Globally acclaimed Ghanaian-British architect, Sir David Adjaye, has paid a heartfelt tribute to former United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, revealing how the late statesman came to his aid during one of the most difficult moments of his life and career.

Speaking during an inspiring public lecture held at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology by the College of Arts and Built Environment on Thursday, May 28, 2026, under the theme African Futures: Architecture, Identity and the Power of Cultural Narratives, Sir David Adjaye recounted how Kofi Annan helped him recover after he went bankrupt in 2014.

The celebrated architect, known globally for his community-driven and culturally expressive designs, described the former Ghanaian diplomat as a mentor whose compassion and belief in him changed the trajectory of his life.

“I went bankrupt in 2014, and Kofi Annan saved me. He commissioned me to work on a villa in Accra for him,” Sir David disclosed to a captivated audience of students, lecturers and members of the public.

In an emotional reflection, he explained that he later realised the former UN Secretary-General did not necessarily need the villa, but rather wanted to support him during a difficult period.

“I know he did not need the villa, but he saw pity on me. That was his way of getting me back on my feet. He is the greatest mentor that ever lived,” he said in a humbling tone.

Sir David Adjaye used the occasion to inspire the students, urging them to remain committed to their dreams despite setbacks and uncertainties. According to him, every global success story is built on struggles, resilience and perseverance.

“Every success you see today comes with stories and setbacks. I was once a young African boy with just a dream to conquer the global stage, and today the result is for all to see,” he told the gathering.

He encouraged the students to believe in their abilities and embrace the idea that Africans can compete and excel on the world stage through creativity, discipline and purpose.

During the lecture, Sir David also shared insights into the concepts and thought processes behind some of his landmark architectural projects in Ghana and across the world. He explained that his design philosophy has consistently centred on using “structural intelligence to create narratives”, blending architecture with culture, history and identity.

“Architecture is powerful; let us demonstrate institutional spaces that these places can turn to be.” He stated.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential architects of his generation, Sir David Adjaye rose to international prominence through iconic projects such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C., the Nobel Peace Centre in Oslo and several notable architectural works across Africa, Europe and North America.

In recognition of his immense contribution to architecture, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2017 and officially became Sir David Adjaye. The same year, he was named among the world’s 100 Most Influential People by Time Magazine.

He has also received numerous international honours and awards for his groundbreaking work, celebrated globally for redefining African architecture and storytelling through design.

Sir David Adjaye’s remarks on Kofi Annan drew admiration from the audience, particularly the student community, serving not only as a tribute to one of Ghana’s greatest global figures, but also as a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of mentorship, a key aim of the public lecture series of the University.

The public lecture was chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Prof Rita Akosua Dickson, and hosted by the Provost of the KNUST College of Arts and Built Environment, Prof Christian Koranteng.

Sir David Adjaye was accompanied by renowned Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama.