36, Savannah Street
Madina
Accra, Ghana
info@thearchitecturealliance.org
thearchitecturealliancegh@gmail.com
Tel: +233 243 271 391/ +233 244 207 267

www.thearchitecturealliance.org

PRESS STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ALL MEDIA HOUSES

GHANA HOUSE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN COMPETITION – MINISTRY OF FOREIGN
AFFAIRS

The Architecture Alliance (TAA) has noted with concern the press release issued by the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 5th November 2025, announcing the Ghana House Architectural
Design Competition in collaboration with the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA).
While we commend the Ministry for initiating a landmark policy to promote Ghana’s
architectural identity and cultural heritage through this competition, we must respectfully
register our objection to certain provisions of the announcement that in our view, are
discriminatory and impractical.

The Architecture Alliance raises the issues below:

1. Restriction of Participation to GIA members in Good Standing
   The Architecture Alliance finds it exclusionary and contrary to the spirit of fair national
   participation that the competition is limited to only architects and firms in good standing with
   GIA. The condition, while administratively convenient, excludes a significant number of
   qualified architects who are contributing meaningfully to the nation’s development.
   The practice of architecture in Ghana is regulated by the Architects Act, 1969 (NLCD 357),
   which establishes the Architects Registration Council (ARC) as the sole statutory body
   responsible for the registration and regulation of architects. Accordingly, the ARC is the only
   authority empowered to license architects, renew their practicing certificates, and publish the
   official Register of Architects in good standing.

This has been confirmed in the High Court (Human Rights Division) ruling of Alexander K.A
Kukah and Anor v The Architects Registration Council, 2022.
The Constitution of Ghana, 1992 provides in Article 21.1.(e) freedom of association, which
shall include freedom to form or join trade unions or other associations, national and
international, for the protection of their interest.

Article 17(2) also provides that ‘A person shall not be discriminated against on grounds of
gender, race, color, ethnic origin, religion or social or economic status’.

Article 24 (3) also provides that ‘Every worker has a right to form or join a trade union of his
choice for the promotion and protection of his economic and social interests.’

We believe that a publicly funded national design competition should be open to all Ghanaian
architects as initially communicated, subject to transparent eligibility criteria and verification of
professional competence, rather than institutional membership alone. The current
announcement is not only discriminatory but also unconstitutional.
The GIA is a voluntary organization and restricting participation to GIA members risks
undermining diversity, innovation, and inclusiveness, which are essential values in any design
process representing Ghana’s collective identity.

2. Selection of Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) as Organizer
   As a government institution, the Ministry’s engagement of the Ghana Institute of Architects
   (GIA) to administer the competition constitutes a public service contract and therefore should
   be subject to the provisions of the Public Procurement Act and related regulations. In line with
   principles of transparency and accountability, The Architecture Alliance respectfully requests
   that the Ministry disclose the process and criteria by which the GIA was selected as the
   organizer and administrator of this national design competition.
   Furthermore, it is inherently unfair and raises concerns of impartiality for the Ghana Institute
   of Architects (GIA) to be both the organizer and administrator of a national competition that is
   open to only GIA members. Such an arrangement creates a conflict of interest, as the GIA
   would be exercising control over a process in which its own members are the only eligible
   participants. To ensure credibility, transparency, and equal opportunity, the organization of
   such a national design competition should be independent, inclusive, and overseen by a
   neutral body, with representation from multiple professional and public-interest stakeholders
   within the built environment sector.
3. Unrealistic Timelines
   The competition schedule announced, spanning barely one month from launch to award of
   winners, is not feasible for a project of such national and architectural importance. To design
   a structure envisioned to symbolize Ghana’s heritage and to serve as a prototype for missions
   worldwide requires adequate time for research, concept development and interdisciplinary
   consultation. The proposed schedule not only limits the quality of submissions but also raises
   concerns about openness and depth of the evaluation process

4. Call for Review and Inclusivity
   The Architecture Alliance therefore calls on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to:

• Broaden the eligibility criteria to include all qualified Ghanaian architects and firms,
  irrespective of membership status, provided they meet the required professional and
  ethical standards. The Minister reportedly opened the competition to all, “whether
  young or old, fresh graduates or legends”, and this inclusive approach should be
  upheld in the spirit of inclusivity and capacity building.
• Extend the submission timeline to allow adequate preparation time, ensuring that
  the final design truly reflects Ghana’s best creative and professional capabilities.
• Consider a neutral body such as the Architects Registration Council or any other
  independent committee consisting of all vital stakeholders to oversee the conduct of
  this design competition.
  We remain open to constructive dialogue and collaboration with the Ministry to ensure that the
  Ghana House Competition upholds the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and excellence
  befitting its national significance.
• 
  Reference:
  https://www.myjoyonline.com/govt-launches-architectural-competition-for-new-ghana-house
  embassies/#google_vignette
  https://gna.org.gh/2025/11/foreign-affairs-ministry-opens-ghana-house-architectural-design
  competition/
  Issued by:
  The Architecture Alliance (TAA)
  Contact:
  Patience Ewurama Ocran | President | 0243271391
  Charles Amissah-Koomson, Director | Legal and Policy | 0542601840