The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has called for the removal of unauthorised structures around Ghana’s forts, castles and other important heritage sites.
She warned that increasing encroachment was threatening the character, appearance and long-term preservation of the country’s historic assets.
Speaking at a symposium on the Korea-Ghana Heritage Project in Accra, Ms Gomashie said efforts to tackle the problem must include meaningful engagement with communities living around the heritage sites.
According to the Minister, inadequate consultation with residents often leads to resistance when authorities attempt to remove structures considered illegal.
She said communities must be educated on the historical and cultural importance of the sites and the need to protect them in the national interest.
“Often, we leave out the engagement with the community,” she said, explaining that this makes it difficult for residents to understand why authorities may seek the demolition of illegal structures around forts and castles.
Ms Gomashie expressed concern about the extent of encroachment at some heritage locations, particularly within designated buffer zones.
She said a proper assessment would reveal the scale of the problem and demonstrate the urgency of addressing it.
“If I show you pictures of the encroachment on the buffer for the forts and castles, you will join me in doing Aluta,” she remarked.
The Minister stressed that protecting Ghana’s heritage sites should not be regarded as the sole responsibility of government.
She called for closer cooperation among government institutions, traditional authorities, local communities and other stakeholders to protect the country’s historic assets.
Ms Gomashie said such collective efforts were essential to preserving Ghana’s forts, castles and other heritage sites while ensuring that they remain intact and accessible for future generations.
