The Africa Institute has reportedly severed its ties with renowned architect Sir David Adjaye, who was previously involved in the design of the National Cathedral of Ghana.

The decision comes in the wake of allegations of sexual assault and harassment against Adjaye, recent reports from graphiconline.com indicate.

The President of The Africa Institute, Hoor Al Qasimi, issued a statement to Dezeen, a London-based magazine, confirming the termination of their engagement with Sir Adjaye.

Al Qasimi expressed concerns about the allegations and emphasized that the separation would not impact the institute's ongoing research and educational initiatives at their current facilities.

The report further revealed that The Africa Institute had previously enlisted Sir David Adjaye to design a large-scale monolithic campus in downtown Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). This upcoming facility, known as Africa Hall, is set to comprise of five high-rise blocks constructed from red-hued concrete, spanning an expansive area of 31,882 square meters. Despite cutting ties with Adjaye, the institute remains committed to continuing its projects and endeavors in research and education at its current location.

Background

Renowned architect, Sir David Adjaye, has been accused of sexual misconduct and harassment by three women who were formerly employed by him.

Per reports, two of the women, Maya and Gene, moved to Ghana in 2018 to assist Sir Adjaye in establishing an architectural office in Accra.

The Accra office reportedly delayed salary payments to the two women and took time to secure work visas, leaving them financially vulnerable.

Maya and Gene are said to have dined with Sir David Adjaye to address their grievances. However, he led them to his corporate apartment where he allegedly engaged in sexual assault and harassment.

Sir Adjaye has denied these allegations, maintaining that the encounter was consensual and limited to a social interaction.

Another allegation of sexual assault at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg by Maya has been raised against Sir Adjaye.

Owing to the allegations, Maya was dismissed without notice and accused of extortion after demanding compensation. Gene, on the other hand, was offered a financial settlement after being dismissed.

Sir David Adjaye has worked on numerous high-profile projects that have garnered international acclaim. Some of his most famous creations are the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. and the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway.