Archeologist says archeological sites should be protected

Mr. Nicholas Ivor, the Central and Western Regional Director of the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB), has said Ghana’s archaeological sites and objects should be conserved and protected for posterity.

He said the nation was endowed with rich and diverse material and cultural heritage which, if not protected, would be lost.

Mr. Ivor said this at the opening of a photographic exhibition of archaeological research finds on “Historic Kormantse” at Kormantse Upper town near Anomabuy.

The exhibition, which was organized by the GMMB in collaboration with the Portland State University, USA, will be held at Fort William at Anomabu from Monday, August 22 to 31 and then later to the Cape Coast Castle from Thursday, September 01 to 30.

Mr. Ivor said conservation of the archaeological sites could contribute to the socio-economic development of the communities in which they are found and the nation at large.

The leader of the 15-member team who embarked on the project dubbed the Kormantse Archaeological Research Project (KARP), Prof Kofi Agorsah, said the first phase of the project being carried out in collaboration with the Universities of Cape Coast and Ghana started in 2007 and would end in 2012.

He said the aim of the Project was to bring the historic town of Kormantse to the top of the tourism picture.

The National Public Relations Officer of the GMMB, Mr. Barth Opoku Acheampong, appealed to archaeologists who visit the country to first confer with the GMMB before embarking on projects and also adhere to the rules and regulations of the Board.

Nana Bimpong Otu IV, Chief of Kormantse Nkum, appealed to Ghanaians to cherish and uphold the nation’s cultural heritage.

Some of the items on exhibition included locally made ceramics, European smoking pipes, cowries, shells, beads and shrines.

Source: GNA