By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
President John Dramani Mahama has called for greater global support for Africa’s cultural institutions as part of efforts to promote reparatory justice and reconnect Africans with their history and heritage.
President Mahama said Ghana is constructing a state-of-the-art national institution that will preserve, research and exhibit cultural treasures returning to the country.
According to him, the facility will provide an important space for the preservation of Ghana’s heritage and ensure that historical artefacts are properly protected for future generations.
“In Ghana, we are constructing a state-of-the-art national institution to preserve, research and exhibit all our returning treasures,” President Mahama said.
The President also highlighted the importance of giving young Africans access to tangible evidence of the achievements and creativity of their ancestors.
He explained that seeing and interacting with historical artefacts can help young Africans develop a stronger understanding of their identity and heritage.
“When a young African child enters a museum and touches the tangible proof of their ancestors’ brilliance and creativity, they learn that their history did not begin with slavery and colonial subjugation,” President Mahama stated.
He said preserving African heritage is therefore not only about protecting historical objects but also about restoring a sense of identity, pride and connection among future generations.
President Mahama further called on international financial institutions, multilateral development banks, global foundations and private-sector organisations to increase their investment in Africa’s cultural infrastructure.
“Today, I make a direct call to multilateral development banks, international financial institutions, global foundations and private sector partners to invest deliberately in Africa’s cultural infrastructure,” he said.
The President’s call forms part of broader discussions on reparatory justice, the preservation of African heritage and efforts to address the historical consequences of slavery and colonialism.
He stressed the need for Africa to develop modern institutions capable of preserving its cultural resources while making them accessible for research, education and public engagement.
The proposed national institution in Ghana is expected to contribute to these efforts by providing a dedicated space for returning treasures and other important aspects of the country’s cultural heritage.
President Mahama’s remarks also underscore the growing emphasis on cultural infrastructure as an important part of Africa’s development, particularly in strengthening historical education and ensuring that future generations have access to their heritage.
