Architects at the gathering. Inset: Arc. Robert Fraikue facilitating the workshop
The Architects Registration Council (ARC) of Ghana has warned all building design technicians, technologists and draughtsmen operating in the country to acquire licenses in order to operate effectively.
The Registrar of the ARC, Stella N.D. Arthiabah, said that by September 2017, it shall be an offence to practice without license in the country.
“We are calling on all building design technicians, technologists and draughtsmen without licenses to contact the ARC Office in Accra for registration guidelines.
Mrs. Arthiabah made the call at an introductory workshop in Ho, the Volta Regional capital, to register and categorize building design technicians, technologists & draughtsmen in the country as part of plans to license them.
The workshop was organized by the National Board of Control for Building Design Technicians & Draughtsmen under the auspices of the Architects Registration Council (ARC) and the Ministry of Works and Housing (MWH).
The workshop formed part of a road show being organized to sensitize the building design technicians on the ongoing exercise to register and categorize them.
The first one was held in Accra and later in Cape Coast. The team is expected to visit Kumasi, Sunyani and Tamale as well.
Lead facilitator of the workshop was Arc. Robert Fraikue, Principal Assist. Registrar of ARC, who took participants through requirements and the process for registration, categorization of members based on educational background and experience.
Mrs. Arthiabah noted that building technicians play a significant role in the development of every nation, adding that a single error on their part could create serious problems that may be difficult to correct.
She said the National Board of Control for Building Design Technicians & Draughtsmen was formed in response to calls by key industry players and the general public, such as the Association of Building Technicians (ABT) and the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) to enhance professionalism in the building and construction industry.
“With the help of the Ministry of Works and Housing, the Board has been set up with the aim of ensuring professionalism in the delivery of technical services within the built environment professions, and creation of a safe and sustainable built environment for all,” she said.
BY Melvin Tarlue