President Mahama promises face-lift for Cape Coast Castle
President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to rehabilitate the historic Cape Coast Castle to enhance its tourism appeal and preserve its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
He assured that the Government would allocate adequate funds in the 2027 Budget to give the monument a facelift, following concerns about its deteriorating condition and threats by UNESCO to revoke its World Heritage status.
The President made this assurance during his visit to the castle as part of his two-day Resetting Ghana Tour of the Central Region, where he assessed the state of the site.
Prior to visiting the castle, he cut the sod for the construction of a 24-hour economy market at Assin Bereku in the Assin North District and inspected the Kafodzidzi–Aburansa “Big Push” road project in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem Municipality.
He also inspected the Nyamedom Community Planning and Health Services Compound and presented free healthcare kits to the facility as part of efforts to facilitate the Free Primary Healthcare policy.
On Saturday, June 27, he is scheduled to inspect the Apam-Mumford-Hweda-Dago-Otuam road project, engage citizens at the Mephiboseth Auditorium at Apam Junction, and inspect the Winneba Junction underpass project.
President Mahama revealed that cabinet had recently discussed a report presented by the Minister of Tourism on the state of Ghana’s forts and castles and the concerns raised by UNESCO regarding their upkeep.
He emphasized that tourism remains a critical sector of the economy, expressing the government’s commitment to investing in tourism infrastructure to support national development.
“As part of our programme, we decided to come and inspect the Cape Coast Castle ourselves. I can assure you that in next year’s budget, we are going to make adequate provision to restore this place so that we keep it listed as a historical site,” he said.
President Mahama stressed the importance of maintaining the castle to international standards, describing it as one of Ghana’s most important heritage assets and a symbol of the country’s role in the history of the transatlantic slave trade.
He noted that generations of descendants of enslaved Africans continue to visit Ghana to reconnect with their roots, making it necessary to preserve the forts and castles in good condition.
“Many people whose ancestors passed through these castles have an interest in coming back to see where they were held and how they were transported. We must keep these places attractive and well maintained,” he stated, adding that “the Ministry of Tourism has to keep this in good shape so that it makes it attractive for people to come and see what’s happening.”
The President reiterated Ghana’s commitment to the global campaign for reparative justice and pledged continued support for initiatives that preserved and promoted the country’s historical heritage.
He also commended the School of Performing Arts for its re-enactment of the slave trade experience, which was showcased during the recent Next Steps Conference on Reparations held in Accra, noting that the performance had deeply moved participants and earned international recognition, leading to an invitation for the group to perform at the unveiling of a slavery monument in Barbados later this year.
Image Source: GHANA BUSINESS NEWS
