Dump the AC Obsession! Sam Jonah Says Ghana Needs Natural Ventilation & Eco-Friendly Buildings
Sir Sam Jonah has challenged the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) to lead the country toward a Net-Zero future by transforming design, materials, and energy efficiency. Speaking at the GIA Annual General Meeting, he urged architects to move away from heavy air-conditioning and imported aesthetics, promoting natural ventilation, biophilic design, and climate-conscious, culturally relevant architecture. Citing global examples like The Edge in Amsterdam, the NUS School in Singapore, and Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, he emphasized adopting practices suited to Ghana’s climate. He called for sustainable design—including on-site energy generation, passive design, and eco-friendly materials—to become standard in architectural education and professional work.
