Nana Akua Oppong-Birmeh reshaping Ghana’s architectural landscape

The challenges encountered as a young professional striving  to build excellence in her career while nurturing a meaningful family life led to the birth of ArchXenus Company Ltd in 2011.

The firm was established to provide a dynamic and inclusive  alternative within the architectural space — particularly for  young architects, especially women, navigating the  traditionally male-dominated industry.

Today, ArchXenus stands as the first female-dominated architectural firm and currently the largest private architectural practice in Ghana. Guided by the core values of integrity, innovation, and growth, Nana Akua ranks among Ghana’s leading female Architect-CEOs, with award-winning projects spanning residential, financial, commercial, and hospitality sectors.

KEY PROJECTS & COMPANY ACHIEVEMENTS

Under Nana Akua’s visionary leadership, ArchXenus has successfully delivered diverse landmark projects that have transformed cityscapes and elevated architectural standards in Ghana and beyond. These include:

• MELCOM mall, spintex road – A commercial four-story office that redefines public accountability through an architecture of trust, with a dematerialised and transparent design that inspires confidence and elevate perception of a government institution
• Christ Temple East – A religious extraordinary 18,000 sqm place of worship that blends powerful symbolism with resilient industrial materials and human- centred design, inviting all who are weary to find rest and community within its walls
• Gesops Head office building, Labone – A commercial four-story office that redefines public accountability through an architecture of trust, with a dematerialised and transparent design that inspires confidence and elevate perception of a government institution
• The Revelation – A commercial rhythmic response to renovation and repurpose housing the head office of Tocksure company and an auto showroom for VolksWagon
• Elimmas – A commercial four-story office that redefines public accountability through an architecture of trust, with a dematerialised and transparent design that inspires confidence and elevate perception of a government institution
• Imperial Homes apartments, town house and villas – a collection of tastefully designed residential properties located across various prime locations of Accra

Through these developments, ArchXenus has significantly contributed to urban transformation, redefining skylines while delivering economically viable and aesthetically enduring structures.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

2023

• Ghana Women of the Year Awards – Excellence in Business
• Architect of the Year – Glitz Africa

2019

• West African Construction Awards (Accra, Ghana) – Architect of the Year (CEO, ArchXenus Company)
• West African Construction Awards – Outstanding Woman in Construction

2018

• Real Estate Developments Awards (Africa) – Visionary Interior Designer
• Africa Women in Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) – Creative Industry Award
• Top 50 Young CEOs in Ghana

2017

• Forty Under 40 Awards, Ghana – Entrepreneur of the Year (Architecture Design / Decor Category)
• BBC 100 Most Inspirational Women Breaking the Glass Ceilings
• Ghana 100 Most Outstanding Women Entrepreneurs

 Professional Development & Conferences

• Speaker, Vertical Cities Conference – Singapore

In her words:

“Every building is brick and mortar, but the one which has been carefully crafted — composed as a work of art in a harmonious melody — will always stand like a piece of sculpture in the landscape, engaging with people on a level that leaves an indelible mark on their memory.”

Nana Akua possesses an insatiable drive to be different — to think beyond convention and stand out from the crowd. This philosophy is evident in the numerous designs that have moved from her drawing board to the built environment, adorning the cityscape with architecture full of life and character while transforming their surroundings into engaging, functional spaces.

She has served as:

• Member, Education Committee, Architects Registration Council (ARC) – present
• Member, Board of Trustees, KNUST Alumni Endowment Fund- present
• Participated in the Stanford seed transformation program – October 2024
• Board Member, Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA) – 2020
• Council Member, Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) – March 2018 and 2020
• Member, Architects Registration Council (ARC) – August 2009
• Member, Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) – April 2009

Beyond her professional achievements, Nana Akua is deeply committed to mentoring and public speaking, sharing her expertise with students, young professionals, and industry stakeholders.

As a successful architect, wife, and mother of four, she stands as a powerful example to young Ghanaian entrepreneurs — proof that with focus, courage, and determination, excellence in both career and family life is attainable.

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