Standing in the dungeons of Cape Coast Castle last year, I felt the weight of history pressing down on me. The dank, dark chambers where thousands of enslaved Africans were held before their forced journey across the Atlantic still echo with untold stories. But here’s what struck me most: a tour guide’s passionate explanation to a group of Ghanaian schoolchildren about how exploring Ghana’s history through local news stories helps us understand not just where we’ve been, but where we’re going.
Ghana’s history isn’t locked away in dusty textbooks or forgotten archives. It’s alive in the castles dotting our coastline, the traditional buildings in Ashanti, the mosques standing since the 16th century, and yes, in the local news stories that continue to shape how we preserve and celebrate our heritage. From UNESCO’s recent proposal to designate the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation premises as a World Heritage Site to the vibrant celebrations during Heritage Month, Ghana’s past and present are in constant conversation.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a student researching Ghana’s rich past, or simply curious about the stories that shaped this nation, exploring Ghana’s history through local news stories offers unique insights you won’t find anywhere else. Let me walk you through the historical landmarks, recent heritage initiatives, and cultural preservation efforts that are making headlines in Ghana today.
Recent Heritage News Making Headlines
GBC Premises: Proposed UNESCO World Heritage Site
In October 2025, the Head of UNESCO Ghana, Mr. Edmond Moukala, proposed that the historic premises of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation be considered for designation as a World Heritage Site, recognizing its vital role in Africa’s liberation and media history.
Speaking at a UNESCO-GBC training workshop, Moukala described the GBC compound as “a landmark place” deeply rooted in Africa’s struggle for independence and freedom of expression. “We are not just in an ordinary premises where we are coming for training. This is a heritage. This is a landmark place. From the UNESCO perspective, this place represents history and the independence of Africa.”
This proposal isn’t just symbolic. The GBC, which has provided quality broadcasting service for over 90 years, amplified Africa’s voice during the fight for independence. Discussions are already underway with Ghana’s Ministry of Culture to begin the designation process, serving as a tribute to pioneering journalists and broadcasters who shaped African narratives.
Heritage Month 2025: A National Celebration
March 2025 witnessed the launch of Ghana’s Heritage Month, an initiative by the Ghana Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts to showcase Ghana’s vibrant cultural heritage. The month holds special significance as it marks both Ghana’s declaration of independence and the foundation of Pan-Africanism.
Key events during Heritage Month 2025 included Ghana Music Month, Heritage Caravan tours through iconic historical landmarks, Made in Ghana Rave showcasing local products, the Akwaaba Festival celebrating Ghanaian hospitality, and the Taste 68 @ 68 Food Fair honoring Ghana’s culinary traditions.
Ms. Brandina Djagba, the Wear Ghana Ambassador, emphasized: “The Heritage Month is about living that heritage every day. Whether you are wearing a beautifully crafted Kente, enjoying the flavours of our traditional dishes, or visiting a historic site, it is time to embrace Ghana in all its forms.”
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ghana’s Crown Jewels
Ghana currently has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites that tell powerful stories about our history.
Forts and Castles: Testimonies of the Slave Trade
The Forts and Castles scattered along Ghana’s coast in the Volta, Greater Accra, Central, and Western Regions represent some of the most important historical monuments in Africa. Built by the Swedes in 1653 and later expanded by the British, Cape Coast Castle played a major role in the forced migration of millions of Ghanaians during the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
The Dungeon tour offers visitors the chance to step into underground chambers which once held enslaved Ghanaians, narrow stone-walled rooms that still carry the weight of lives lost and pain endured. The Door of No Return was the symbolic passageway and last point on African soil for many, providing a tangible connection to real human stories that shaped the world.
Fort San Sebastian in Shama, built in 1526, is one of the oldest, while Elmina Castle, dating back to the 15th century, marks the arrival of Europeans. Other significant forts include Osu Castle (Fort Christiansborg, built in 1661), Fort St. Jago in Elmina (built in 1660), Fort Amsterdam in Abandze, and Fort Apollonia in Western Ghana.
Asante Traditional Buildings: Architectural Heritage
The Asante Traditional Buildings represent ten ancient structures dating from the 17th century to the early 20th century. These buildings exemplify the traditional architecture of the Asante people, constructed using natural and sustainable materials such as wood and mud, known for their intricate carvings and decorations.
