Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, has launched a competition for the design of Ghana’s foreign missions building, dubbed “Ghana House.”

This, the Minister said, was in line with the 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.

He said 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 briefings at the Presidency in Accra, Mr Ablakwa announced that the Mahama Administration had decided that these new Ghana embassies and high commissions to be constructed across the world must have a standard design, which should depict 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 would be known across the world,” Mr Ablakwa stated.

“This competition is open from September 15 to Friday, November 14, 2025.”

He noted that all Ghanaian architects, whether young or old, fresh graduates or legends, were all 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 National Cathedral, Marine Drive, Agenda 111, Bank of Ghana Headoffice, 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.

Mr Ablakwa explained that the STRIDE Initiative demonstrates its 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 a 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 transparently and competitively.

“So far, we have documentation confirming land donation to Ghana in 23 countries for the construction of chanceries and residencies,” he said.

Mr Ablakwa said these lands would be fully utilised to save cost and drastically reduce the financial burden of STRIDE.

He said again, it could not be prudent to own land in 23 countries and be renting for all these decades, as some governments had threatened to take back their donations.