Ghana Embassy Design Contest Launched by Foreign Minister to End Renting

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a nationwide architectural contest. The Ghana embassy design contest aims to create a single blueprint. This blueprint will be used for all of Ghana’s embassy and high commission buildings abroad. The move directly links to a directive from President John Dramani Mahama. He has tasked officials with ending Ghana’s spending on rented diplomatic premises.

In fact, President Mahama said Ghana spends more than $15 million annually on rent. He made the comments when he swore in new envoys. The contest is a key step. It is part of the Strategic Transition from Renting to Infrastructure Development (STRIDE) policy. Cabinet recently approved this policy. Mr. Ablakwa, the minister, announced the competition at a briefing. He said the winning plan would become the standard worldwide.

The contest runs from September 15 to November 14. It is open to all Ghanaian architects. This includes recent graduates and experienced professionals. The winning design will reflect Ghana’s culture. It will also help cut costs. Furthermore, it marks a break from past practices. Previously, major state projects were often awarded to a single architect. This new approach promotes transparency and inclusion.

Mr. Ablakwa also noted that Ghana already holds land donations in 23 countries. Ghana risks losing some of them if they remain undeveloped. Consequently, the government must act. He added that the Finance Ministry is working on a plan. A transaction adviser and a consortium of banks are involved. They will finance the projects transparently. The Ghana embassy design contest is a significant step forward. It is designed to save money and project national identity.

Source: Graphic Online