In line with ensuring proper accountability of assets in the tourism space, the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Andrew Egyapa Mercer received in his office on 4th June 2024, a joint monitoring team from the World Heritage Centre, International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) currently undergoing routine inspections of Ghana’s Forts and Castles listed as World Heritage sites.
Collectively referred to as “World Heritage Property of Ghana”, Ghana’s listed sites comprise three (3) castles, fifteen (15) forts, four (4) ruins with visible structures and two (2) sites with traces of former fortification. The mission shared insights on how Ghana could enhance its preservation of these listed sites and ensure that the nation drew maximum benefit from the listing of these sites.
Discussions unearthed the need for cross-sectoral collaboration to harness the value of these sites. Suggestions tabled also included fostering stronger partnerships with Universities that have archaeological resources.
The mission assured the Minister its readiness to provide Ghana with the requisite technical support to continue adhering to her obligations under the World Heritage Convention.
