Let's take our heritage more seriously - experts

Heritage education should be made an integral part of the educational curricula from primary through tertiary level, the African Heritage Initiative (AHI), a group of Ghanaian and international interdisciplinary heritage scholars, have recommended.

The AHI, after a week-long workshop on archaeology and heritage management in Ghana, held at the University of Ghana, and visits to various heritage sites, declared that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act 1994 (Act 490) be amended.

The review, it said, should separate heritage impact assessment from environmental impact assessment required before any earth-moving activities such as road construction, mining, or estate developments were undertaken.

It noted that the current Act did not accommodate a specific requirement for archaeological and cultural heritage assets and strongly recommended the immediate passage of the Ghana Heritage Authority Bill currently under consideration by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts.

The AHI explained that Ghana's heritage was under assault because both tangible and intangible heritage assets such as archaeological sites, religious landmarks, historical monuments, and cultural knowledge were being destroyed by unregulated economic activities and ignorance.

"These heritage assets are fundamental to the formation and survival of Ghanaian identities,” the AHI said in a declaration copied to the GNA. “They also promote educational, social and economic benefits for current and future generations".

It said Ghana's heritage assets must be safeguarded and developed by comprehensive legislation, effective policies, and active involvement of local communities and knowledge holders.

The group also stated that archaeological and other heritage assets should be supported, systematically investigated, interpreted, and sustainably managed in compliance with international standards under the auspices of the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board.

It called for the creation and management of a national register of such assets overseen by the GMMB.

The AHI recommended that all archaeological and heritage projects partner with local communities, traditional authorities, heritage professionals, district assemblies and other stakeholders in all aspects of planning and implementation.

Ghana, it said, should pursue alternative interpretive strategies that go beyond simple interpretation centres to include innovative approaches like the establishment of active memory centres, reflective spaces and process-based museums.

"Ghana's future depends on the timely and effective implementation of these recommendations,” it stated. “Once achieved, Ghana will become a leader in the field of cultural heritage practices without Africa and beyond."