Objectives

Under the influence of “modernity”, the building systems traditionally used in northern Ghana are being devalued and abandoned in favor of “modern” materials, resulting in the production of sloppy, hybrid constructions that are less sustainable than before. The conventional construction systems used to build public infrastructures are costly, generate few jobs and leave little opportunity for real participation by the beneficiary populations.
The strategy put in place to achieve the objective was based on the following activities:
- Documenting the know-how of local building cultures;
- Develop contemporary architecture based on the improvement and modernization of these local building cultures;
- Training the staff of local structures involved in the building and construction trades;
- Build demonstration buildings;
- implement a dissemination and awareness-raising strategy.
The target groups for this project were students, craftsmen, trainers, teachers, local and international NGOs, local governments, etc.
Results
- Revalorization of existing built heritage in northern Ghana;
- Provision of constructive solutions to improve rural housing;
- Providing local contractors with architectural models that meet their expectations in terms of cost, sustainability, job creation and environmental preservation;
- Training of local human resources to ensure project sustainability;
- Setting up training courses in local technical schools, incorporating the themes addressed by the project.
Partners
Bureau diocésain de développement du diocèse de Navrongo- Bolgatanga, Département de l’amélioration de l’habitat rural du gouvernement local de Bolgatanga, Ecoles d’enseignement technique (Bolgatanga Technical Institute ; Bawcu Technical Institute, Our Lady of Lourde Technical college), L’ONG Habitat for Humanity, entreprise AZITA, Bureau d’architecture John Seïdu, Projet cofinancé par Misereor et le Ministère français des affaires étrangères (DGCI / MCNG).