On Friday, 26th July 2024, at the side of the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee, Hon. Mark Okraku Mantey, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Mr Kingsley Ofosu Ntiamoah, Executive Director for the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board met with Mr Muhammad Juma and Mr David Stehl from the African Unit of World Heritage Centre to discuss among other things the management effectiveness of the Forts and Castles World Heritage Properties in Ghana.
The meeting was premised on the Recommendations of the World Heritage Centre and its Advisory Bodies on the Conservation of the Forts and Castles and an earlier engagement by Hon. Andrews Egyapa Mercer, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture with Mr. Ernesto R. Ottone, ADG Culture at UNESCO and the Head of the World Heritage Centre on Government’s intervention and the Ministry’s preparedness to address
the recurring conservation issues at the properties.
The Deputy Minister commended the World Heritage Centre and its Advisory Bodies for their support and reiterated his Minister’s assurance and commitment to addressing the conservation issues at the properties.
Mr. Ntiamoah added that an Action Plan has been developed and that strategic measures are being implemented to address emergency actions outlined by the World Heritage Centre and its Advisory Bodies. The Executive Director further pointed out that Ghana will constantly engage the Centre for guidance to ensure that properties are restored and conserved in line with the World Heritage Convention and its Operational Guidelines. In this context, Mr Ntiamoah told the team from the World Heritage Centre that a copy of the Action Plan would be shared with them for their input.
Mr Mohammed commended Mr Ntiamoah and assured Ghana of the Centre’s support in addressing the issues at the forts and castles. He, however, stressed that immediate steps should be taken to stabilise and conserve the forts and palaces to prevent them from further deteriorating.
The Deputy Minister concluded by extending Hon. Mercer’s appreciation to the Centre and its Advisory Bodies.
