Denmark’s Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Jakob Linulf, has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to working with Ghana to preserve their shared historical heritage, particularly in Osu.
Speaking at the launch of the Ghana-Denmark Cultural Heritage Initiative at Osu Castle Park, the Ambassador noted that relations between the two countries span more than 400 years, including the painful history of the transatlantic slave trade.
He stressed the need to document the stories of people whose lives were affected by these historical events so that they are not forgotten. According to him, the streets and historical buildings in Osu hold important narratives that must be preserved and made accessible to tourists, researchers and future generations.
Mr Linulf said learning from the past would help both countries build stronger and more friendly relations. He expressed appreciation to the University of Ghana and other Ghanaian partners and pledged Denmark’s continued support for the initiative.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Yussif Isaaka Jajah, also called for stronger efforts to preserve the shared historical and cultural heritage of Ghana and Denmark.
He said historical sites such as Christiansborg Castle and other Danish-related monuments along the coast serve as important reminders of the two countries’ common past. The history, he noted, goes beyond physical monuments to include historical documents, personal accounts and community memories, including the painful experiences of the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism.
Hon. Jajah said the initiative would promote research, documentation and digital storytelling to make the shared history accessible to researchers, students and the general public. He urged all partners to ensure the sustainability of the project and commended the Danish government, the University of Ghana and other institutions for their support.
Professor of Archaeology at the University of Ghana, Prof. Wazi Apoh, outlined plans to document and promote the shared heritage through digital technology.
He said the initiative would establish an online archive containing historical documents, photographs and videos about Osu and its surrounding communities. Signages would also be placed at selected historical buildings, including the Wolf House, with QR codes linking visitors to detailed historical information.
Community members would be encouraged to share family stories and personal experiences, which would be developed into short videos for the online platform. The project would further introduce a virtual tour of the Osu community to make its historical sites accessible to people around the world.
Prof. Apoh noted that the initiative would strengthen historical research, attract tourists and bring greater attention to Osu’s cultural heritage.
Story by : Fred Elorm Green
