President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans for government to make additional budgetary allocations in 2027 to rehabilitate the historic Cape Coast Castle as part of efforts to preserve Ghana’s cultural heritage and strengthen the tourism sector.
He gave the assurance during a durbar with chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, and residents at the Cape Coast Castle, as part of his two-day “Resetting Ghana” tour of the Central Region.
The President described the Cape Coast Castle as one of Ghana’s most significant historical landmarks and a globally recognised site linked to the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
He stressed that preserving the monument is critical to safeguarding national history while also positioning Ghana as a leading destination for cultural and heritage tourism.
According to him, improved maintenance of such sites could also generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity in surrounding communities.
President Mahama noted that he had received reports indicating deterioration in parts of Ghana’s forts and castles, prompting him to personally inspect the Cape Coast facility to assess its condition and identify urgent rehabilitation needs.
He assured stakeholders that government would collaborate with relevant state institutions and development partners to restore and modernise the site while preserving its historical integrity.
Planned interventions, he said, would include improved visitor facilities, structural conservation, and environmental upgrades to enhance the overall tourist experience.
He added that the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to reposition Ghana as a premier heritage tourism hub in Africa, with the aim of increasing tourism revenue and supporting local businesses.
President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the castle receives sustained attention, describing it as a national treasure that reflects Ghana’s history, resilience, and global significance.
