Let’s preserve and protect our national monuments – Clare Asantewa Afari

The connection between past and present generations relies heavily on the effective preservation of cultural, historical, and architectural heritage, emphasized Clare Asantewaa Afari from the National Commission on Culture during an interview on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra.

A concerning report underscores the threat to Architectural Heritage Preservation (AHP) in Ghana, evident in a diminishing awareness, persistent demolitions, and the destruction of historic buildings and places to make way for infrastructure development and spontaneous housing settlements.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, there is a call to establish the necessity of further research on the state of architectural heritage preservation in Ghana. This research, grounded in interpretivism, theoretically assesses how the state of architectural heritage preservation in Ghana can be enhanced and improved through a review of literature from basic schools to the secondary level, emphasizing its importance.

The literature review reveals critical issues, including low publicity regarding heritage preservation, insufficient human resources responsible for heritage preservation, and the imperative need to enhance the maintenance of Ghana’s historical monuments.

Afari advocates for additional research in heritage studies to ensure the effective protection and preservation of Ghana’s rich architectural heritage. She emphasizes the importance of national monuments in helping nearby communities diversify economically, enhancing their quality of life, and providing recreational opportunities that make these communities more attractive for new residents, businesses, and investments.

Looking ahead, Afari opines that national monuments not only optimize our values and culture but also significantly contribute to the tourism prospects of the regions throughout the country. Each area, she notes, possesses unique sites that offer various services, which can be integrated into value chains for sustainable medium and long-term tourism development projects.

Contact Information: AYM Kukah E-mail: kukahalexander7@gmail.com.