The government has secured funding to renovate and revitalise some heritage sites in the Ashanti Region, enhancing Asante’s traditional buildings for cultural preservation.

The initiative, championed by the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, aims to strengthen tourism infrastructure and the country’s tourism industry.

The Board has engaged stakeholders in the region to explore how the project will create hands-on jobs, and boost the local economy.

In a significant move to preserve and promote cultural heritage, key stakeholders convened for a three-day engagement focused on the conservation and revitalization of Asante Traditional Buildings.

The Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, with traditional leaders and local assemblies, gathered to discuss plans for the implementation of various projects and management support for the sites in the conservation of these historical sites.

These sites add to ten (10) buildings of old Asante traditional architectural style acquired for preservation as national monuments since 1964 by the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board and were listed as World Heritage Property by UNESCO's World Heritage Committee in 1980.

The team, led by the Francis Kwarayire, the Ashanti Region Regional Head of Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, carried out inspection and documentation of the Fomena, Akrokerri, Patakro, Saaman, Oforikrom, and Kentinkrono Asante Traditional Buildings.

Executive Director of the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, Kingsley Ofosu-Ntiamoah says the project’s aim is to preserve the cultural significance, creating a hub for local artisans and promoting tourism.

“We cannot just talk about tourism without the tourism infrastructure. We need to prioritize the heritage sites which the president has shown commitment. It’s part of the efforts to provide a quality experience to tourists and put the tourism industry out on the world map.

“There will be hands-on work, which are going to create employment and boost the local economy. We will also use this opportunity to call on Nananom to lend their opportunities, support and cooperation. We will need Nananom to give us land around the building for auxiliary projects,” he said.

Traditional leaders, who were engaged, expressed appreciation for the project.

Beseasehene, Saahene Asibi Antwi, is encouraging the board to keep the promise for the intervention.

“We will thank the Monument board for this intervention. They should keep their word. We are excited for the project. Over here in Besease, the indigents don't even know there's a heritage site here. So this will expose them to the monuments, and allow them to tap in the opportunities it promises,” he said.

Representative of Ejisumanhene, Gyaasehene, Osaahene Boadu, also added that “we are excited that management has taken up this project. The importance is close to us. It will send the name of the towns far, and make townships, including Ejisu, relevant. It will bring jobs to the youth,” he said.

The chiefs and elders of the community were informed of ongoing plans and engaged in meaningful dialogue about the future of these historical treasures.

This revitalization initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB), and the World Monuments Fund.