By Hannah Dadzie
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the launch of the Ghana House Architectural Design Competition, a national initiative to create a unique architectural model that embodies Ghana’s history, identity, and culture. The competition, which officially commences on Thursday, November 6, 2025, was announced by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, as part of the Ministry’s broader Strategic Transition from Renting to Infrastructure Development (STRIDE) policy.
Under this initiative, the Ministry aims to reduce its dependence on rented facilities for Ghana’s missions abroad by acquiring and developing permanent state-owned properties. The Ghana House will serve as a standard architectural model for Ghana’s embassies and high commissions across the world, projecting a distinctive Ghanaian identity while incorporating sustainability and green design principles.
In a statement, the Ministry explained that the competition—organized in collaboration with the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA)—seeks to produce the most iconic, green, and creative architectural design that reflects Ghana’s values. It said the GIA will administer the competition, with an independent panel of judges overseeing submissions to ensure a transparent and credible selection process.
According to the statement, the competition is open to all Ghanaian architects and architectural firms in good standing with the GIA. The Ministry has also outlined key dates to ensure a structured and merit-based process.
Registration opens on Friday, November 7, 2025, with entries due by Monday, December 1, 2025. Judging will take place from Thursday, December 4, to Friday, December 5, 2025, followed by the announcement of winners on Monday, December 8, 2025. The top three winning designs will be publicly displayed from December 15 to December 31, 2025.
The Ministry urged the public and participants to rely solely on verified information published on the official websites and digital platforms of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ghana Institute of Architects, cautioning against reliance on unofficial sources.
According to the Ministry, this landmark project represents a forward-looking step toward enhancing Ghana’s diplomatic infrastructure, showcasing national creativity, and ensuring the judicious use of taxpayer resources.
