GIA clarifies ARC‑ASG dispute over regulatory powers
Ghana Institute of Architects says its role is limited to member updates, not claiming ARC powers.
The Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) has responded to recent claims that it is involved in a dispute between the Architects Registration Council (ARC) and the Architectural Society of Ghana (ASG). In a statement, the Institute explained that its recent memo was meant only for its members and was not an attack on any organization. The Institute stressed that it does not hold, nor claim, the statutory powers that belong to the ARC.
The background to the controversy began when the ASG questioned a September 29 communique from the ARC to the Ministry of Works and Housing. That communique related to a letter concerning the Society’s status, and the ASG said the subsequent memo circulated by the GIA did not copy the Society nor reach its members, despite directly affecting its standing.
GIA clarified that the internal memorandum was intended solely to keep its members informed about correspondence it had received from the ARC concerning the regulator’s communication with the Ministry. It reiterated that the ARC, established under the Architects Act of 1969, is the statutory body responsible for registering architects, maintaining the professional register, setting standards and regulating practice.
The Institute noted that while it has a role on the governing structure of the ARC, it does not exercise the regulator’s powers. Its responsibility is to represent its members and keep them aware of issues that may affect the profession, a function that requires transparent communication with its own constituency.
As the legal matter continues, both the ARC and the ASG are expected to resolve the misunderstanding through formal channels. The GIA has indicated it will continue to monitor developments and update its members as appropriate.
