A Look At The Most Iconic Architectural Buildings In Ghana

Ghanaians may not realize it now, but Ghana has designed, built, and maintained some of the most iconic architecture in Africa. This is to say that some important Ghanaian buildings stand as a testament to the nation’s longstanding status as an African talent, technology, and creativity leader. Are you just getting started on your educational journey through architecture in Ghana? This list of monumental buildings in Accra, curated by experts at Prophunt, includes everything from skyscrapers to modern building designs in Ghana.

10 Famous Ghanaian Buildings That Captivate Architects

1. 1421’s - Larabanga Mosque 

The Larabanga Mosque, located in the northern part of Ghana, is an ancient building and most residents in the town believe the mosque has a mystic history. The iconic mosque is considered to be one of the oldest in history and across West Africa. This unique architecture in Ghana was built in imitation of the Sudanese architectural style with mud and thatch.

Year: 1421 (disputed)

Cost: Unknown

Purpose: Islamic prayer ground

2. 1660’s - Osu Castle 

Originally known as the Christiansborg Castle, the Osu Castle is considered one of the historical buildings in Accra. The Danes built it in the 1660s, and later, it was controlled by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British as their administrative house. Before Ghana gained independence in 1957, the castle played an important role in the country's colonial history, which is the most reason this building is regarded as one of the most iconic architecture in Ghana.

Year: 1660

Cost: Unknown

Purpose: Seat of Colonial Governments

3. 1961’s - Independence Arch 

Built in 1961, the Independence Arch represents Ghana’s sovereignty and independence. This masterpiece of architecture in Ghana is located at Independence Square in Accra featuring a reinforced concrete structure with a star symbol at the top. The  Independence Arch celebrates the country’s liberation from British colonial rule in 1957 and also serves as both a national monument and an architectural icon. 

Year: 1961

Cost: Unknown

Purpose: National Icon

4. 1992’s - National Theatre of Ghana

The National Theatre of Ghana, founded in 1992, is widely considered to be Ghana's first national theatre. This modern architecture in Ghana was designed by Chinese Architects in collaboration with Ghanaians to take the shape of a ship. The National Theatre of Ghana opened in 1992 to spearhead the provision of a multi-functional venue for concerts, dance, drama, and musical performances, screenplays, exhibitions, and special events.

Year: 1992

Cost: $20m

Purpose: National concerts and functions

5. 1992’s - Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum  

Designed by Don Arthur, the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum was completed and opened in 1992 and named after the man who was monumental in Ghana gaining independence in 1957. Kwame Nkrumah is Ghana’s first president and one of Africa’s most influential leaders, as such the mausoleum was dedicated to him to showcase the sacrifices he made in freeing Ghana from its colonial masters. The mausoleum includes the mortal remains of Dr. Nkrumah and is surrounded by several symbols of Ghana’s heritage.

Year: 1992

Cost: $3.5

Purpose: Burial Chamber

6. 2008’s - Golden Jubilee House

Originally known as the “Flagstaff House”, the Golden Jubilee House was completed in 2008 for the operations of government businesses. It was one of the first major structures completed after independence in 1957. The Jubilee House is the presidential palace and the office of the Ghanaian President. The construction of this beautiful building in Ghana was funded and supervised by the Indian government.

Year: 2008

Cost: $30m

Purpose: President's residence and office

7. 2012 - National Mosque Complex 

The Ghana National Mosque Complex stands as one of the finest religious landmarks not only in Ghana but the whole of West Africa. The Mosque is located at Kanda in Accra and has a masterpiece of architecture in Ghana. The multipurpose design of the mosque denotes a symbol of strong Islamic faith within the country. Officially inaugurated in July 2021, the complex has a school, research center, conference hall, clinic, and museum.

Year: 2012

Cost: $10m

Purpose: Islamic prayer ground

8. 2014 - One Airport Square

A contemporary example of architecture in Ghana is the One Airport Square. A multi-use building with a striking development comprising 2,000 square meters of shops, 15,000 square meters of offices, and 250 car parking spaces, it is located in Accra’s vibrant Airport City. This beautiful building in Ghana is designed with first-class mechanical, electrical, and plumbing that has efficient floor plates and raised flooring.

Year: 2014

Cost: $62.5m

Purpose: Commercial Property

9. 2013 - Octagon Building in Accra

The Octagon Building, completed in 2013, is one of Accra’s most striking and modern architectural landmarks. Located in the heart of the city, near the bustling Tudu area, the Octagon has become a symbol of Ghana’s growing commercial and real estate development. The building stands as an example of contemporary architecture, blending innovative design with functionality to serve as a major commercial and business hub.

Year: 2013

Cost: Unknown

Purpose: Commercial Property

10. 1961’s - Adumah Place in Appolonia

Adumah Place is a contemporary commercial development located in Appolonia City that offers approximately, 2000m2 of prime office space and 85 secured open parking bays, of which Appolonia Development Company Limited is the anchor tenant. Within Adumah Place, offices range from 116m2 to 661m2 depending on tenant requirements. As part of the larger Appolonia City project, Gateway Real Estate Africa (GREA) constructed the first-ever commercial building at Appolonia City.

Year: 2022

Cost: Unknown

Purpose: Commercial Property