Re-branding of Ghana at ?2m - A rejoinder

LETTER FOR PUBLICATION

Emma Hartley’s article, “Rebirth of a Nation”(Guardian Society March 20, 2002), although welcome, contained some errors and unfortunate misquotations;

Firstly the heart of Accra (HOA) consortium, led by Knak Design, Nicholas Taylor and my practice did not conclude, as quoted, that “rebuilding the Presidential Palace would be a bad idea….” On the contrary, President Kufuor was delighted by our proposal that Flagstaff House be refurbished and re-classified as a museum and national monument. It will be set within a new public park, planted with indigenous tress and flora, created to compensate, in part, for the dramatic loss of Ghanaian rainforests over many years.

Secondly, the word “slum” has long since been excised from the HOA lexicon, which is scrupulous in its political correctness. Accra like many fast-growing cities, suffers from multiple environmental, social and economic challenges, evident in Nima. We invited Richard Rogers Partnership to join our team, not because “most of the city lives in slums” – but because of Lord Roger’s innovative work on urban regeneration. The extent of contracts will be determined by the outcome of our study.

Thirdly, in referring to Nigeria, Creenagh Lodge of Corporate Edge pointed to the work which the (democratic) Obasanjo government is doing to correct a difficult political legacy. This praise was not mentioned. Also since Creenagh is working on the re-positioning of Wales, it follows that presentations would be made to Rodri Morgan, the first Minister of Wales and not to Tony Blair.

The HOA team are privileged and excited to be working with our Ghanaian partners to implement President Kufuor’s vision. We are confident that, as a result, Accra will indeed be recognised as the exemplar for the sustainable, modern African city.