UNESCO is currently working on transmitting and documenting the vernacular architecture of these buildings, with new publications promoting sustainable heritage tourism. The Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, once the official residence of the Ashanti monarch, now showcases royal artifacts including golden stools, swords, and ceremonial clothing.
Archaeological Sites: Uncovering Ancient Ghana
Ghana’s archaeological sites reveal fascinating insights into civilizations that thrived thousands of years before European contact.
Daboya: Ancient Salt Trading Center
Daboya is situated in Gonjaland in Northern Ghana, with settlement in the area dating back to 1000 BC when it appears to have been a Kintampo Culture Site. Prior to 1500 AD, the township grew in stature as a result of its successful rock salt industry which extended to supply the whole region. The demise of the settlement came about in 1890 when it was destroyed by slave raiders.
Excavations in the 1970s by archaeologist Peter Shinnie uncovered traditional burial mounds, comb-decorated pottery, and an extant mosque from the 16th or 17th century.
Kintampo Culture Sites: Ghana’s Stone Age Heritage
There are more than 30 known Kintampo culture sites, 16 of which have been excavated. The people belonging to this culture were pioneers in farming and settled village community life in Ghana, initiating the country’s first organized pottery trading. Their pottery, characterized by wide mouth bowls, jars, and water pots often ornamented with comb marks, represents some of the earliest known art in Ghana.
Krobo Mountain: 18th and 19th Century Settlement
Krobo Mountain in the Eastern Region was once the site of a large settlement of Krobo people who arrived in the mid-1700s and retained the land until July 1892 when they were ejected by the then British colonial governor. The Krobo settlers worked with iron and crafted pottery.
Major excavations initiated in 2004 by the University of Ghana uncovered local and imported smoking pipes, old U.S. coins, and various artifacts providing insights into trade and daily life during that period.
Historical Landmarks Beyond Castles
W.E.B. Du Bois Centre
The W.E.B. Du Bois Museum in Accra pays tribute to the American politician, activist, and author who spent his final years in Ghana. Du Bois, who focused on advancing African liberation and Pan-African unity, made Ghana his home, and his centre now serves as a testament to his contributions to African consciousness.
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum
Located in Accra, this park honors Ghana’s first president who led the country to independence in 1957. Kwame Nkrumah was a big believer in unity for all African countries and even helped create the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which is now called the African Union (AU).
The park features a tall statue of Nkrumah, and the mausoleum contains his personal belongings alongside exhibits documenting Ghana’s independence struggle.
Independence Square (Black Star Square)
This iconic square holds tremendous history, emotion, power, and freedom for the African continent as a whole. It’s where Ghana’s independence was declared on March 6, 1957, making Ghana the first sub-Saharan African country to achieve independence from European colonial rule. The square hosts national events and remains a symbol of African liberation.
Ancient Mosques: Islamic Heritage
The Nakore Ancient Mosque, a 17th-century marvel in Ghana’s Upper West Region built in the Sudano-Sahelian style, offers a glimpse into the rich Islamic heritage and architectural traditions of the region.
The Larabanga Mosque, believed to be the oldest mosque in Ghana, showcases unique traditional architecture that tells stories of different cultures coexisting in Ghana for centuries. The Bole Mosque offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich history and architecture with its unique Sudano-Sahelian design.
Heritage Preservation Efforts
Government Initiatives
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts launched the “Black Star Experience” program in 2025, positioning Ghana as Africa’s premier destination for the global diaspora. Developed in collaboration with the private sector and diplomatic missions, the program features cultural, historical, and creative arts experiences.
The Tourism Minister urged Ghanaians to make conscious efforts to preserve heritage, stating: “If the Experts Stay Silent, We Destroy This Country.” This call to action emphasizes the responsibility of every Ghanaian in protecting our cultural legacy.
Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB)
The GMMB has been working on revitalizing historical sites. In June 2025, they engaged the Keta community regarding Fort Prinzenstein, strengthening cultural ties and heritage restoration efforts. The Board also celebrated International Museum Day 2025, highlighting the importance of museums in preserving Ghana’s material cultural heritage.
