By: RICHMOND PESEU


THE nation has been thrown an open invitation. It is an invitation from the people of Cape Coast, Elmina and the adjoining towns in the Central region to sample what has been described as “nearly forgotten” Fante cuisine”.

Of course, invited guests will not just eat and go away; that certainly is not the Fante-style of hosting guests.

They will give their guests the opportunity to also sample the unique music and dances of the region featuring Ompe, Adenkum, Okyerema highlife band from Cape Coast, brassband from Winneba and the Kukyekukyeku Bamboo Orchestra. Also performing will be the world famed Atwia Ekumfi Mpayinsem Kodzi Kuw (Story Tellers).

The event dubbed “An evening to Remember” comes on from 4.00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 7 at the Ato Austin Memorial Garden in Cape Coast.

What is the occasion? All this is part of a programme marking the 10th anniversary of the formation of the Ghanaian Heritage Conservation Trust (GHCT), a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization set up in 1996, to promote the preservation and conservation of Ghana’s historic monuments and sites and biodiversity of national and global importance. It was established to promote the unique concept of combining historical and natural resource conservation for socio-economic development, as originated by policy makers of the Central Region.

GHCT owns and manages the Kakum Canopy Walkway situated in the Kakum National Park.

The ‘Evening to Remember’ will also see the presentation of awards to various institutions and persons that have made immense contributions to the conservation, preservation and promotion of Ghana’s national heritage and will also be the occasion for donations to community schools around the Kakum National Parks.

Other programmes marking the 10th anniversary are an exhibition dubbed “Our Colonial Rainforest Lodge at Abrafo-Odumase Cape Coast, a public Lecture by Professor A.D.C. Hyland, a UK based Chartered Architect and Consultant in architecture Conservation and Heritage Management at the Cape Coast Castle, and a tour of the Kakum National Park and other tourist sites in the Central Region.

The 10th Anniversary programme and a fund raising project will be formally launched at the Golden Tulip Hostel on November 5.

In its 10 years, the GHCT has:
• Developed various policy papers for the attention of relevant Ministries and Departments on legislation for the management of historic sites, revenue sharing among stakeholders of heritage resources etcetera.
• Restored and manages the Heritage House in Cape Coast and the adjoining Ato Austin Memorial Gardens.
• Rehabilitation of historic houses in Cape Coast in partnership with USICOMOS and home owners.
• Supports the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board as well as owners of historic buildings in rehabilitating and restoring the heritage structures in Cape Coast and Elmina.
• Transformed the Kakum Canopy Walkway and Visitor Centre into a viable self sustaining eco-friendly venture and number one tourism facility in the country.
• Regular support to Wildlife division of the Forestry Commission as a contribution to the protection, management of the Kakum Conservation Area.
• Supports Economic activity in communities living around the Kakum National Park.
• Provision of Teaching and Learning materials to schools within the Kakum Conservation Area.
• Promotes community initiative particularly of young persons in the area.
• Construction of a three classroom block, an office and store for Tweapease Community in the Twifo Hemeng Lower Denkira District.
• Development of Assin Mesomagor as a community tourism destination.
• Re-roofing of Elmina Castle Service Yard.
• Formation of partnership with Stakeholders in Assin South, Assin North, Komenda-Edina Eguafo-Ebirem, Eguafo Traditional Area and Oguaa Traditional Area.
• Supports and contributes to the development of Elmina 2015 Strategy.
• Development of community tour guides and walking tours of cities and towns.
• Undertakes different Conservation projects and Ecotourism projects.
• Undertake research and documentation of the designated areas.

The GHCT is governed by a 17-Member International Board of Trustees and is chaired by Dr. (Ms.) Esi Sutherland-Addy, senior Research Fellow, Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, Legon.


*Source:
                The Spectator     -     Saturday, November 3, 2007             Page: 12