The 29-year-old architect, Bethel Kofi Mamphey, responsible for the revitalized Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, has shared insights into the inspiration behind the renewed appearance and ambiance of the monument dedicated to Ghana’s first president.
He expressed that his main inspiration was to create an engaging experience for young individuals, enabling them to comprehend and appreciate the achievements of Ghana’s former President.
The park, initially designed by Dr. Don Arthur in 1991, houses the remains of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and his wife, Fathia Nkrumah.
It is situated on the former polo grounds in Accra, where Ghana’s independence was declared.
In 2022, the facility underwent closure for renovation, resulting in the integration of new elements at a cost of $3.5 million.
The refurbished Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park showcases various enhancements, including a reception hall, administrative spaces, spacious restroom facilities, a restaurant, a gift shop, and a library. These additions contribute to its appeal and overall attractiveness.
Additionally, notable features of the renovated Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park include an audiovisual hall, a tunnel adorned with inscribed speeches of Dr. Nkrumah, and a Freedom Wall. The water fountain has also been enhanced with the incorporation of audiovisual elements, adding to the overall experience and ambiance of the park.
During an interview with Bernard Avle on the Point of View on Citi TV, the 29-year-old architect emphasized that the creation of the Freedom Wall, featuring quotes and pictures portraying the diverse emotional states of Ghana’s first President, aimed to offer park visitors an authentic understanding of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s persona.
“Most of us millennials, have heard of Nkrumah, but we didn’t see him, so coming up with the project, I wanted to create something that will allow people to experience parts of him that people have never seen– the emotional phases he went through as a President. The Freedom Wall is to give visitors a feel of Dr. Nkrumah,” he said.
Touching on some of the facilities, Mamphey said “We left the old mausoleum as it is. It is a very beautiful structure. It was made with marble stones which is an everlasting material. We just restored the dilapidated state of some of its structures including the broken concrete fence. That is where his remains are. The land is the same. The difference is that the lawns and the trees have been well-manicured, so now you can see everything at a distance”.
Mr. Mamphey further revealed that the entire refurbishment project employed Ghanaian labor, a feat that he believes would make the former President proud as it aligns with his principles.
“Everybody on the project, from the engineers to the welders were all Ghanaians. This is fully Ghanaian. There were no ex-pats”
On Tuesday, 4th July 2023, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially inaugurated the revitalized Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
The President expressed his belief that the refurbished park will draw approximately one million domestic and international tourists each year.
During the unveiling ceremony of the redeveloped memorial park, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that the government is committed to ongoing investments in the tourism sector as a means to revive the economy.
