World Bank’s Ousmane Diagana Visits $4.8m Re-Developed Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum Park
World Bank Vice President for Western and Central Africa, Ousmane Diagana, has paid a visit to the $4.8 million World Bank re-developed Dr Kwame Nkrumah Memorial and Mausoleum Park (KNMMP).
The re-development of the KNMMP forms part of the concluded Ghana Tourism Development Project financed by the IDA, aimed to enhance the performance of tourism in selected destinations across Ghana.
Renovation of the KNMMP began in May 2022 and was completed within 12 months, culminating in the park’s reopening on July 4, 2023. Key upgrades included the construction of a Presidential Library, Freedom Hall, an amphitheater, an audio-visual tunnel, a new water fountain, and a reception facility along with the installation of a digitalized payment system.
Speaking to the media during the visit, Vice President Diagana expressed his honour to have visited the Mausoleum and his delight for the funding of the re-development of the Mausoleum Park by the World Bank.
“Dr Nkrumah’s vision and ideology will continue to inspire us and several generations of Africans, and I am very delighted that the World Bank associated itself with the expansion and enhancement of this museum which is a unique place for Africans to come learn from the life and accomplishments of this great leader,” he said.
Tourist Attraction
Since its reopening, the number of tourists to the Park has surged, reaching over 208,000 within the first year – a significant increase from the pre-renovation average of 98,000 annually – with the revenue generated within the first year totaling GHS 4.98 million ($340,000) and contributing to the Ministry of Tourism’s target of $3.4 billion.
The Park which symbolizes Ghana’s journey to freedom and unity, ranks among the top 10 most visited sites in the country.
The re-developed park now serves as a hub for cultural events, educational tours, and national celebrations.
The Mausoleum’s inverted sword design, symbolizing peace in Akan culture, is clad in Italian marble and topped with a black star representing unity.
Surrounding water features at the park signify life and continuity, while a skylight illuminates the grave marker, creating a serene and reverential atmosphere.
These elements collectively embody Dr Nkrumah’s vision of Ghana as a beacon of peace and progress.
About the Mausoleum Park
The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial and Mausoleum Park (KNMMP) located in Accra, spans five acres and stands as a landmark of immense historical and cultural significance.
Dedicated in 1992, the part commemorates Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who played a pivotal role in the country’s independence and the Pan-African movement.
Situated on the former British colonial polo grounds, where Dr Nkrumah declared Ghana’s independence on March 6, 1957, the Mausoleum houses his final remains alongside those of his wife, Fathia Nkrumah.
Dr Nkrumah headed Ghana from independence in 1957 until he was overthrown by a coup in 1966. He found asylum in Guinea, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying of cancer on April 27, 1972, in Bucharest, Romania.
