Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Development in Ghana

Introduction

The interconnectedness between culture and development is vigorous (Arthur and Mensah 2006). Cultural heritage can enhance economic development at both national and local level through job creation, tourist attraction and investments, relaxation, and recreation (Communities and Local Government 2009). Currently, in Africa, it has become an urgent matter to recognize the important role of cultural heritage in sustainable development (Mawere 2015). The cultural and natural diversification of Africa is often linked to its long history. However, the African local government strategies on culture and heritage policies have been given little attention (Barillet et al. 2006). In Ghana, many heritage assets have been destroyed without considering future generations. Most historic buildings, heritage assets, and other assets of historic importance have been destroyed or abandoned (Ghana Vision 2020). This failure to sustain key cultural heritage assets has limited the achievements...