In the heart of Accra, stands the newly refurbished Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, a lasting tribute to the legacy of Dr Nnkrumah, Ghana’s first President and its rich history
Behind the remarkable transformation of this iconic landmark is a young and visionary architect, 29-year-old Bethel Mamphey.
With an impressive academic background that includes a master’s degree in Natural Resources in Law from the University of Ghana and an MSC in Construction Management from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Mamphey possesses a deep understanding of the intricacies of architectural design and preservation.
Mamphey’s journey in architecture began at Central University, where he pursued his initial bachelor’s degree in Architecture.
It was during this time that his passion for creating meaningful spaces took root, however, the opportunity to preserve Ghana’s heritage was given to him a year ago when the Government of Ghana announced the $3.5 million project.
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As an old student of Achimota School, where the late President Kwame Nkrumah also graduated in 1930, Mamphey developed a project that has a profound appreciation for Ghana’s history and the pivotal role Dr Kwame Nkrumah played in shaping the nation.
During an insightful conversation with Bernard Avle on Citi TV’s Point of View, the 29-year-old architect shared his motivations behind the creation of the Freedom Wall, a key feature in the new project.
“Most of us millennials, have heard of Nkrumah, but we didn’t see him, so coming up with the project, I wanted to create something that will allow people to experience parts of him that people have never seen– the emotional phases he went through as a President. The Freedom Wall is to give visitors a feel of Dr. Nkrumah,” he said.
The captivating Freedom Wall is adorned with quotes and pictures that depict the various emotional states of Ghana’s first President.
While the old mausoleum within the park was left untouched, Mamphey and his team meticulously restored its dilapidated structures, including the broken concrete fence.
The focus was on preserving the original beauty of the marble-stone structure while enhancing the overall landscape.
The result is a park that not only pays homage to the late President and his wife, Fathia Nkrumah but also provides a serene and captivating environment for visitors.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially commissioned the redeveloped Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park on July 4, 2023.
During the ceremony, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the significant additions and improvements to the park.
These include a presidential library, a receptive facility, a mini-amphitheatre, a restaurant, and a digitalized payment and access system.
The mausoleum itself has been fully refurbished, with an upgraded tombstone, while the museum has been expanded to include an immersive audiovisual tunnel that enriches visitors’ understanding of Ghana’s history.
Though relatively young, Bethel Mamphey’s dedication to preserving Ghana’s heritage and creating immersive architectural experiences has earned him recognition as a visionary in his field.
As the founder of Apersion Studio, Mamphey continues to push the boundaries of design, combining his academic knowledge with a deep appreciation for Ghana’s cultural significance.
As visitors explore the newly transformed Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, they can appreciate the passion and talent of the young architect who brought this project to life.