Environment: Modernizing the Capital - The Independence Arch
Source: OSPAC | Posted: Tuesday, April 05, 2005
The Independence Arch was constructed as a monument to mark Ghana's birth as a sovereign nation in 1957. It was the physical symbol of Ghana's freedom and carries aloft the Black Star, which became the beacon of hope for the total liberation of Africa.
Forty eight years ago, it was fresh and inspiring and whilst Ghanaians take pride in the gains of political emancipation, the deplorable condition of this prime monument does not give credit to Ghanaians as a people who treasure the positive symbol of their political heritage.
The pervading non-maintenance attitude and culture of Ghanaians towards public property is here epitomized as the country has allowed this monument to deteriorate over the years.
At this rate, this monument would eventually cease to have much meaning to later generations of Ghanaians - we shall have nothing to show posterity of our historical past if we do nothing to save the monument.
The President's call to modernize and beautify Accra would most definitely have to take all existing monuments on board and top of the list should be the Independence Arch. This is the first time that a government has demonstrated a political will to create a very positive image for the capital and it must be taken serious and not treated as mere lip service.
Rehabilitating this monument has to be undertaken to make it more public-friendly than it has been these past 48 years.
To achieve this objective, the following must be considered:
1. Redesigning and construction of a drainage system to replace the existing open gutters to be appropriately covered to current standards.
2. Creation of well-laid side walks at the appropriate places and at the periphery of the circle.
3. Planting of well-laid out lawns capable of being manicured all year round to accept human traffic..
4. Planting of dwarf royal palms and floral ornamentation.
5. Provision of outdoor sitting at strategic places to encourage public interaction with the monument.
6. Installation of illumination for the monument and decorative coloured lighting for the lawns.
7. Re-engineering and rehabilitation of the two water fountains and making them operational always not only at weekends, holidays and during national celebrations.
8. Construction of short concrete pillars linked by heavy chain work, at the periphery of the circle.
9. In order to protect the installations it will be necessary to provide security round the clock.
10. There is need to carry out a comprehensive renovation of the arch proper to remove the present weather-bitten condition of the walls.
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