Dutch Ambassador hands over sponsored projects to Elmina

Elmina, July 24, GNA - The Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Ariel Van der Weil, on Monday handed over six projects of historical importance, in Elmina, rehabilitated by his government, at a cost of 2,386,622,857.00 cedis to the chiefs and people of Elmina.

They are the Nana Kobina Gyan Square, the staircase to Saint Joseph Hill, the Catholic Museum, Nana Etsiapa Memorial Hall, the Vandyke House and the restoration of the Dutch Cemetery.

The rehabilitation of the sites, is under the 'Elmina Cultural Heritage Programme' and part of an overall 'Elmina 2015 Strategic Document', which is geared towards giving the township a facelift, to enhance its tourism potential.

The Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem (KEEA) district administration, headed by the then District Chief Executive, Nana Ato Arthur, now the central Regional Minister, sought assistance from the Netherlands Embassy to support in the implementation of the document, due to the relationship between the Dutch and the people of Elmina.

Mr. Van der Weil, who gave a brief history of the relationship said the Dutch stayed in the town for 240 years, and "left a legacy" of mansions, the Castle and Fort Saint Jago, as well as Dutch names like Vandyke and Bartels.

He said considering his country's association with the historical town, it was important for his government to support its restoration works to help attract and retain tourists and help make it a tourism destination point by 2015.

Mr. Van der Weil said his government, has approved the rehabilitation of the four Asafo posts in the town as well as about 80 projects, also of historical importance and was optimistic that Elmina would become Ghana's biggest income earner in the tourism industry. He also pledged his government's support in improving sanitation, which he identified as one of the major problems and said he would liaise with the district administration to "develop a rapid-response action plan" to address the situation and called for the support of all stakeholders.

Nana Arthur enumerated a number of projects being undertaken in the region with assistance from the Netherlands government and expressed his appreciation to the Ambassador "for being at the forefront of affairs".

Mr Frank George Asmah, District Chief Executive also thanked the Dutch government for providing the needed funds for the projects and pledged that they would be maintained.

He appealed to the people of Elmina to keep the town clean and said a task force on sanitation would soon be formed.

Mr Van der Weil, who was accompanied by his wife, Matilda, were presented with citations portraying the gratitude of the people, and several gifts, including Kente cloths.