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By Rhoda Krah
Situated along the coast of Accra, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park occupies the former Colonial Polo Grounds where the nation’s first president famously declared Ghana’s independence in 1957. The mausoleum, designed by Don Arthur, houses the mortal remains of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and his wife Fathiah.
The structure, designed to represent an upside-down sword which in the Akan culture is a symbol of peace, was constructed in 1990 by the late Pres, Jerry John Rawlings to stand as a testament to Ghana’s heritage. It was opened to the public in 1992.
Over the years, the park has attracted visitors from around the world, with an annual count of approximately 98,000 individuals who visit to pay homage to Ghana’s first President and learn about his life and legacy.
As one of the top 10 most visited sites in the country, the park holds immense cultural and historical significance. Despite its popularity however, the Nkrumah Memorial Park had not undergone significant renovation in its 25-year existence. Issues such as malfunctioning fountains, leaky roofs in the museum, and deteriorating facilities impacted the overall visitor experience.
Recognizing the pivotal role of tourism in Ghana’s development, President Nana Akufo-Addo declared tourism a vital factor for social advancement upon assuming office in 2017. On July 19, 2022, the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, commenced the rehabilitation and redevelopment of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum. According to the minister, the renovation to preserve the park’s historical value, expand its visitor capacity, and improve service delivery, is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s 1.2 million anticipated international tourist arrivals in 2023, with an estimated corresponding revenue of US$3.4billion.
The comprehensive redevelopment, costing approximately $3.5 million, introduced several notable additions and improvements. These include a presidential library within a receptive facility, offering visitors access to an extensive collection of historical materials and documents related to Dr Nkrumah’s life and legacy.
After the renovation, the museum has attracted many tourists to visit the museum to learn about Ghana’s first president’s history.
In an interview with Oluwatosin, a visiting Nigerian, she talked about her view of the park.
“I’m happy to visit this place for the first time and I’m glad I came, because I had read about Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, so visiting this place feels great and everything here to me is actually more realistic and I love it.”
During my visit to the Kwame Nkrumah Museum, I thoroughly enjoyed everything except for one unsettling incident—the poorly instructed elevator at the park. Unfortunately, I found myself stuck in it for nearly 5 minutes, struggling to figure out the confusing directions. Recounting a similar experience, my friend Nana Adjoa, a level 100 student at AUCC, shared her frightening encounter in the same elevator. She described feeling scared and momentarily fearing for her life. Despite repeatedly pushing the call button with no response, she eventually calmed down and took matters into her own hands by pressing a button that freed her from the elevator. It was a terrifying experience for her, highlighting the need for improvements in the elevator system for the safety and comfort of visitors.
Meanwhile, a gift shop has also been established, providing visitors with unique memorabilia, while a restaurant offers a diverse culinary experience. To enhance convenience and comfort, the park now features upgraded toilet facilities and an expanded car park with increased capacity for smoother and organized parking arrangements.
With the redevelopment now completed, the government’s commitment to uplifting this iconic monument reflects its understanding of its significance to Ghana’s history and its efforts.