Ghana must preserve her monumental facilities

 Dear Editor,

THE monumental facilities of any country are very important because they do not only tell the rich history of that country, but enhances the country’s economy.

It is, therefore, not surprising that the West­ern world hold these facilities in high esteem and invest so much in preserving them.

However, in Ghana, the importance we attach to these facilities, such as castles, forts, Black Star Square and recreational parks such as the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park are very disturb­ing.

Anytime I pass by the Efua Sutherland Chil­dren’s Park, I feel very sad with its current state. I get a similar feeling when I pass by our Forts and Castles, which are fast deteriorating due to climate change, specifically rising sea levels and increased surges.

Looking at their importance, it is critical for government to be more intentional about their preservation.

Over the past, we have seen successive governments try to invest in the refurbishment of some of these facilities through partnership agreements with some private organisations as well as donor funding from international organisa­tions.

For instance, after concerns were raised about the state of the Black Star Square through media reportage, the government undertook some ren­ovation works at the place to keep it in shape as most national activities were held there.

Also, I was happy to know that the govern­ment, in collaboration with the W.E.B Du Bois Museum Foundation, was working to secure funds to redevelop and rebrand the W.E.B Du Bois Me­morial Centre for Pan-African Culture, the resting place of Dr Du Bois, the father of Pan-Africanis.

I think we can do more as a country to pre­serve these facilities.

I suggest that a special fund be created pur­posely for the preservation of these facilities as they serve as our identity as Ghanaians.

Baba

Ofankor