The Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, has announced government’s plan to revitalise key historical sites, including museums, castles, and forts, across the country in 2024.
The decision was revealed during a grand reopening ceremony of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra on July 4, 2023.
The event was attended by President Akufo-Addo and other dignitaries.
Dr Awal expressed the government’s commitment to making Ghana the leading centre of tourism in Africa by leveraging on the nation’s rich heritage and political significance.
He emphasized that modernizing places like the Osu Castle, National Museum, and other forts and castles would enhance the allure of tourism on the continent.
Highlighting the economic benefits of tourism, the minister projected that Ghana could generate an impressive annual revenue of 6 to 7 billion dollars.
He attributed the success to the impact of the “Year of Return” initiative, which began in 2019, stating that an increasing number of visitors would contribute significantly to the nation’s economy.
Dr Awal confidently asserted that, with continued efforts, tourism could generate $6 to $7 billion annually and create up to 150,000 jobs each year as part of the government’s job creation agenda.
The minister expressed gratitude to President Akufo-Addo, Mr Pierre Frank Laporte, the Country Director of the World Bank in Ghana, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, and Samia Nkrumah, daughter of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, for their invaluable contributions to the successful realization of the tourism development project.
The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park holds great historical significance in Ghana, serving as a monument dedicated to the memory of the country’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and his wife, Fathia Nkrumah.
Situated on the former British Colonial Polo Grounds along the coast of Accra, the park marks the location where Dr. Nkrumah famously declared Ghana’s independence.
The park was established in 1990 by the late former Head of State, Jerry John Rawlings, as part of the nation’s efforts to preserve its heritage and honour its founding father.
Since opening its doors to the public in 1992, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park has welcomed approximately 98,000 visitors from around the world each year.