By Ghana News
Copyright ghanamma
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has launched a competition for the design of Ghana’s foreign missions building, dubbed Ghana House.
This, the Minister said, was in line with a significant step toward long-term fiscal prudence and enhanced global representation.
He said cabinet had subsequently approved the Strategic Transition from Renting to Infrastructure Development (STRIDE) Initiative.
Under this landmark policy, the Ministry would progressively reduce its reliance on rented facilities for its missions abroad by acquiring and developing permanent, state-owned properties.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series media briefing at the Presidency in Accra, Ablakwa announced that the Mahama Administration had decided that the new Ghana embassies and high commissions to be constructed across the world must have a standard design that depicts the country’s unique heritage and culture.
“We are therefore today announcing an open competition, which should lead us to select the most iconic, green, and creative architectural design for Ghana House, as they will be known across the world,” Mr Ablakwa stated.
“This competition is open from today, 15th September, 2025, to Friday, 14th November, 2025.”
He noted that all Ghanaian architects—whether young or old, fresh graduates or legends—were free to participate.
“It is worth noting that this is a refreshing departure from the recent past, which saw all major national projects being single-sourced for one architect—from the National Cathedral, Marine Drive, Agenda 111, Bank of Ghana Head Office, Dubois Centre, New Parliamentary Chamber, Trade Fair Redesign, GNPC Head Office, Airport City 2, etc.
“Another confirmation that Reset is truly happening,” the Minister said.
Ablakwa explained that the STRIDE Initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to sustainable diplomacy, fiscal responsibility, and the dignified presentation of Ghana’s image internationally.
“Ghana cannot continue spending $15 million every year on rent for our diplomatic missions,” he said.
“This cannot be judicious use of taxpayer resources. Our image is not enhanced abroad and it certainly does not do our foreign service any good. The Reset Agenda demands that we fix this and I pledge to do just that.”
He said following cabinet’s approval and the President’s instruction, a transaction advisor had been appointed by the Finance Ministry, and a consortium of banks was being put together to finance STRIDE in a transparent and competitive manner.
“So far, we have documentation confirming land donations to Ghana in 23 countries for the construction of chanceries and residences,” he said.
Ablakwa said these lands would be fully utilised to save costs and drastically reduce the financial burden of STRIDE.
He added that it could not be prudent to own land in 23 countries while continuing to rent for decades, warning that some governments had threatened to reclaim their donations.
