The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a nationwide architectural contest aimed at creating a single design for how Ghana's embassy and high commission buildings will look abroad.

The move is linked to President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to end Ghana’s spending on rented diplomatic premises abroad.

At a press briefing dubbed "Government Accountability Series briefing in Accra on Monday, Mr Ablakwa said the competition is to help produce a blueprint called “Ghana House” as a key step under the Strategic Transition from Renting to Infrastructure Development (STRIDE) policy, which Cabinet recently approved.

“Ghana cannot continue spending a staggering $15 million or more every year on renting properties abroad for our diplomatic use,” President Mahama said last week when he swore in 18 new High Commissioners and Ambassadors at the Jubilee House.

Mr Ablakwa disclosed that the Cabinet had endorsed STRIDE, appointed a transaction adviser, prepared standard designs, and started negotiating funding to build permanent missions.

Building on that directive, Mr Ablakwa said the design contest will run from September 15 to November 14 and is open to all Ghanaian architects, from recent graduates to experienced professionals.

The winning plan will become the standard for chanceries and residences worldwide, reflecting Ghana’s culture while cutting costs.

He noted that Ghana already holds land donations in 23 countries, but risks losing some of them if they remain undeveloped.

“It cannot be prudent to hold lands in these 23 countries and at the same time continue paying exorbitant rent for decades,” the minister warned.

Mr Ablakwa added that the Finance Ministry is working with a transaction adviser and a consortium of banks to finance the projects transparently.

He also said the open competition marks a break from earlier practice, where major state projects were often awarded to a single architect.