The Architecture Alliance (TAA) has raised concerns about the recently launched Ghana House Architectural Design Competition announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA).
In a press statement shared with Citi News on Thursday, November 5, the Alliance commended the Ministry for the initiative, describing it as an important step toward promoting Ghana’s architectural identity and cultural heritage.
However, it described some of the competition’s provisions as discriminatory, unconstitutional, and impractical.
The group’s main concern is the restriction of participation to only members of the Ghana Institute of Architects in good standing.
According to the Alliance, this condition unfairly excludes many qualified architects who are registered and licenced under the Architects Registration Council (ARC), the statutory body responsible for regulating the practice of architecture in Ghana.
“The competition should be open to all qualified Ghanaian architects, subject to transparent eligibility criteria and verification of professional competence, rather than institutional membership alone,” the statement said.
The Alliance argued that the restriction violates constitutional rights, including the freedom of association and protection against discrimination as guaranteed under Articles 17, 21, and 24 of the 1992 Constitution.
TAA also questioned the selection of the GIA as both organizer and administrator of the competition, describing it as a conflict of interest since the competition is open only to GIA members. It urged the Ministry to disclose how the Institute was selected, emphasising that such a government engagement should comply with the Public Procurement Act.
“The organisation of a national design competition should be independent, inclusive, and overseen by a neutral body with representation from multiple professional and public-interest stakeholders,” the statement added.
The Alliance further described the one-month competition timeline as unrealistic for a project of such national importance, noting that quality design requires sufficient time for research and consultation.
It called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to broaden the eligibility criteria, extend the submission deadline, and consider involving the Architects Registration Council or an independent committee to ensure fairness and transparency.
“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,” the statement concluded.
The Ghana House Architectural Design Competition aims to develop a signature architectural model for Ghana’s diplomatic missions abroad.
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