By Ghana News
Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Deputy Chief of Staff, has called on stakeholders in Ghana鈥檚 built environment to embrace forward-looking, sustainable, and inclusive infrastructure development.
Speaking at the 2025 REACO International Conference in Accra on June 26, she emphasized the need for infrastructure that not only meets today鈥檚 needs but is also resilient enough to withstand future shocks.
Addressing a packed auditorium of engineers, architects, real estate developers, policymakers, and academics, Bampoe Addo commended REACO International for its consistent efforts in championing innovation, skills development, and sustainability in the construction and real estate sectors.
鈥淭he theme, 鈥楻esilient Infrastructure for a Changing World鈥, is not just timely鈥攊t is urgent,鈥 she declared.
鈥淲e must build systems and spaces that adapt, protect, and endure in the face of climate change, urbanization, pandemics, and digital disruption.鈥
Citing several infrastructure projects initiated under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, the former minister highlighted successes such as the Eastern Corridor Roads Project, Cocoa Roads Initiative, healthcare and educational infrastructure, and landmark interchanges across the country.
She also revealed plans under the NDC administration to complete and expand key developments, including the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project, a new Home Ownership Scheme for military personnel, and the revival of Made-in-Ghana materials like pozzolana cement.
Bampoe Addo unveiled a forward-looking policy package that includes partnerships for affordable housing, a revised Rent Act, climate financing for rural infrastructure, and a GH垄13.85 billion allocation under the 2025 鈥淏ig Push鈥 programme to fast-track national infrastructure development.
She further highlighted the recently launched National Apprenticeship Programme as a strategic initiative to train Ghanaian youth in technical and vocational trades.
鈥淭he young people in this room鈥攕tudents, interns, recent graduates鈥攔epresent Ghana鈥檚 greatest resource. Let us give them not just hope, but tools. Let us build not only structures, but resilience,鈥 she said.
Executive Director Ebenezer Duncan urged developers to rethink material choices and site practices in light of increasing climate threats.
鈥淔loods, storms, and even earthquakes are becoming part of our new normal,鈥 Duncan warned. 鈥淲e must adopt high-quality, durable, and eco-friendly materials to protect lives and investments.鈥
He promoted the use of sustainable, locally sourced materials such as bamboo, cane, grass, and palm products, and called for strict adherence to soil testing and land-use regulations.
President of the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA) and Chancellor of Cape Coast Technical University, Dr. James Lindsay, echoed the call for sustainable practices.
In his keynote address, he pointed to the construction industry鈥檚 role in environmental degradation.
鈥淎s developers and builders, we must lead by example and take active steps to preserve the environment,鈥 Dr. Lindsay said.
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