President Akufo-Addo says the redeveloped Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park (KNMP) has not only be modernised but rather befits the status of a final resting place of the man (Late Dr. Kwame Nkrumah) who led Ghana to Independence in 1957.
President Akufo-Addo made these remarks at the commissioning of the redeveloped Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra.
Addressing the gathering, President Akufo-Addo said “It is gratifying to note that it has not only been renovated but it has been completely modernised to befit the status of the final resting place of the man who led us to independence in 1957 and became Ghana’s first president, the celebrated Kwame Nkrumah.”
The redeveloped and modernised facility does not only serve as the final resting place for late Head of State and his wife but also holds an immense historical significance.
"It is in line to make the park one of the top tourist destinations in West Africa. As the outstanding pan-Africanist of this generation, the burial site of Dr Nkrumah must be appropriate to a status in exceptional contribution to the liberation of Africa from colonialism and imperialism.”
In his honour, the edifice was redeveloped on the former British colonial Polo Grounds, the exact location, where the late former Head of State stood and declared Ghana's Independence.
The redeveloped edifice is said to have cost approximately $3.5 million.
The edifice was originally constructed by late Former President, Jerry John Rawlings in 1990.
Two years later, the Kwame Nkrumah Museum (then) was opened to the public and tourists.
The modernised Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park has facilities which includes a receptive facility which now houses a presidential library, providing visitors with access to an extensive collection of historical materials and documents related to Dr Nkrumah’s life as well as legacy.
The over $3 million edifice also has a gift shop, restaurant, toilet facilities, upgraded car park, road and drainage network.
It further has a Museum Expansion with an increased gallery space and state-of-the-art audio-visual capabilities.
Taking her turn, daughter of Late Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Madam Samia Nkrumah thanked President Akufo-Addo and government for redeveloping the edifice in honour of her late father.
"I am happy we are beginning today to take this very seriously with the new museum of Kwame Nkrumah's achievements for Ghana and Africa"
"I am happy also that we have a library and by the way, we were consented in the Kwame Nkrumah Presidential library. It was our suggestion and I am grateful, everyone bought into it"
Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ibrahim Mohammed Awal noted that the KNMP will not only attract tourists but also help boost Ghana's economy likewise culture, tourism and arts.
He charged management of the facility to keep the edifice in good shape.
Some dignitaries who graced the occasion included; King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II (Ga Mantse), Madam Barbara Oteng-Gyasi ( Chairperson of the Minerals Commission), Asamoah Gyan (Ex Black Stars captain) among others.
The edifice was commissioned by President Akufo-Addo and assisted by Honourable Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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