The significance of a mining museum in Ghana

Abstract

Mining in Ghana, formerly known as Gold Coast, has gone on for many centuries. The history of gold mining in Ghana goes as far back as the 5th Century B. C. when the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians sailed along the coast of Africa exchanged their goods for gold. Historical records Indicate that in 1482 Fernando Gomez, a Portuguese, opened a gold mine in Abrobi Hill, a few kilometres north of Komenda. The first large mine was opened in Awodua, near Tarkwa in the Western Region. Since then several gold mines have been opened and closed in areas like Tamso, Effuanta Abosso, Prestea, Dunkwa and Bibiani. Diamonds were also discovered in Ghana in 1919 at Abomosu and since then, the mineral has been mined in several localities in the country. The country has also been associated with the mining of manganese for over 60 years. The first bauxite deposit in the Gold Coast was discovered in 1914 at Mt. Ejuanema in the Eastern Region. Concessions for the mining of bauxite in Awaso were obtained in 1926 and since then the ore has been mined. Over the years, Ghana has witnessed a huge transformation in the mining industry. Mining and mineral equipment, artefacts and sites of huge historical importance have been generated. Ironically however, no national mining museum has been established to perpetuate this rich history. Taking into consideration this rich and long history in mining, this paper examines the need for the establishment of a national mining museum and consequently a mining heritage in Ghana, specifically in Tarkwa. In this discourse, it is posited that a mining museum will boost not only tourism in Ghana, but will be of immense economic and socio-cultural significance. In addition it is discussed that such a museum will not only serve as a valuable resource centre for the various educational institutions in the country, but also for the mining and allied industries.