Ghana Museums and Monuments Board commemorates International Day of Museums

As part of activities marking this year’s International Museums Day, the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB) is offering free admission to all basic and senior high schools from May 18 to May 25 at the National Museum.

This initiative seeks to reinforce GMMB’s commitment to cultural and historical education, especially among young people, who are seen as the future leaders of the country.

In an official statement jointly released by GMMB and ICOM Ghana and signed by Mr. Kwesi Essel-Blankson, Acting Executive Director, the public was also encouraged to visit museums as part of a broader effort toward cultural reorientation and national transformation.

“We also appeal to the government for more support to give a premium to the role of the National Museum,” the statement urged.

International Museums Day (IMD), observed annually on May 18, is an initiative by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) to raise awareness of the vital role museums play in society. Each year, a theme is selected to reflect emerging global issues and the evolving function of museums.

The theme for this year is “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities”. It emphasizes how museums are adapting to profound societal changes driven by technological innovation and environmental pressures, which increasingly threaten fragile cultures.

The statement explained that the theme is in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8, 9, and 11. It noted that museums contribute to local economies by creating employment, empowering individuals through education, fostering creativity, embracing innovation, and supporting sustainable urban development as cultural hubs that preserve and promote heritage.

In Ghana, museums hold a pivotal role in preserving the country’s historical narrative. They serve as custodians of colonial history and indigenous culture—a vision that was central to Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s commissioning of the National Museum on the eve of independence in 1957, with the aim of promoting national identity and unity.

The statement, however, expressed concern over the lack of sufficient empowerment and resources for the GMMB to fully realize the founding vision. Despite these constraints, the Board continues to play a significant role in preserving Ghana’s cultural identity and fostering national cohesion through public education, community engagement, and accessible programming for all.