AICC closed temporarily for renovations

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the immediate temporary closure of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) to allow for renovations aimed at enhancing the safety and durability of the facility.

In its statement, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to delivering quality public services and maintaining the AICC as a world-class venue for national and international events. While no date has been given for the centre’s reopening, the Ministry assured that it will be accessible to the public once renovations are complete.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform the general public of the temporary closure of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) with immediate effect to allow for scheduled renovation works aimed at ensuring the safety and long-term functionality of the facility” the statement read.

This follows President Mahama’s pledge in the 2026 State of the Nation Address, in which he announced plans for a comprehensive renovation of the AICC “to restore it to its iconic past as the country’s national and international events and conference venue.”

The refurbishments are expected to include structural upgrades and modernization of conference technology, aimed at restoring the centre to world-class standards and supporting Ghana’s ambitions to become a leading hub for meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and creative events in West Africa.

The Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), located in the Christiansborg district of Ghana’s capital, is one of the country’s premier venues for national and international events. It was established in 1991 to host the Tenth Ministerial Meeting of the Non‑Aligned Movement, marking a key moment in Ghana’s diplomatic history as it welcomed global delegates for high‑level discussions.

Designed to be a modern, multipurpose facility, the AICC comprises six fully equipped halls with a total capacity of approximately 6,000 people, including a main plenary hall that seats up to 1,600 delegates and several committee and meeting rooms suitable for a range of functions. It has since hosted a variety of United Nations summits, ECOWAS meetings, business conferences, cultural events, and entertainment shows, reflecting its central role in Ghana’s event infrastructure.

Over the years, the AICC has served as the backdrop for major gatherings that brought together regional and international leaders, industry stakeholders, civil society organisations, and artists. It has been used for international conferences, trade expos, networking events, workshops, and cultural productions, making it a focal point for both diplomatic engagement and public events in Accra.

In addition to the planned renovation, the government is also pursuing broader event infrastructure development, including the construction of a new state‑of‑the‑art convention and creative events centre through public–private partnerships. This effort aims to complement the AICC and position Ghana competitively as a destination for large‑scale international gatherings, contributing to economic growth and cultural exchange.

Source: Diplomatic Times