The Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB) has officially commenced a revitalization project at Fort Prinzenstein, one of Ghana’s significant forts located in Keta, in the Volta Region. As part of the early stages of the project, the GMMB organized a community engagement session to communicate its intentions and to involve the local population in shaping the future of the site.
A Collaborative Beginning
The engagement was led by the Executive Director of GMMB, Mr. Blankson Kwesi Essel, supported by the Head of Monuments and a team of key staff from the institution. This initial dialogue was held with a broad cross-section of the Keta community, including Togbi James-Ocloo V, the Dufia and Paramount Chief of Keta, traditional elders, youth leaders, religious leaders, and enthusiastic community members.
The session served as a vital platform for transparency and inclusion, allowing the GMMB to outline its plans for the fort while giving the community the opportunity to share their ideas, expectations, and aspirations for its redevelopment.
Preserving Heritage, Honouring Voices
Fort Prinzenstein stands as a symbol of Ghana’s complex history, particularly its connection to the trans-Atlantic slave trade. The GMMB recognizes the importance of revitalizing such a monument not only for heritage preservation but also for education, cultural identity, and sustainable tourism.
During the engagement, the GMMB team reaffirmed their commitment to working hand-in-hand with the people of Keta. They emphasized that the restoration of Fort Prinzenstein will be a collaborative effort aimed at transforming the site into a vibrant space for education, tourism, and cultural pride—while staying true to its historical significance.
This community engagement marks the first of many steps in ensuring that local voices guide the process and outcomes of the fort’s redevelopment.