President John Dramani Mahama has announced that government will make additional budgetary allocations in 2027 to rehabilitate the historic Cape Coast Castle as part of efforts to preserve Ghana’s heritage and strengthen the country’s tourism sector.
The President gave the assurance during a durbar at the Cape Coast Castle attended by chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, and residents as part of his two-day “Resetting Ghana” working tour of the Central Region.
Addressing the gathering, President Mahama described the Cape Coast Castle as one of Ghana’s most treasured historical monuments and an internationally recognised symbol of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
According to him, preserving the castle is critical not only for safeguarding Ghana’s rich historical legacy but also for promoting cultural tourism and creating economic opportunities for local communities.
“The Cape Coast Castle represents an important chapter in our nation’s history and the history of the African diaspora.
It is a priceless national asset that must be protected and preserved for future generations,” the President stated.
President Mahama revealed that he had received reports concerning the deteriorating state of some of Ghana’s castles and forts, which prompted him to personally inspect the Cape Coast Castle to assess the extent of rehabilitation needed.
He noted that sections of the facility require urgent attention to maintain the structural integrity of the monument and improve the overall experience for visitors.
The President assured residents that government would collaborate with relevant state institutions and development partners to undertake restoration works while maintaining the historical authenticity of the site.
He explained that the rehabilitation programme would include the conservation of the structure, improvement of visitor facilities, enhancement of the surrounding environment, and modernization of certain amenities to make the castle more attractive to both domestic and international tourists.
President Mahama further stressed that the rehabilitation project forms part of his administration’s broader agenda to reposition Ghana as a leading heritage and cultural tourism destination in Africa.
He noted that investing in tourism infrastructure would not only increase tourism revenue but also create jobs for the youth and support businesses in Cape Coast and surrounding communities.
According to him, Ghana possesses enormous tourism potential, especially in the area of heritage tourism, and government remains committed to leveraging these historical sites to drive economic growth and international cultural engagement.
The President also reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the Cape Coast Castle receives the attention it deserves, emphasizing that the monument stands as a symbol of resilience, remembrance, and Ghana’s important place in world history.
Residents and traditional leaders at the durbar welcomed the President’s assurance and expressed optimism that the rehabilitation efforts would help restore the image of the historic site and attract more visitors to the area.
The Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains one of Ghana’s most visited tourist attractions and serves as a major destination for members of the African diaspora seeking to reconnect with their ancestral roots.
Story by Yaw Boagyan
