Ghana Minister Orders Demolition of Illicit Buildings Threatening Anci

Minister Dzifa Gomashie has called for the immediate removal of unauthorised structures around Ghana's forts and castles, warning that continued encroachment threatens the preservation of the country's cultural heritage.

Demolition Orders Issued

The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie, has spoken out against the growing problem of encroachment around Ghana's historic forts and castles. Speaking at a symposium on the Korea-Ghana Heritage Project in Accra, Ms Gomashie said efforts to remove the structures must go hand in hand with sustained engagement with communities living around the heritage sites.

According to her, residents are more likely to support preservation efforts when they understand the historical and cultural significance of the monuments. The Minister stressed that protecting Ghana's heritage sites could not be left to government alone, but required stronger collaboration among traditional authorities, local communities, relevant state institutions and other stakeholders.

Encroachment Threatens Preservation

The extent of encroachment around some of the sites has become alarming, Ms Gomashie said, warning that continued pressure from illegal developments threatens the preservation of Ghana's cultural heritage. She called for urgent intervention to remove unauthorised structures built within areas intended to serve as protective buffers around the historic monuments.

Ms Gomashie said some heritage sites were facing severe pressure from illegal developments, including structures built within areas intended to serve as protective buffers around the historic monuments. The Minister showed pictures of the encroachment, saying "If I show you pictures of the encroachment on the buffer for the forts and castles, you will join me in doing Aluta."

Collaboration Key to Preservation

Protecting Ghana's heritage sites requires collaboration among all stakeholders, Ms Gomashie said. She called for stronger engagement with communities living around the heritage sites, saying that residents are more likely to support preservation efforts when they understand the historical and cultural significance of the monuments.

The Minister stressed that this collaboration is essential to preventing further encroachment and safeguarding the country's forts, castles and other heritage assets for future generations. She said that efforts to remove the structures must go hand in hand with sustained engagement with communities living around the heritage sites.

A Call to Action

The Minister's call to action is a stark reminder of the importance of preserving Ghana's cultural heritage. With the extent of encroachment around some of the sites becoming alarming, it is clear that urgent intervention is required to protect these historic monuments.

Ms Gomashie's message is clear: protecting Ghana's heritage sites requires a collaborative effort among all stakeholders, and it cannot be left to government alone. The fate of these historic monuments hangs in the balance, and it is up to all of us to ensure their preservation for future generations.

Source: JOY