Historical Timeline: Key Events
| Period | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1000 BC | Daboya settlement | Early Kintampo Culture, rock salt industry |
| 1515 | Fort built in Axim | Dutch trading post for gold and slaves |
| 1526 | Fort San Sebastian built | One of Ghana’s oldest forts |
| 1653 | Cape Coast Castle built | Swedish construction, later British expansion |
| 1661 | Osu Castle (Christiansborg) built | Danish fort, now presidential residence |
| 1700s | Krobo Mountain settlement | Krobo people establish ironwork and pottery |
| March 6, 1957 | Ghana Independence | First sub-Saharan African independence |
| 1960s | Fort Apollonia restoration | Became museum dedicated to Nzema culture |
| 2025 | GBC UNESCO proposal | Recognition of media’s role in liberation |
Why Exploring History Through Local News Matters
When UNESCO proposes the GBC premises as a World Heritage Site, it’s not just bureaucratic process; it’s recognition that Ghana’s media shaped African consciousness. When Heritage Month celebrations showcase local fashion, food, and traditions, it’s not just tourism promotion; it’s cultural preservation in action.
Local news stories about history serve multiple purposes. They keep heritage relevant to contemporary audiences, highlight preservation challenges that need attention, celebrate successes in cultural conservation, educate new generations about their roots, and connect diaspora communities to their homeland.
The stories emerging from Ghana’s historical sites remind us that history isn’t static. It’s a living conversation between past and present, constantly being reinterpreted and rediscovered through archaeological finds, restored monuments, and community engagement.
Have you visited any of Ghana’s historical sites? Which aspect of Ghana’s history fascinates you most? Share your experiences in the comments below, and if you found this exploration of Ghana’s history through local news stories enlightening, share it with someone who needs to appreciate our rich heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ghana’s History
What are Ghana’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
Ghana has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The first is the Forts and Castles located in Volta, Greater Accra, Central, and Western Regions, which include Cape Coast Castle (built by Swedes in 1653), Elmina Castle (15th century), Fort San Sebastian in Shama (1526), and numerous other coastal fortifications that played roles in the transatlantic slave trade. The second is the Asante Traditional Buildings, ten ancient structures dating from the 17th to early 20th century, showcasing traditional Asante architecture with intricate carvings and sustainable materials like wood and mud.
When did Ghana gain independence and why is it historically significant?
Ghana officially gained independence from Great Britain on March 6, 1957, becoming the first sub-Saharan African country to achieve independence from European colonial rule. Kwame Nkrumah became the first prime minister, viewing Ghana’s sovereignty as important not only for Ghanaians but for all of Africa. More than 30 other African countries, inspired by Ghana’s example, declared their own independence within the next decade, making Ghana’s independence a catalyst for African liberation movements across the continent.
What is Cape Coast Castle and why is it important?
Cape Coast Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Swedes in 1653 and later expanded by the British, playing a major role in the forced migration of millions of Ghanaians during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The castle features dark, cramped dungeons where enslaved Africans were held before transportation overseas, and the infamous Door of No Return, which was the last point on African soil for many enslaved people. Today it serves as a museum providing moving reminders of the horrors of the slave trade and educational experiences for visitors worldwide.
What archaeological sites reveal ancient Ghana’s history?
Key archaeological sites include Daboya in Northern Ghana, with settlement dating back to 1000 BC and a successful rock salt industry that supplied the whole region until 1890. Kintampo Culture Sites (more than 30 known locations) show evidence of Ghana’s Stone Age pioneers who initiated farming and settled village community life. Krobo Mountain in the Eastern Region was inhabited by Krobo people from the mid-1700s until 1892, with excavations revealing ironwork, pottery, and trade artifacts. These sites provide insights into civilizations that existed thousands of years before European contact.
What is Ghana’s Heritage Month and when is it celebrated?
Ghana’s Heritage Month is celebrated each March, marking both the declaration of independence and the foundation of Pan-Africanism. The 2025 Heritage Month, launched by the Ghana Tourism Authority and Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, showcases Ghana’s vibrant cultural heritage through events including Ghana Music Month, Heritage Caravan tours through historical landmarks, Made in Ghana Rave, Akwaaba Festival, and food fairs celebrating Ghanaian cuisine. The initiative promotes domestic tourism, cultural preservation, and pride in locally produced goods while integrating with the government’s “Black Star Experience” program.
Sources:
- Ghana Museums and Monuments Board – Official source for archaeological sites, heritage monuments, and cultural preservation initiatives
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre – Ghana – Comprehensive information on Ghana’s World Heritage Sites and conservation efforts
- Ghana News Agency – Heritage Coverage – Current news on heritage preservation, cultural events, and historical site developments
