The government intends to develop slave trade heritage sites.
As part of the Ghana Tourism Development Project, the government has initiated procurement procedures to engage a consultancy firm to review the conditions at selected slave trade heritage sites in Ghana.
Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, stated in Parliament that the move is to make design proposals for their improvement.
According to him, the project, dubbed “Slave Trade Heritage Sites Routes,” includes an assessment of existing site conditions, followed by design proposals for site improvement for approval by the ministry.
He revealed that the locations chosen for this assignment included, but were not limited to, Yendi, Pikoro, Salaga, Gwollu, Bono Manso, Martin Luther King Village, Kintampo, Assin Praso, Assin Manso, Kormantse-Abanse, Fort William-Anomabo, Fort St. Antonio-Axim, Fort Friedricksburg-Princess Town, Christiansborg Castle, Ussher Fort, and James Fort.
Dr. Awal stated that the series of interventions planned for the Bono Manso and Martin Luther King sites would include the construction of a tourist receptive facility, landscaping, and a defined car/vehicle parking area, site guide training and orientation, and the erection of a sign.
The remaining items are the designation of areas for reflection/meditation and the establishment of a site governing/advisory council in accordance with Legislative Instrument (LI) 2393 on tourist sites and attractions regulations.
Joseph Kwasi Mensah, NDC MP for Nkoranza North, has asked the Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture about plans to develop tourist attractions in the constituency’s Bono Manso Slave Market, Bono Manso Water Fall, and Martin Luther King Village.
“These interventions are under the product development activities being coordinated by the ministry’s Project Unit,” the minister explained.