By Raymond Rex Awiagah
The once humble Kwame Nkrumah memorial park located in the heart of Accra-Ghana’s capital in West Africa has undergone a remarkable transformation, turning into a flourishing tourism hub.
The recently refurbished Kwame Nkrumah memorial park has secured its spot on the must-visit list of travelers and visitors from near and far.
Constructed in 1990 by the late Head of State, Jerry John Rawlings, the park stands as a testament to Ghana’s heritage and was opened to the public in 1992.
The Memorial Park’s revitalization project took some months of meticulous planning and dedicated efforts by Ghana's President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who secured a $40 million loan facility from the World Bank through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture in 2018.
On July 19, 2022, the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, commenced the rehabilitation and redevelopment of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum. The project aimed to preserve the park’s historical value, expand its visitor capacity, and improve service delivery.
The comprehensive redevelopment, costing approximately $3.5 million, introduced several notable additions and improvements. These include a presidential library within a receptive facility, offering visitors access to an extensive collection of historical materials and documents related to Dr Nkrumah’s life and legacy.
The vision was to breathe new life into the park, paying tribute to the country’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, and serving as the final resting place for him and his wife, Fathia Nkrumah.
Today, the parks stunning makeover now boasts lush gardens, beautifully manicured lawns, and a network of well-maintained pathways, providing locals and visitors with a tranquil and inviting environment.
The attention to detail extends to thoughtful additions such as sculptures and plaques, historical figures and significant events, further enriching the space with cultural, artistic, and educational values.
One of the most striking features of the new Memorial Park is the addition of a state-of-the-art visitor center. The facility offers interactive exhibits, displays, and multimedia presentations, recounting captivating tales from the country’s past.
Visitors can explore virtual reality experiences, walk through time with augmented reality displays, and immerse themselves in interactive and educational workshops.
But it is not just the historical and cultural appeal that makes the refurbished Memorial Park stand out as a tourism magnet. The park now hosts a variety of exciting activities which is expected to attract visitors of all ages.
Few days since the reopening, the refurbished Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park has become a popular destination for tourists around the country