Accra: As part of the International Day of Museums celebration, the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB) has announced complimentary access to the National Museum for all basic and senior high schools from May 18 to May 25. This initiative is aimed at reinforcing the board's commitment to providing cultural and historic education to the younger generation, who are seen as future leaders.
According to Ghana News Agency, an official statement from the GMMB and ICOM Ghana, signed by Mr. Kwesi Essel-Blankson, Acting Executive Director, called on all Ghanaians to visit museums for cultural reorientation. The statement also appealed to the government for increased support to enhance the role of the National Museum.
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) recognizes May 18 as International Museums Day (IMD) to emphasize the significant role museums play in society. This year's theme, 'The future of museums in rapidly changing communities,' highlights how museums adapt and contribute amidst social transformations driven by technological and environmental shifts, which endanger fragile cultures.
The statement noted that the theme aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 8, 9, and 11. Museums, according to the statement, bolster local economies by creating jobs and empowering people with knowledge. They also foster creativity, embrace technological advancements, and promote sustainable urban development by serving as cultural hubs that preserve heritage.
In Ghana, museums play a vital role in the country's historical narrative, acting as repositories of colonial history and Ghanaian cultural heritage. This was a central vision of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who commissioned the National Museum on the eve of Ghana's independence in 1957 to promote national identity and unity.
The statement expressed concern that the GMMB has not been fully empowered to fulfill the visions of Ghana's founding fathers. Despite this, the GMMB has been pivotal in fostering national unity and preserving cultural identity through public education, community engagement, and accessibility.
The statement also commended GMMB staff for their dedication and selfless service.
