The Chief Executive Officer of Listening Bureau, a real estate brokerage and facility management company, Akua Maafo Dosoo has urged the government to introduce a policy that encourages public and private institutions to incorporate maintenance as a key component in their annual budgets.

According to her, the introduction of such a policy would encourage stakeholders to pay more attention to the safety and integrity of their facilities through regular maintenance.

The proposal was detailed in a press release by Mrs. Maafo Dosoo after her outfit, Listening Bureau, a member of The LB Group, was adjudged the Most Trusted Luxury Real Estate Broker of the Year at the Ghana Property Awards in Accra, over the weekend.

“The government should have a policy that encourages all private institutions and government parastatals to have maintenance as a key component in their budgets. It is believed that most buildings around the country are not maintained properly because Ghanaians don’t have a maintenance culture,” she stated.

She further indicated that “the issue is not due entirely to the lack of a maintenance culture alone but also primarily because  provisions for maintenance are not included in the budgets of these institutions and hence cannot be expanded on or implemented regardless of the culture of the officials in charge of these buildings and facilities.”

Mrs. Maafo Dosoo also advocated for a public-private partnership to improve the maintenance culture of facility owners.

“The government must have a private-public partnership with organizations to maintain and enhance the functionality, comfort, safety, sustainability, and efficiency of the buildings they operate from. We believe such partnerships will help public and private infrastructure stand the test of time and contribute to sustaining the development of the country.

"A policy by the government to ensure all real estate developers set up a fund in collaboration with homeowners to ensure that facilities are effectively managed and maintained will also sustain the development of the nation,” Mrs. Maafo Dosoo added.

Speaking at the Awards ceremony, the Deputy Minister for Works & Housing, Abdulai Abanga assured developers of the government's commitment to bridging the housing gap in Ghana.

He said that the “government is determined to implement comprehensive strategies that will create an enabling environment for affordable, accessible, and sustainable housing across our beloved country. We [the government] are committed to fostering strong partnerships with industry players, developers, investors, and stakeholders.

By working hand in hand, we can harness the collective expertise, resources, and innovative ideas needed to overcome obstacles and drive positive change in the housing sector,” he said.

This year's theme “Housing Policy, Regulation & Evaluation Impact on Delivery”, highlights the impact of regulatory frameworks and policies that will shape the trajectory of the real estate industry.

It underscores the critical role government policies and regulations play in influencing the delivery of housing projects, ensuring sustainable development, and meeting the evolving needs of Ghanaians.

20 stakeholders at the 15th awards edition held over the weekend were rewarded for their pivotal roles and contributions in shaping the real estate industry in the year under review.