Archaeologist agrees to exhumation of tombs

Dr. Wazze Apoh, of the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, of the University of Ghana, has said that there was need for the people of Bui to exhume tombs and materials to their resettlement site.

He this is so because tombs and cultural materials form part of the cultural heritage of the people of Bui.

He noted that the inhabitants were reluctant to vacate their homes for the Bui resettlement site due to the fact that they had lived there for many years and have their heritage and ancestors buried there.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Sunyani, Dr. Apoh said a museum could be built to showcase archaeological materials and heritage of the people of Bui “if only the Bui Power Authority and Tain District Assembly recognize the need to do so”.

He noted with regret that construction and mining companies had over the years destroyed the cultural property and heritage of the people with impunity through their activities.

Dr. Apoh stressed that there was the need for the people to carry their heritage with them hence the need to exhume their tombs to enable them to reconnect with their ancestors.

He however admonished them to relocate since their refusal to move could adversely affect them on completion of the dam project.

The issue of resettlement has become necessary to pave way for the creation of a lake from the Black Volta for the Bui Hydro Power Project.

Source: GNA