South Korea Pledges US$4.5 Million to Preserve Ghana’s Forts and Castles

South Korea has pledged US$4.5 million in support over five years to help Ghana preserve its historic forts and castles, strengthen heritage tourism and protect coastal heritage sites from the effects of climate change, Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie has disclosed.

The support, according to the minister, will include technical expertise and equipment to help restore and protect the country’s historic monuments, many of which face increasing threats from rising sea levels, tidal waves, coastal erosion and other environmental challenges.

Speaking on efforts to reposition Ghana’s heritage tourism sector posted on the Facebook page of Aidoo Elizabeth, Ms Gomashie said the government was working with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the National Commission of UNESCO of Korea to develop measures to safeguard the country’s forts and castles.

She explained that the collaboration was aimed at reversing the deterioration of Ghana’s historic sites and making them more attractive to visitors, particularly those from the African diaspora seeking to reconnect with their ancestral history.

The minister acknowledged that although Ghana’s historic forts and castles remain important destinations for heritage tourism, there is a need to improve the visitor experience and introduce additional attractions to sustain public interest.

She cited the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park as a leading destination in terms of visitor arrivals, noting that the government was exploring ways to strengthen other heritage sites, including Cape Coast Castle.

According to her, repeated visits to some historic sites may become less appealing when there are limited new experiences for tourists, despite the profound historical significance of the locations.

“The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park now is the highest in terms of arrivals,” she said, explaining that the government was considering how to address possible visitor fatigue at Cape Coast Castle.

She noted that visits to the castle carry a deeper meaning for members of the African diaspora, many of whom travel to Ghana to reconnect with their heritage and learn more about the history of the transatlantic slave trade.

For such visitors, she explained, the experience is not necessarily about entertainment or elaborate activities but about reconnecting with their roots and understanding the historical experiences of their ancestors.

However, she maintained that more could be done to improve the presentation and preservation of the sites while maintaining their historical significance.

The government is therefore seeking to develop Ghana’s heritage tourism offerings in ways that preserve the authenticity of the monuments while providing visitors with more meaningful experiences.

Ms Gomashie said the government had been engaging UNESCO and the Korean National Commission for UNESCO, commonly referred to as KNCU, to explore ways of restoring and protecting the country’s forts and castles.

She explained that the initiative involves cooperation with Ghana’s National Commission for UNESCO, which she identified as being headed by Professor Damba, as well as UNESCO’s office in Ghana.

The minister said the partnerships were expected to contribute technical knowledge and other resources towards protecting Ghana’s historic properties.

She stressed that preserving the forts and castles was particularly important at a time when President John Dramani Mahama had placed emphasis on reparations and restitution.

According to her, Ghana must strengthen its heritage infrastructure to accommodate visitors interested in learning about slavery, the experiences of Africans during the transatlantic slave trade and the historical links between Ghana and the wider African diaspora.

The forts and castles are central to that effort because of their connection to the forced movement of Africans and the broader history of the transatlantic slave trade.

She argued that improving their condition and accessibility would help Ghana maintain its position as a destination for historical and cultural tourism.

The tourism minister identified climate change and global warming as major threats to Ghana’s coastline and the historic structures located along it.

She said the country’s coastal monuments were increasingly exposed to harsh weather conditions and environmental pressures, making restoration and long-term protection urgent.

Ms Gomashie, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ketu South, said her concerns extended beyond her constituency to the wider coastline and the national heritage resources situated along it.

She recalled the challenges faced by coastal communities affected by tidal waves, explaining that the same environmental pressures threatening communities also pose risks to historic sites and other valuable coastal assets.

She said South Korea’s proposed support would help provide the expertise and equipment needed to protect the forts and castles against these threats.

The minister emphasised that the preservation of the monuments was not only a tourism concern but also a national responsibility, given their historical, cultural and economic significance.

The five-year support programme is expected to contribute to efforts to safeguard these sites for future generations while strengthening their potential to attract international visitors.

Beyond the restoration of forts and castles, Ms Gomashie said Ghana was exploring opportunities to develop underwater heritage tourism along its coastline.

She explained that the country had ratified international conventions, including one concerning the protection of underwater cultural heritage.

According to her, the historical significance of Ghana’s coastline suggests that there may be submerged heritage resources, including shipwrecks, that could contribute to the country’s tourism offerings.

She said such resources should be identified, protected and managed responsibly to preserve their historical value.

The minister noted that underwater heritage could provide new opportunities for visitors interested in underwater sightseeing and the exploration of historical sites beneath the sea.

She clarified that the objective was not simply to excavate submerged resources but also to protect them and explore ways of making them accessible through appropriate tourism activities.

The development of underwater heritage tourism could therefore complement existing attractions along the coast and provide additional experiences for visitors interested in Ghana’s maritime history.

However, such efforts would require appropriate protection measures and technical expertise to ensure that underwater cultural resources are not damaged or exploited.

The proposed South Korean support forms part of broader efforts to preserve Ghana’s historical assets and improve the country’s appeal as a heritage tourism destination.

The forts and castles remain significant reminders of the transatlantic slave trade and the experiences of Africans who were held and transported through the coastal trading centres.

Their preservation is particularly relevant to Ghana’s engagement with members of the diaspora, including visitors seeking historical knowledge, ancestral connections and a deeper understanding of the country’s role in the slave trade.

By combining restoration, climate protection, international cooperation and the development of new tourism products, the government hopes to ensure that these sites continue to serve as important cultural and educational destinations.

The collaboration with South Korea and UNESCO is expected to support that objective over the five years, while efforts to explore underwater heritage tourism could broaden the range of experiences available to visitors.

For Ghana, the challenge will be to protect its historic monuments from environmental damage while ensuring that the sites remain relevant, accessible and attractive to future generations of tourists.