Ghanaian Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie, has issued a forceful call for the immediate demolition of unauthorized structures encroaching upon the country’s forts and castles, emphasizing the urgent need to safeguard its invaluable heritage. The initiative, driven by a growing concern over the escalating encroachment, represents a significant shift in priorities for the government, signaling a commitment to a more proactive approach to preservation.
Speaking at a symposium on the Korea-Ghana Heritage Project in Accra, Ms. Gomashie underscored the critical threat this unauthorized development poses to the aesthetic integrity and long-term viability of Ghana’s most significant historical landmarks. She stated, ‘The scale of encroachment around some heritage sites is profoundly worrying, demanding immediate and decisive action.’
Her argument centers around the fundamental importance of community involvement in the preservation process. Ms. Gomashie emphasized that a crucial element of securing the support of local communities is fostering open dialogue and understanding regarding the value and significance of these sites. ‘Often, we leave out the engagement with the community. And so they don’t see the importance of why our, for example, call for the demolition of illegal structures around the forts and castles,’ she asserted, highlighting a critical gap in current preservation strategies.
The Minister’s call for action is inextricably linked to a broader assessment of the situation, particularly concerning the extent of the encroachment. She proposed a visual demonstration, including photographs of the encroaching structures, to effectively communicate the severity of the problem to stakeholders. This visual element is intended to galvanize a collective response and underscore the urgency of the situation.
According to a recent report by the Ministry of Heritage, the area surrounding the oldest forts and castles in Ghana has experienced a noticeable increase in unauthorized construction over the past decade. This has resulted in significant damage to the natural landscape, erosion of historical soil, and a disruption of the site’s original character. The Ministry estimates that the cumulative impact of these illegal structures represents a substantial loss of cultural heritage.
The government’s current strategy, while acknowledging the importance of heritage preservation, has been criticized for a lack of comprehensive enforcement mechanisms. Ms. Gomashie stressed that the current system is insufficient to effectively combat the unauthorized development. ‘Protecting Ghana’s cultural heritage cannot be achieved by government alone. We need a collaborative effort among government agencies, traditional authorities, local communities, and other stakeholders – a partnership that embraces the expertise of all involved,’ she explained. The Ministry is actively exploring options for establishing a dedicated task force to coordinate enforcement efforts and implement stricter regulations.
The Ministry is currently reviewing existing legislation regarding the protection of heritage sites and is considering amendments to address the growing problem of illegal structures. Further, a comprehensive assessment of the legal framework surrounding land use and development in areas with significant historical significance is underway. The long-term goal is to establish a system that balances the preservation of cultural heritage with sustainable development, ensuring that Ghana’s rich historical landscape continues to inspire and educate future generations. The Ministry anticipates launching a public consultation program to gather input from local communities and stakeholders regarding potential solutions, aiming to foster a sense of shared responsibility for safeguarding Ghana’s past. The initial phase of this consultation will focus on understanding the specific concerns and perspectives of residents living near the fort and castle areas.
The projected cost of demolition is estimated at approximately $500,000, based on preliminary assessments and consultation with experts. The government is committed to prioritizing the restoration and revitalization of these sites, recognizing their immense cultural and historical value.
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Source: Adom Online
