Akufo-Addo is scheduled to inaugurate the renovated Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.

His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is set to commission the redeveloped Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, which involved an investment of approximately $3.5 million. The commissioning ceremony is scheduled to take place on July 4, 2023.

The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park holds great historical importance in Ghana as a monument dedicated to the memory of the nation’s inaugural President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Additionally, it serves as the final resting place for the remains of Dr. Nkrumah and his wife, Fathia Nkrumah.

Situated along the coast of Accra, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park is located on the grounds that were formerly known as the British colonial Polo Grounds. It holds historical significance as this is the very site where Dr. Kwame Nkrumah proclaimed the independence of Ghana, marking it as a sovereign nation.

The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park was constructed in 1990 by the late Jerry John Rawlings, who was the former Head of State of Ghana. It was built as a tribute to Ghana’s first President and as a means of preserving the country’s heritage. The Park was officially opened to the public in 1992.

Since its inauguration, the Park has attracted numerous visitors from various parts of the world, with an estimated annual count of around 98,000 individuals. People visit the Park to pay their respects to Ghana’s first President, gain insights into his life and enduring legacies. Notably, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park ranks among the top 10 most visited sites in Ghana.

Despite its 25 years of existence, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park had not undergone significant renovations or improvements. The state of the park had deteriorated to the point where even the prominent attractions, such as the fountains, were not functioning properly or consistently, which had a negative impact on the number of visitors.

Additionally, the museum within the park faced issues with a leaking roof whenever it rained. This posed challenges when conducting tours and accommodating visitors, as it made it difficult to provide a conducive environment for exploration and learning.

Similar issues persisted in the VIP lounge of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, where important guests of the State would typically sign the visitors’ books following their tours. Furthermore, the main corridor leading to the washrooms, as well as certain sections of the washrooms themselves, were in a dilapidated condition, further detracting from the overall visitor experience.

In 2017, following his assumption of office as the President of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo acknowledged the vital role of tourism in the country’s development. Recognizing its potential to significantly contribute to the economy, he declared tourism as a means of social advancement.

Subsequently, in 2018, President Akufo-Addo facilitated the acquisition of a $40 million loan from the World Bank through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. The objective of this loan was to bolster and enhance the tourism sector by addressing key challenges and constraints that could have a transformative impact. The funds were allocated towards initiatives such as the development of tourism sites and destinations, supporting tourism enterprises, and providing business development services and training.

On July 19, 2022, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, initiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the rehabilitation and redevelopment of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum.

Following the completion of the redevelopment project, the park is now ready to be commissioned on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the President of Ghana, will preside over the commissioning ceremony. The New Patriotic Party, which is in power, recognizes and values the historical significance of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and its enduring contribution to Ghana’s history.