By Ashiadey Dotse
The Government of Ghana has begun talks with the family of Guinea’s first President, Sékou Touré, to take over the house where Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah lived and worked during his final years in Guinea.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in Facebook post on Wednesday January 21, 2025, said the negotiations are being done on the instructions of President John Dramani Mahama.
He explained that the Mahama administration plans to renovate and preserve the house as a way of honouring Ghana’s first President and protecting his legacy.
According to the Minister, the house will also be developed into a historic site to give tourists a full experience of Dr. Nkrumah’s life and work, from Ghana to Guinea, where he served as Co-President in his later years.
The decision was officially communicated to the Sékou Touré family on Saturday during a visit led by Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang. The visit took place after the investiture of Guinea’s President, Mamady Doumbouya. The Ghanaian delegation toured the abandoned residence where Dr. Nkrumah once lived.
Mr. Ablakwa said the delegation was warmly received by three generations of the Sékou Touré family, led by the former Guinean leader’s eldest son.
He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently negotiating the terms of the agreement and engaging experts to ensure the proper preservation of the historic building.
The Minister assured Ghanaians that the government will keep the public fully informed throughout the process. Mr. Ablakwa stated, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting the legacy of the Osagyefo.
