President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on December 6, 2024, officially cut sod to signify the commencement of the Heroes Park project.
The Heroes Park is a visionary initiative dedicated to honoring Ghana’s national heroes, particularly the iconic BIG SIX—Dr. J.B. Danquah, Edward Akufo-Addo, Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey, Ako Adjei, William Ofori-Atta, and Dr. Kwame Nkrumah—alongside other selfless individuals whose contributions have shaped the nation.
During the sod-cutting ceremony and site handover, President Akufo-Addo described the project as the ‘highlight’ of his eight-year administration. He lauded the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and its agencies for revitalizing Ghana’s tourism sector, emphasizing the success of initiatives like December in GH, introduced by the Ghana Tourism Authority.
The President explained that the Heroes Park is set to become a monumental edifice that will link Ghanaians and visitors alike to Ghana’s rich and indelible history made by individuals who made notable sacrifices for the nation. “What we are unveiling today, the sod cutting we are doing today is one that is meant to be an inspiration for all of us and for future generations of Ghanaians which is that if you work for your country, honestly with faith and with belief in Ghana, Ghana will not forget you, Ghana will remember you and Ghana will honour you.” he stated
“The figures of our past, some of which many of us never got the chance to meet and others we met, are being memorialized today because of their contribution to the freedom and development of our country.” The President added.
The President was joined by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Akwasi Agyeman, and Osu Alata Mantse, Nii Kwabena Bonnie.
Deputy Tourism Minister Mark Okraku Mantey, presenting the project’s design and features, highlighted the government’s efforts at positioning Ghana as a global tourism hub. He noted that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, through the Ghana Tourism Development Project, is leveraging Ghana’s cultural, historical, and heritage assets to ensure the country becomes Africa’s most preferred tourism destination.
According to the CEO of the GTA, Akwasi Agyeman, The Heroes Park, located in the Marine Drive Enclave – Osu, will feature iconic pavilions, reflective gardens, cultural performance spaces, and visitor amenities.
The sod-cutting ceremony for the Heroes Park project coincides with heightened political activity, as Ghanaians prepare to vote in the general elections on December 7, 2024, to elect the next president and parliamentary representatives for constituencies nationwide.
By: Kobina Baidoo
