Ghana’s Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Minister, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has secured a US$3.5 million commitment from the Korean National Commission for UNESCO. This funding will support the restoration of six of Ghana’s World Heritage Forts and Castles. The agreement was reached during an official visit to the Republic of Korea, following Ghana's participation in the 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan.
This significant financial injection will complement the Government of Ghana’s ongoing efforts to implement UNESCO’s recommendations for heritage preservation. The funds are specifically earmarked for restoration activities at six selected Forts and Castles, ensuring the long-term conservation of these globally important monuments. These sites are crucial for Ghana's tourism sector and cultural identity.
The commitment underscores Ghana's strategic focus on leveraging its rich cultural heritage for economic development. The preservation of these historical sites not only attracts tourists but also creates employment opportunities and fosters national pride. This aligns with broader government initiatives to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on traditional sectors, positioning tourism as a key growth driver.
Minister Gomashie led a delegation in bilateral engagements aimed at strengthening the conservation, management, and sustainable development of the country’s World Heritage properties. Beyond the financial commitment, Ghana also secured support from the Africa World Heritage Fund (AWHF) and the World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia and the Pacific Region (WHIPIC). These partnerships will enhance Ghana’s heritage management capacity through specialized human resource development and technical training.
The AWHF will support the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB) with capacity-building programmes. WHIPIC committed to providing technical training for GMMB officers in heritage site interpretation and visitor experience management. This training will improve the presentation and appreciation of Ghana’s heritage sites, making them more engaging for visitors.
During the visit, Minister Gomashie, accompanied by Ghana’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, H.E. Kojo Choi, attended a graduation ceremony. Six Ghanaian officials completed a specialized capacity-building program organized by the Korean National Commission for UNESCO in Seoul. These beneficiaries, from various government agencies, received intensive training on managing climate change impacts on cultural heritage sites. This training is vital for protecting Ghana's historical assets from environmental threats.
The Minister expressed Ghana’s appreciation for Korea’s continued investment in strengthening the country’s heritage management capacity. She also thanked the Government and people of the Republic of Korea, UNESCO, the Africa World Heritage Fund, and WHIPIC for their partnership. This collaboration highlights a shared commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage globally.
Minister Gomashie reaffirmed the government’s commitment, under President John Dramani Mahama, to protect and promote Ghana’s cultural heritage. She emphasized its role as a catalyst for tourism development, education, job creation, and sustainable national development. This strategic approach aims to transform cultural assets into tangible economic benefits for the nation.
The delegation included Ghana’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Meredith Naakai Lamptey Addy, and the Secretary-General of the Ghana National Commission for UNESCO, Professor Usman Damba. The Acting Executive Director of the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, Kwesi Essel Blankson, and the Ministry’s Director for Culture and Creative Arts, Divine Kwame Owusu-Ansah, were also part of the team. Their collective efforts secured these crucial commitments for Ghana.