The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has issued a passionate appeal to Ghanaian architects to play a more vocal and active role in preserving the country’s architectural heritage, warning that professional silence threatens Ghana’s cultural identity and development.
“If the experts are quiet, we destroy this country,” the Minister declared during a meeting with a delegation from the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) at the Ministry’s conference room.
The visit, held ahead of the GIA’s upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Cape Coast from November 13 to 18, was an opportunity to discuss ways architects can contribute more meaningfully to national development through heritage protection and tourism infrastructure. The AGM will be held under the theme “From Castles to Future Cities” and will examine how lessons from Ghana’s historic architecture can inform the design of resilient, inclusive cities.
In her remarks, Hon. Gomashie lamented the loss of several iconic structures over the years due to lack of advocacy and professional intervention. “Where were the architects when the original drama studio was pulled down to build the National Theatre? Every demolished historic building is a story erased. If the professionals stay silent, we all suffer,” she said.
The Minister also commended architect David Kojo Derban, founder of the Center for Architecture and Arts Heritage Africa, who was part of the delegation. Derban and his collaborator, AP Valetta of Malta, were recently honored in Italy by Architectural Record for their restoration proposal for the Osu Salem Presbyterian Boys School.
Presenting a memento of the award to the Minister, Derban described the recognition as evidence of the untapped tourism value of Ghana’s urban heritage.
The GIA delegation, led by its President, Architect Tony Asare, underscored the Institute’s renewed commitment to restoration and conservation.
They announced plans to launch a national design and ideas competition focused on revitalizing Ghana’s forts and castles 28 in total as part of this year’s AGM.
Hon. Gomashie welcomed the Institute’s initiatives and called for stronger collaboration with her Ministry to position architecture at the forefront of tourism development and cultural preservation.
“This is the kind of partnership we need to shape Ghana’s future while protecting our past,” she said.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
