By: Rebecca Ampah
Ghana has officially launched its Memory of the World Register, a landmark initiative under the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme, aimed at preserving and promoting the country’s rich documentary heritage.
The event took place on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences.
The register will serve as an official national repository of historically significant records, including manuscripts, archives, audio-visual materials, and other documentary resources that reflect Ghana’s collective memory.
Particular emphasis was placed on safeguarding documentaries and audio-visual records, recognizing their critical role in capturing the nation’s history, culture, and identity.
The launch was performed by the Deputy Minister for Education, Clement Abas Apaak, on behalf of the Minister for Education, who was the Guest of Honour.
In a welcome address, Secretary-General of the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, Osman Tahidu Damba, described the initiative as a step toward both celebrating Ghana’s past and securing its future. He noted that the programme is designed to safeguard the nation’s documentary heritage and commended the efforts of all those whose dedication made the initiative possible.
Chairperson of the Ghana National Committee for the programme, Helena Asamoah-Hassan, highlighted the significance of the launch, stating that Ghana is transitioning from being passive custodians of history to becoming active preservers. She also pointed out that while several African countries have inscriptions on the international register, many lack national registers, adding that Ghana is stepping forward boldly.
Speaking at the event, Edmond Moukala, Head of the UNESCO Office in Accra and UNESCO Representative to Ghana, underscored the importance of preservation, noting that safeguarding such records is essential to maintaining the dignity of Africa’s institutional memory.
He announced plans to train 100 memory technicians and 40 journalists across the country to strengthen capacity in documentation and preservation.
Japan’s Ambassador to Ghana, Yoshimoto Hiroshi, expressed confidence in the initiative, stating that it marks the beginning of greater recognition for Ghana’s documentary records on the global stage.
Delivering the keynote on behalf of the Minister of Education, Dr. Apaak reflected on his academic background in archaeology and history, noting its relevance to the initiative. He emphasized that Ghana’s story from ancient kingdoms through independence to present-day development is preserved in books, photographs, and audio-visual records held in institutions, communities, and homes.
He stressed that the national register provides a clear and sustainable framework for preserving these materials, describing them as “living memories” essential for accountability, research, education, creativity, and national development.
The deputy Minister further highlighted the need to protect both physical and digital records, improve access, and address challenges such as limited resources and environmental risks.
Dr. Apaak reaffirmed government’s commitment to modernising archival systems, training professionals, and investing in digital infrastructure to ensure long-term preservation. He called for collaboration between public and private institutions to nominate significant materials, support digitisation efforts, and participate in capacity-building initiatives.
He noted that Ghana established its national committee for the programme in 2021 and successfully hosted a major international training workshop in 2024, bringing together experts from across Africa to strengthen capacity in identifying and preserving documentary heritage, with special attention to documenting women’s contributions to the continent’s history.
Declaring the register officially launched on behalf of the Minister of Education and the Government of Ghana, Dr. Apaak expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, including UNESCO, the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, and international partners.
