Heritage assets in Cape Coast metropolitan area

Abstract

Heritage assets need to be identified, catalogued and conserved for posterity. If not preserved, some assets tend to be at risk of disappearing. The study sought to identify and document heritage assets in Cape Coast. Structured observation and survey questionnaire were used to solicit information on the study. A total of 140 heads of household or their representatives were used for the survey from January to August, 2007. Seventy four (74) heritage assets were identified and these were classified into six resource categories. These are socio-cultural, resources associated with historic persons, pleasure garden, education, religious, military and other resources. These assets are owned by family, community, institution or government. Some of the assets are at risk of disappearing. Residents associate cultural, economic, historical and political benefits with assets in Cape Coast. Assets in Cape Coast are affected by both natural and anthropological threats. Some of these threats are soil erosion, dumping of waste, neglect, development, vandalism and others. Conserving heritage assets is essential in preserving the assets and associated histories attached to the assets. Heritage assets in Cape Coast are worthy of conservation because the assets are of diverse nature that could be used for tourism, cultural, educational and entertainment purposes. The threats that affect the assets need to be considered and managed to protect and maintain the assets for posterity.