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IFMA-Ghana executives hold bilateral talks with Works and Housing Minister
Some members of the association with Mr. Francis Asenso-Boakye (middle)
Some executives and members of the Ghana Chapter of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA-Ghana) recently paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Works and Housing Mr. Francis Asenso-Boakye in Accra.
The visit, among other things, was to discuss how facility managers could help maintain public facilities that were deteriorating due to poor maintenance culture and also push for the need to pass legislation that would ensure every orginisation had a certified facility manager.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Sampson Opare-Agyemang, President of the association, raised concerns about the country’s public facilities and the chapter’s role in developing the capacity of facility managers in Ghana.
“Over the past years we have visited some technical universities and educated them on the need to start a course in Facility Management,” he noted.
According to him, one of the challenges facility managers faced was the absence of a maintenance manual to aid effective management of the buildings.
He, therefore, stressed the need for contractors to provide maintenance manuals to guide the operations of facility managers while Parliament initiates a bill to ensure effective regulation of activities within the built environment.
Responding to the plea of the team, Mr Asenso-Boakye also expressed delight and the ministry’s commitment to support the members of the association and other initiatives within the sector.
He further encouraged the team to continue public education on the essential role facility management played in ensuring the safety and sustainability of public and private infrastructure.
Founded in 1980, IFMA is the world’s largest and most widely recognised association for facility management professionals, supporting over 20,000 members in more than 100 countries.
The association, among other objectives, aims to “lead the future of the built environment to make the world a better place.” The Ghana Chapter, since its inception, continues to organise training programmes for new and existing members, and leading advocacy on the need to ensure public and private structures remain in good shape.
By Spectator Reporter
News
National Service Authority to Introduce Military Training
Management of the National Service Authority, yesterday, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, held talks with the Military High Command towards the implementation of the National Service Emergency Response Readiness Programme (NSERRP).
When implemented, this will reflect His Excellency the President’s commitment towards the implementation of a short military training for National Service Personnel (NSPs) as planned efforts to instill discipline, nationalism and physical fitness among Ghanaian graduates.
The President shared this position during his maiden State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Thursday February 27, 2025.
At yesterday ’s meeting, the Director-General, Mr. Felix Gyamfi reiterated the need for all personnel to undergo basic military drills and orientation as part of orienting the youth to embrace national development.
“The introduction of this military training is a step in the right direction and must be embraced by all and sundry as one of the indicators for resetting the country, particularly the youth,” he commented.
On his part, Brigadier General Amoah-Boakye assured the Authority of their willingness to provide the requisite training for personnel when the Programme officially commences.
In all, personnel will receive up to two months of composite basic military drills starting 3rd August, 2025.
News
Ghana Tourism Authority acts on concerns of minors allegedly taken to Hotel in Accra New Town.
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has taken swift action following reports circulating on social media regarding an incident involving minors allegedly taken to a hotel in Accra New Town.
The case has been formally reported to the Nima Division of the Ghana Police Service for investigation.
In line with their mandate to ensure safety and compliance in the tourism and hospitality sector, our CEO Mrs.Maame Efua Houadjeto delegated a team from the GTA Head Office, Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, Deputy CEO, Special Duties and Mr Ekow Sampson, Deputy CEO, Operations who joined the Greater Accra Regional Director, Ms. Roberta Dawson-Amoah, and the Deputy Director of Marketing, Ms. Clara Nketiah, to visit the said facility.
The objective was to verify the facts on the ground and take necessary regulatory action.
They commended the Ghana Police Service for their co-operation and continued support in the ongoing investigation.
Additionally, the team inspected Royal Dede Beach Resort, which has been converted into a hostel under new management without official notification to the Ghana Tourism Authority.
The team discovered that the hostel’s operations were not in compliance with the L. I 2239. Meanwhile the operator has been directed to the Standards and Quality Assurance Department of the Authority for the necessary regulation.
“We remind all accommodation operators that the Tourism(Registration and Licensing of Accommodation) Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2239) mandates every facility to register and obtain a license from the GTA before commencing operations.
This regulation ensures quality, safety, and compliance across the industry,” they noted.
The GTA they said, remains committed to safeguarding the public and upholding the highest standards in the hospitality sector and urged
the public to report suspicious or non-compliant facilities to the nearest GTA office.
