Accra ICC in a state of disrepair as architects call for renovation plan

Ghana’s Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) is in need of repair, according to Ghana’s Daily Guide. A recent visit by a reporter from the newspaper discovered many of the once prized national asset’s auditorium seats either broken or in a poor state of repair. Apart from broken seats and fraying upholstery, part of the centre’s roof that overlooks the foyer is leaking, the report added, and strong rain results in water leaking onto the floor. The reporter claimed that in the 25 years since the centre, in the West African state’s capital, was opened for operations, no major renovation or repair works had been carried out. The AICC is the biggest state-owned conference facility in the country, comprising six conference halls, three meeting halls, two committee halls, a press centre and a multi-functional conference hall, which has played host to a number of international events. The AICC can accommodate up to 1,600 people for events and 1,000 delegates for conferences. The Daily Guide claimed the main auditorium was normally hired out for a flat rate of GH¢10,903.08 (US$2,773), inclusive of VAT, while the foyer attracts GH¢4,987.20 inclusive VAT for major events. Local architects have allegedly sent a proposal to the government for a major renovation work to be carried out on the centre, but the proposal is still awaiting Cabinet approval. Managers of the facility are meanwhile, hoping to make a temporary fix of the leaky roofs after the rains are over in August.