The Architects Registration Council (ARC) has come under scrutiny for defending the Ghana House Architectural Design Competition, a contest that has faced criticism from The Architecture Alliance (TAA) for its discriminatory eligibility criteria. The ARC, however, stands firm, asserting that the competition is both legal and necessary for promoting architectural excellence in Ghana.
The ARC's statement highlights the importance of adhering to professional standards and legal requirements. According to the Architects Act, Section 10, and Section 17, only members in good standing with the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) and registered with the ARC are eligible to practice architecture in Ghana. This ensures accountability and public safety, especially for national projects.
The competition's guidelines are in line with international norms, which restrict national design competitions to licensed professionals to maintain the quality and credibility of submissions. The ARC emphasizes that these measures do not infringe on constitutional rights but rather serve the public interest.
Addressing concerns about the GIA's dual role, the ARC clarifies that the Institute's partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is both lawful and precedent-setting. The GIA and the Ministry have collaborated on multiple national design projects with the ARC's oversight and support, as evidenced by the participation of the ARC's Board Chairman in meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Despite the criticism, the ARC remains committed to the competition's transparency and professionalism. It encourages collaboration with stakeholders while emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity and global competitiveness of Ghana's architectural profession. The Ghana House competition aims to set a design standard for Ghana's diplomatic missions, and the ARC believes it is a legitimate and lawful initiative.
