The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the launch of the Ghana House Architectural Design Competition, a national contest aimed at selecting an iconic design to represent Ghana’s diplomatic missions globally.
The initiative officially begins on Thursday, November 6, 2025, as part of the Ministry’s Strategic Transition from Renting to Infrastructure Development (STRIDE) policy, which seeks to reduce reliance on rented facilities and establish permanent, state-owned properties reflecting Ghana’s culture, heritage, and identity.
Announcing the competition in Accra, Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described it as a milestone in Ghana’s foreign policy infrastructure agenda.
“The Ghana House will symbolise Ghana’s resilience, creativity, and heritage,” he said, emphasising that the process would uphold transparency, professionalism, and public participation.
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The competition is being managed in partnership with the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) and is open to all Ghanaian architects and architectural firms in good standing with the Institute. An independent panel of judges will review submissions and select the top three designs.
The competition officially opens on Friday, November 7, 2025, following the launch. Key dates include:
- Deadline for participant requests: Monday, November 10, 2025
- Responses to queries: Thursday, November 13, 2025
- Submission of entries: Monday, December 1, 2025
- Presentation to judges: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
- Judging: Thursday, December 4 to Friday, December 5, 2025
- Declaration of winners and award ceremony: Monday, December 8, 2025
- Public display of top three designs: Monday, December 15 to Wednesday, December 31, 2025
The Competition Brief, including technical specifications, evaluation criteria, and submission guidelines, will be published on the official Ghana Institute of Architects website immediately after the launch.
The Ministry urged all Ghanaian architects to participate in what it described as a “nation-building exercise” that will enhance Ghana’s visual and cultural identity in diplomatic representation.
It also cautioned the public to rely only on verified digital platforms of the Ministry and the GIA for accurate information, warning against unverified sources.
