated.

The meeting highlighted the collaboration between the Ministry of Local Government Decentralisation and Rural Development and the World Bank, aimed at reforming and improving the permitting process.

Ing. Dr. Arthur reiterated the government's commitment to providing the necessary resources and support to local government Engineers.

He encouraged the Engineers to lead with integrity and innovation and to work together to create a permitting system that supports development, fosters growth, and enhances the quality of life for all Ghanaians. 

The programme was chaired by Architect Richard Nii Dadey, President of the Ghana Institute of Architects with the Minister for Works and Housing who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Prince Hamid Armah as the Guest of Honour and the Minister for Local Government Decentralisation and Rural Development who was also represented by his Deputy, Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah Esq. as the Special Guest of Honour. 

Also present were the Chief Directors of the Office of the Head of Local Government Service and the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, Mrs. Felicia Dapaah Agyeman-Boakye and Mrs. Lilian Baeka Esq. respectively. 

The programme was held at the Nathan Quao Auditorium of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG).

Sompaonline.com/Nana Yaw Boamah