In an eye-opening interview on Gumzang FM’s program, “Beogey Tengmaalug ,” the Talensi District Physical Planner, Mr. Eric Adjei, laid down the law regarding land use and structural development within the district.
Speaking on the implications of Land Use and Spatial Planning Act, 2016 (Act 925), Mr. Eric emphasized that the era of haphazard building is over. He warned that the Assembly is utilizing digitalization to strictly monitor developments to ensure the safety and sanity of the district.
According to Mr. Eric, Act 925 is the primary legislation regulating zoning, building permits, and layout approvals in Ghana.
“It is a violation of the law to build without planning approval,” Mr. Eric stated. “The Assembly is the sole planning authority. Without their permission, any construction is illegal and can lead to demolition, heavy fines, or criminal prosecution.”
He clarified that these regulations are not just bureaucracy; they protect vital public interests, including ensuring emergency vehicles can reach homes, protecting land for schools and clinics, preventing construction in flood-prone or waterlogged areas.
Addressing the common fear that building permits are unaffordable, Mr. Eric debunked the myth, explaining that fees are scaled based on the size of the project.
“The cost shouldn’t scare anyone,” he noted. “When you submit your drawings, our panel which includes the Fire Service reviews them for safety. We check for emergency exits and proper ventilation to protect your life and investment.”
The Physical Planner revealed that a major facelift is coming for the Tongo Market. The current layout lacks proper road access, with traders even occupying the eastern side of the main road.
“Tongo Market is on our drawing board for regeneration. We are redesigning it to ensure every trader has a shed and there are clear routes for emergency services,” he said.
He further warned that Open Spaces (Green Belts) are strictly off-limits for private development. These areas are reserved for trees and “the greens” to provide fresh air and act as windbreaks against storms.
Mr. Eric issued a stern warning to those attempting to bypass the law for profit:
Turning a residential house into a small-scale mining site is a “very serious offense.” This requires specific permits from the Minerals Commission, not just the Assembly.
If you wish to convert a residential plot into a shop or office, you must apply to the Physical Planning Department with a Justification Report prepared by an independent professional. “You cannot be the referee and the player at the same time,” he quipped.
Closing the interview, Mr. Eric urged the people of Talensi to prioritize the collective good over individual land ownership claims.
“We all admire the layouts of Accra and Kumasi, but those cities were planned. If everyone builds wherever they want because ‘the land is mine,’ we will never have a good community. I plead with every Talensi resident: visit the Assembly, seek clarification, and let us build a legacy for the generation yet to come.”
No Permit, No Building: Talensi District Physical Planner Warns Against Illegal Developments
