What Is Wrong With Us: We queue for the Colosseum while our own Castles crumble

From Elmina to Robben Island, Africa boasts an abundance of humanity's most treasured history. However, a perplexing question arises: how much of the tourism revenue actually benefits the very monuments that attract visitors? Today, we examine this conundrum through the lens of Ghana and its connection to the transatlantic slave trade.

Ghana is home to significant sites like Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, which bear witness to one of history's darkest chapters. These locations deserve the utmost care, not merely because they draw visitors, but because they honor the memory of those who suffered within their walls. Yet, in 2024, the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board revealed that insufficient funding hampers their conservation efforts and educational programs.

Ghana's tourism receipts amounted to approximately US$4.8 billion in 2024, with international arrivals reaching 1.31 million in 2025. While these figures demonstrate the potential for economic benefit, it is crucial to consider how much of that money flows back into the maintenance and preservation of the sites themselves. NyansaKasa reminds us, "A nation that celebrates tourism receipts while neglecting the monuments attracting visitors is quietly consuming its own future earnings."

Let us draw a parallel with Robben Island in South Africa. This site, once a symbol of imprisonment and repression, has transformed into a globally recognized place of remembrance and learning. Despite attracting around 247,530 visitors in the 2023/24 financial year and generating a surplus of R32.1 million, the museum still faces challenges in conservation funding.

The ferry capacity and adverse weather conditions further hinder its operations. This case study highlights that merely attracting visitors is not enough; the revenue generated must be reinvested to ensure the site's survival.

In Ghana, responsibility for heritage conservation is shared between the Museums and Monuments Board and the Ghana Tourism Authority. The Tourism Development Fund, financed through a 1 percent levy on tourism enterprises, aims to promote, develop infrastructure, and build capacity. However, the mere existence of the fund does not guarantee that heritage receives adequate financing. It is essential to inquire about the fund's collection, disbursement, and allocation, particularly its impact on conservation efforts.

While international support can provide a helping hand, it cannot bridge the entire gap. UNESCO's World Heritage Fund, with a budget of roughly US$7.3 million for 2026 to 2027, represents a global effort. However, Ghana's own UNESCO profile indicates that international assistance amounts to about US$316,794 across 12 requests. This underscores the importance of local accountability and action.

History has shown that other nations, such as Rome, Britain, Egypt, Morocco, and Great Zimbabwe, have successfully leveraged their heritage to attract tourism and foster economic growth. By learning from their strategies, Ghana can integrate its heritage into a cohesive and sustainable tourism corridor, creating opportunities for guides, hoteliers, craftsmen, and conservators alike.

In conclusion, while Africa boasts an unparalleled wealth of historical treasures, it is imperative to ensure that the tourism revenue generated not only attracts visitors but also sustains the very monuments that draw them. Through improved governance, transparent financial management, and a comprehensive approach to heritage preservation, Africa can unlock the full potential of its historical assets and secure a brighter future for generations to come.