Civic Architecture in Modern Ghana

The 1950s mark a key moment in Ghana’s architectural heritage. As the country politically moved away from its colonial past, it rebuilt the identity of the region using the modernist architectural language originating from Europe.   

While the country prepared for independence, there was an influx of new civic buildings being commissioned, including schools, libraries, universities and hospitals alongside new private residencies. “

"Colonial Africa was transformed into a laboratory for Western modernity.”
Art Historian Bernd M. Scherer

Coined 'Tropical Modernism' these buildings pioneered the modernist movement by adapting the style and materials to suit tropical conditions. The design accommodated the bright sunlight and humid climate, with signature features such as deep overhangs and concrete sunshades.

British husband-and-wife architects Maxwell Fry and Jane Drew led the wave of Modernist buildings in the region. As a result of British colonial policies, they worked on several public commissions, most of these were educational institutions.

Founded in 1952, this college was granted university status in 1961 and then known as Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology of Ghana. It was the second public university to be established in the country and was pivotal in educating engineers and architects.

A practice still running today, James Cubitt & Partners were the designers behind the university along several other Ghanaian schools between 1951 and 1954. Although lesser known today, they were a hugely dominant practice, working across many tropical Commonwealth countries.

Completed in 1962 by Nickson & Borys, the Children’s Library is a key building in the centre of Accra. Its elegant features and use of material make it a functional and valuable space to the community. 

Opened in March 1957 to coincide with the official Declaration of Independence, the National Museum was an important institution of its time to establish a national identity, yet designed by two British architects: Lindsay Drake and Denys Lasdun.

 

The choice of architects can be seen as a sign of cultural diplomacy between the new Ghanaian government and the colonial administration during a period of transferring power.

Denys Lasdun was responsible for the dome, which shaped the iconic character of the museum. It was prefabricated in the UK and then transported over to Ghana.

Situated within 14 acres of newly landscaped gardens, the cathedral sits adjacent to the Osu Cemetry. Symbolically combining religion, democracy and local tradition, the building embodies unity, harmony and spirituality, celebrating Ghanaian tradition. 

Its structural form descends from traditional symbols of worship, referencing Christian symbolism and traditional Ghanaian heritage. 

For the interiors Adjaye Associates will collaborate with some of the most celebrated and progressive Ghanaian and African artists to create the cathedral’s religious adornment and furnishings.

The site of the cathedral links to a new ceremonial route, connected to prominent and commemorative landmarks, including Independence Square, completed 60 years ago.