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29yr-old architect speaks on inspiration behind refurbished Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
Bethel Kofi Mamphey, the 29-year-old architect behind the refurbished Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, has been speaking about the inspiration behind the new look and feel of the edifice dedicated to the first president of Ghana.
He said creating an experience where young people, especially, can understand and appreciate the work of Ghana’s former President was the inspiration behind some of the newly added features at the park.
The facility which housed the remains of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and his wife, Fathia Nkrumah was designed by Dr. Don Arthur in 1991. It is located on the former polo grounds in Accra, where Ghana’s independence was declared.
The facility was shut down in 2022, and refurbished with new features at the cost of $3.5 million.
The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park now has a reception hall, administration, ample restroom facility, a restaurant, a gift shop, a library, among other attractive features.
There is also an audiovisual hall, a tunnel with Dr. Nkrumah’s speeches inscribed on the wall and a Freedom Wall. Audiovisual elements have also been added to the water fountain.
Speaking to Bernard Avle on the Point of View on Citi TV, the 29-year-old architect said that creating the Freedom Wall with quotes and pictures depicting the different states of emotions of Ghana’s first President was aimed at providing visitors of the park a genuine sense of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
“Most of us millennials, have heard of Nkrumah, but we didn’t see him, so coming up with the project, I wanted to create something that will allow people to experience parts of him that people have never seen– the emotional phases he went through as a President. The Freedom Wall is to give visitors a feel of Dr. Nkrumah,” he said.
Touching on some of the facilities, Mamphey said “We left the old mausoleum as it is. It is a very beautiful structure. It was made with marble stones which is an everlasting material. We just restored the dilapidated state of some of its structures including the broken concrete fence. That is where his remains are. The land is the same. The difference is that the lawns and the trees have been well-manicured, so now you can see everything at a distance”.
Mr. Mamphey also disclosed that all labour used in the refurbishment works were Ghanaians, a feat he claims the former President stood for and would be proud of.
“Everybody on the project, from the engineers to the welders were all Ghanaians. This is fully Ghanaian. There were no ex-pats”
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Tuesday, 4th July 2023, commissioned the redeveloped Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
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VP Opoku-Agyemang chairs Armed Forces Council
Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is chair of the newly appointed Armed Forces Council.
Established under Article 211 of the 1992 Constitution, the Council provides strategic leadership and oversight to ensure the Ghana Armed Forces remain effective, modern, and disciplined.
In his address to the Council members, President Mahama emphasised their critical role in the military’s governance and administration.
He underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to modernising the Armed Forces to address evolving security threats, ranging from terrorism and cybercrime to climate-related challenges.
“The responsibility placed on your shoulders as a Council is one of great national importance,” President Mahama stated.
He added that “The strength of our Armed Forces depends not only on the bravery of the men and women in uniform but also on the leadership policies and decisions that guide them.”
The president’s key priorities include capacity-building programs to enhance personnel skills, investment in modern military technology and equipment, enhanced infrastructure development, and improved welfare and support systems for military personnel and their families.
President Mahama also highlighted the increasing role of technology in modern warfare, urging the Council to embrace innovation and data-driven security solutions in developing the nation’s defence strategy.
The President emphasised the importance of strengthening partnerships with ECOWAS, the African Union, and international allies to address global security threats.
The President called on the Council to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability within the Armed Forces, stressing that corruption and misconduct have no place in the military.
He expressed gratitude to the outgoing members of the Armed Forces Council for their dedicated service. He congratulated the newly sworn-in members, expressing confidence in their ability to serve with honour, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to Ghana.
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Muntaka sworn in as Member of Armed Forces Council
President John Dramani Mahama in accordance with Article 211 of the 1992 Constitution has sworn in the newly appointed members of the Ghana Armed Forces Council at the Ministry of Defence in Accra.
The Council is responsible for advising the President on defence policy, military administration, and operational readiness.
Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, was among those sworn in as a member of the Council, with H.E. Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang serving as Council Chairperson.
The President urged the new Council members to approach their roles with dedication and a clear vision, emphasising the importance of their work in shaping the future of the Ghana Armed Forces, stressing the need to modernise the military and enhance its operational capabilities.
He reaffirmed the critical role of the military in governance and thanked the military officers and their families for their service and sacrifice.
The Vice President Opoku-Agyemang in her remarks, assured the President that the Council will serve diligently, loyally, and with patriotic zeal to reset the Ghana Armed Forces.
Other members of the Council include Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, CWO. Daniel Addo, Brig-General (Rtd) Fuseini Iddrisu, and Nancy Dakwa Ampofo Esq.
