President Dankwa Akufo-Addo commissioned the renovated and modernized Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.
The Park, which was erected in 1991 and made public in 1992 during the administration of the late Jerry John Rawlings, the first President of the 4th Republic, had not had any renovations since that time, causing the building to significantly deteriorate. In order to facilitate the renovations, President Akufo-Addo instructed Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, to temporarily close it.
The President addressed the crowd during the ceremony and noted that the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park had undergone complete modernization in addition to renovations to befit its status as the final resting place of the justly celebrated Kwame Nkrumah, who had led Ghana to independence in 1957 and served as the country’s first president.
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Cost of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
He said, “The Park now has a reception area, an amphitheater, restaurant, freedom wall, and a digitalised payment and access system. The gravestone has been upgraded, and the museum has been expanded with an audiovisual tunnel. The mausoleum has also had a complete renovation. Additionally, there is a renovated gift shop, bigger leisure space, and an upgraded VVIP lounge. As well as a fountain area with synchronised audiovisuals, the first of its kind in West Africa.”
The President continued, “The refurbishment of Kwame Memorial Park, which cost GH30 million, is in accordance with government aspirations. To make the park one of West Africa’s top tourist destinations and historical landmarks. Dr. Nkrumah’s burial place must reflect his reputation as the greatest pan-Africanist of his generation. As well as his unparalleled contributions to the liberation of Africa from colonialism and imperialism.”
Before the refurbishment, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park saw about 90,000 visitors a year. However, that number is presently expected to reach over one million. In order to accomplish this goal, the President charged the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture and its agencies with developing efficient marketing and promotional initiatives.
The President stated that the government is constructing museums and other tourist attractions in various sections of the country. As part of efforts to make Ghana the tourism capital of West Africa.