Family Announces Final Rites for Mr. John Blankson Adu Otu Following His Transition at 78

Ghana Institute of Architects Clarifies Regulatory Authority as Communities Prepare to Honor Departed Elders

The Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) has issued a formal clarification regarding its regulatory position and authority within the nation's building and design sector, addressing recent claims made by the Architectural Society of Ghana (ASG). This professional update comes as several prominent Ghanaian families prepare for the final funeral rites of distinguished elders and community leaders. The GIA’s intervention aims to resolve public and professional confusion regarding the statutory oversight of architects, emphasizing the legal frameworks that govern the industry under the Architects Act of 1969. In its response to the ASG, the GIA stated that its position in a dispute with the Architects Registration Council (ARC) had been misrepresented. The Institute clarified that it does not hold the statutory regulatory powers vested in the ARC, which remains the sole body responsible for the registration and regulation of architects in Ghana. An internal memo issued by the GIA to its members highlighted the essential separation between professional body registration and the regulatory mandates of the ARC. This clarification is particularly significant given ongoing legal proceedings concerning the status of the ASG and its recognition by regulatory authorities. Parallel to these professional developments, the families of Osu Alata and the Accra Ridge Church have announced the passing of Mrs. Victoria Keren Lamiorkor Adomakoh at the age of 91. Mrs. Adomakoh, the wife of retired Professor Christian Charles Adomakoh from the University of Ghana Medical School, transitioned on September 4, 2026. Her celebration of life will be followed by services for Henry Kweku Banning, known as "Big Henry," who passed away in Kumasi at age 74. The Banning and Prah families have scheduled services at the St. Mary Mother of God Catholic Church for early October, marking the loss of a significant community figure. The commemorative period also includes final rites for Mrs. Anna Tackie, who passed away at the age of 96, and Margaret-Marie Krakue, aged 51. Mrs. Tackie’s family has organized a series of services at the Martyrs of Uganda Catholic Church in early October, while the Krakue family will hold a Requiem Mass for Margaret-Marie on October 10, 2026, at St. Stephen Anglican Church in Tema. Collectively, these announcements represent a moment of transition for both the professional architectural community and various families across the country, as they reflect on legacies of service and leadership.