Text by Adjaye Associates.
Adjaye Associates’ concept for the new Ghana National Cathedral establishes a unique, 21st century landmark where religion, democracy and local tradition are seamlessly and symbolically intertwined. Conceived as a physical embodiment of unity, harmony and spirituality, the National Cathedral will be a rich, authentic celebration of Ghanaian tradition and culture and a place of inspiration, reflection and common devotion. Its form derives from traditional symbols of worship and veneration, drawing reference from both Christian symbolism and traditional Ghanaian heritage. Emblems like the nation’s seat of power ‘the Stool’, the shade of celestial authority -‘the Boaman’, ceremonial canopies, and ‘the Tabernacle’ inspire the configuration. The new cathedral takes these symbols of royal and religious veneration and democratises them from the individual to the people.
The cathedral will be situated within 9 acres of newly landscaped gardens adjacent to Osu Cemetery. It will house a series of impressive chapels, a baptistery, a 5000-seat two-level auditorium, a grand central hall, music school, choir rehearsal, art gallery, shop and multi-use spaces. It will also be home to Africa’s first Bible Museum and Documentation Centre, dedicated to Christianity and nation-building in Ghana. 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.
A new ceremonial route and landscape will be linking the Cathedral site to Ghana’s prominent, celebratory landmarks – Independence Square, Osu Cemetery, the State House and Africa Unity Circle.
