Ghana’s crumbling historic monuments in dire need of attention

The struggle for independence from British colonial rule left in its wake a lot of historical sites and monuments across the country.

They are more than physical structures or locations as they mark a crucial point in the country’s history and culture. Despite their significance and national importance, many of these monuments are wearing away and developing structural defects.

One of such places is the Independence Square, a prime destination of choice for visitors from far and near.

Constructed by Ghana’s first President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in 1961, the Square hosts national events, including notable gatherings like the visit of the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1961.

Also known as the Black Star Square, the facility houses three monuments – the Independence Arch, the Black Star Gate and the Liberation Day Monument.

The Independence Arch, which is backdropped by the Gulf of Guinea, is designated for the President and dignitaries; it represents Ghana’s struggle for independence from British rule.

Facing the arch is the memorial of a soldier, one that honours Ghanaian soldiers who fell fighting for the country.

The Black Star Gate at the centre of the square is flanked by two fountains, with a ceremonial driveway running through it.

It is crowned by a large sculpture of a black star, which depicts Ghana as the black star of Africa and as a symbol of unity.

Independence Square begs for attention

It has had its glorious days, but will continue to be the talk of town – the historic site has been in a poor state over the years.

The red, yellow and green seats fixed under the shed have been removed as the 30,000-seater facility undergoes renovation.

Many stands are damaged and are being repaired, with only the soldier fixed at the top intact, in his army green.

Some designed blocks around the Black Star Gate have developed cracks, with corroded irons exposed. The area is now a safe haven for some people with mental health issues.

Just behind it is an area that has become a dumping ground – a place some have described as a total eyesore to tourists.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Akwasi Agyeman has said the ongoing works on the stands and the Arch will restore the beauty of the monument.

He added that similar rehabilitation works are being carried out on other historic sites across the country.

“We know they are doing general upgrades of the facilities, making sure we have decent restrooms and other things making sure that everything is in place. But we took cue from there and we’ve actually been working on what we call the ‘Heritage Enclave.’”

“If you take the Independence Square to the Independence Arch to the Nationalism Park and then what used to be the Gates Park, these are four areas that we feel are interconnected in a way. So, as the Independence Square is being renovated, we also took a cue to do [renovate] the Nationalism Park which has been hoarded off; some work is going on,” he told TV3 in an interview.

Burial grounds of late Sgt. Adjetey in ruins

The news team also visited the burial grounds of the late Sergeant Francis Adjetey, one of the three soldiers who were shot during the Christiansburg Crossroad Shooting on February 28, 1948.

They were on a peaceful march from Accra to the Christiansburg Castle to present a petition on their unpaid war benefits when the incident happened.

76 years after that event, the entrance to Sergeant Adjetey’s burial grounds is filled with stagnant water and broken blocks depleting its beauty.

The grave which can easily be a tourist attraction has been neglected and looks deserted under its current condition.

“It has been like this for years. They always say they will renovate it, but nothing happens after such promises. We are waiting on them to come and do the needful,” a senior citizen of La, a community in the Greater Accra Region, lamented.

In 2023, the Tourism Ministry projected 1.2 million international arrivals between December 1 and 15.

For Ghana to achieve its revenue goals, it needs to fix the once glorious monuments in time.

“There are things that are being done or have already started. So, it tells you that there is a deliberate attempt to really bring all these monuments [and] heritage sites and attractions to a certain appreciable level for people to be able to visit them.”

“But we work closely with the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board – they are the agency which directly handles these monuments and museums,” Akwasi Agyeman, the CEO of GTA added.

TV3 attempted to get official responses from the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board but none was successful at the time of filing this report.

The monuments are crumbling, thus need urgent rescue.

 

The post Ghana’s crumbling historic monuments in dire need of attention first appeared on 3News.

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