Accra: The government of Ghana has commenced negotiations to acquire the residence where Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first president, lived during his final years in Guinea. This initiative aims to honor his legacy and promote historical tourism.
According to Ghana Web, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stated that the move is being undertaken under the direct instructions of President John Dramani Mahama as a sign of respect to the former president. Ablakwa revealed that negotiations are ongoing with the S©kou Tour© family in Guinea to transfer the property, known as Villa Syli, to the Ghanaian government. This location served as Nkrumah's refuge during his exile from 1966 until his passing in 1972.
Ablakwa elaborated that the Mahama administration plans to renovate and preserve the residence as a historic site. The aim is to allow visitors to trace Nkrumah's life and his Pan-African journey from Ghana to Guinea. The decision was officially communicated to the family of Guinea's former President, Ahmed S©kou Tour©, during a visit led by Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
During the visit, which coincided with the investiture of President Mamady Doumbouya, Ghana's delegation was warmly received by three generations of the S©kou Tour© family, led by his eldest son. Ablakwa highlighted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently handling the negotiations and is engaging preservation experts to ensure the successful completion of the project.
The Villa Syli, a seaside residence, was generously provided by the late President Ahmed S©kou Tour© as a gesture of African solidarity. Over the years, the property has fallen into disrepair, and Ghana's government is now taking steps to restore it. In a commitment to transparency, Ablakwa assured that the Ghanaian public will be kept informed throughout the process.