The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie, has advocated for the removal of unauthorized constructions surrounding forts and castles throughout the nation.
She indicated that such encroachments jeopardize the aesthetic appeal, integrity, and long-term conservation of Ghana’s heritage sites.
While addressing a symposium on the Korea-Ghana Heritage Project in Accra, Dzifa Gomashie emphasized the necessity for enhanced interaction with communities residing near heritage sites to foster an understanding of the significance of safeguarding these areas.
She noted that the absence of community involvement frequently leads to local resistance against initiatives aimed at eliminating illegal structures around forts and castles.
“Frequently, we neglect to engage with the community. Consequently, they fail to recognize the importance of our call for the demolition of illegal structures surrounding the forts and castles,” she remarked.
She further stated that the degree of encroachment affecting certain heritage sites is concerning and demands immediate action.
“If I were to show you images of the encroachment on the buffer zones of the forts and castles, you would join me in advocating for action,” she asserted.
The Minister reiterated that the protection of Ghana’s cultural heritage necessitates collaboration among the government, traditional leaders, local communities, and other relevant stakeholders.
She urged for a more unified strategy to preserve the nation’s forts, castles, and other heritage assets for the benefit of future generations.
