Exploring Wealth and Culture Narratives in the Ornamentation of Bank of Ghana Architecture

Kofi  Adjei; Rexford Assasie  Oppong

doi:10.4314/just.v42i3.1801

Kofi Adjei Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9496-2571
Rexford Assasie Oppong Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4314/just.v42i3.1801

Keywords: Architecture, Ornamentation, Bank of Ghana, Culture, Wealth, Public Spaces

Abstract

The use of ornamentation in architecture is one of the strategies that has been employed by institutions like banks over the years to communicate their values and ideals to the public. More so, it has been observed that Bank of Ghana as a corporate organization has developed the tradition of employing ornamentation in some of their important buildings to communicate, cultural identity and wealth. This study, therefore, explores the essence and expression of wealth and culture within some of the ornamentations in the architecture of Bank of Ghana (BoG) located in Accra, Kumasi and Tamale metropolises. This study employed a qualitative method of research using observation, field notes, library research and photographic documentation as a means of gathering and analyzing data. It was observed that BoG buildings in the three metropolises were all purposefully ornamented with a strong presentation of wealth and cultural narratives that truly contextualize Ghanaian aesthetic values, ideals, philosophy, history and culture. The bank employs these themes and imagery to depict and promote concepts of culture and wealth in the architectural ornamentation. Among

Author Biographies

Kofi Adjei, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Kofi Adjei is a Senior lecturer at the Department of Industrial Art, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. He holds PhD in African Art and Culture and MFA Ceramics, and teaches courses in ceramic art and design technology. He also practices as a studio artist with many years of professional experience. His main areas of research include Ceramic Art and Design with specific interest in Ceramic Materials and Methods, Ceramic Finishing and Mixed Media. His research also looks at African Art and Culture in areas of African Aesthetics, Contemporary Visual Culture and Ornamentations in Architecture. His current research looks at exploring the narratives of wealth and culture in the ornamentation of Bank of Ghana Architecture.

Rexford Assasie Oppong, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Rexford Assasie Oppong (PhD) is currently a Full Professor of Architecture and Head, Department of Architecture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi. He is a practicing architect of over twenty years’ experience. He obtained his Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture from the premier Liverpool School of Architecture - University of Liverpool; Masters in Urban Planning and Management from University of Rome-La Sapienza; Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture, KNUST; and Bachelor of Science in Design, UST, Kumasi.

He has unwavering passion for architectural education and wrote the initial proposal and subsequently chaired the committee to introduce the Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture in KNUST in 2014. He serves on high profile institutional Councils, Committees and Bodies. He currently represents the National Council for Tertiary Education on the Governing Council of Koforidua Technical University in Ghana. He is member of KNUST Executive Committee, Planning and Resources Committee.

He teaches Architectural History at the Undergraduate level and Philosophy of Social Sciences, Architectural History and Theory as well as Research Methods at the MPhil/ PhD levels in the Department of Architecture, KNUST. His teaching services transcend the boundaries of the University.