A Ghanaian Architectural firm, Design Associates Development Consortium, has petitioned President Akufo-Addo, over possible bias in the award of 12 state projects to David Adjaye & Associates.
The architectural firm run by Sir David Adjaye has already courted controversy because of its work on the National Cathedral and the new Parliament complex.
Design Associates argue that these two projects, in addition to others like the Marine Drive Master Planning, Trade Fair Centre redesign and the GNPC Accra Head Office, were not awarded fairly.
It says its concerns are premised on the total and absolute disregard and non-adherence to principles of transparency, fairness, equity and the laws governing the procurement of professional services by stature companies and bodies.
Design Associates is questioning Mr. Adjaye’s legitimacy to practice in Ghana because he is not a resident per the Architects Decree (NRCD 357). Design Associates also says Mr. Adjaye’s firm is recruiting architects from beyond Ghana and ignoring local talent.
It maintained in the petition that David Adjaye & Associates was selected, “contrary to all notions of fairness to carry out projects when it is clear that anyone firm would be overburdened by projects of such magnitude.
In addition, Design Associates rubbished assertions of fairness in the selection process for at least the controversial new Parliament complex.
