By Elsie Appiah Osei
Accra, March 31, GNA – The Office of Government Machinery has justified the GH¢21 million investment in the renovation of the Black Star Square, saying it is a necessary intervention to preserve a key national monument and ensure its readiness for major state functions.
Dr Abubakar Wayo, Chief Director at the Office, explained that the decision to proceed with the works was informed by the strategic importance of the Square, despite the relocation of the 69th Independence Day celebration from its traditional venue in Accra.
He gave the explanation when he appeared before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, following concerns by the Committee Chairman over the rationale for the investment after the parade had been moved to the Jubilee House.
Dr Wayo said the Square remained central to national life, hosting critical events such as Presidential inaugurations.
He noted that although the Independence Day celebration was later relocated, the contract had already been awarded, and the works were necessary to prepare the facility for other equally important national assignments.
“Although the Independence Day celebration was relocated, the renovation works at Black Star Square became necessary to prepare the facility for the Presidential Inauguration,” he told the Committee.
He added that the Office acted on directives from a higher authority and did not have the mandate to halt the project once the contractual processes had been completed.
The explanation comes against the backdrop of longstanding concerns about the deteriorating condition of the Square, which had raised questions about safety, aesthetics, and its suitability for high-profile national events.
A Ghana News Agency visit to the facility in November 2023 revealed extensive structural defects and poor maintenance.
Large sections of the stands had been damaged, with missing seats exposing corroded iron rods, while parts of the roofing were ripped off.
The Independence Arch had developed visible cracks and water stains, raising concerns about its structural integrity.
At the Liberation Day Monument, several tiles were cracked or detached, with portions of the structure showing signs of corrosion.
The Black Star Gate, one of the most recognisable symbols of Ghana’s independence, was also showing signs of wear, with surrounding structures fractured and weakened.
Sanitation challenges further compounded the situation, with stagnant liquid waste in parts of the facility creating an unpleasant environment for visitors.
Constructed in 1961 under Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the Square is the country’s premier ceremonial grounds.
It has hosted Independence Day celebrations, Presidential inaugurations, and major civic and military parades, as well as high-profile international visits, including that of Queen Elizabeth II and former United States President Bill Clinton.
The facility, which accommodates about 30,000 people, houses three major monuments – the Independence Arch, the Liberation Day Monument, and the Black Star Gate.
Tourism data indicate that Ghana continues to witness strong visitor inflows, with projections of about 1.2 million international arrivals, including an estimated 115,000 visitors from the United States during the peak December period.
The performance of the nearby Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park further highlights the economic potential of well-maintained heritage sites, having attracted more than 150,000 visitors within months of its redevelopment and generating an average of GH¢1 million in monthly revenue.
The contrast underscores the importance of sustained investment in the Black Star Square to enhance its appeal, preserve its historic significance, and position it as a major tourism and economic asset.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah/ Beatrice Asamani Savage