In the framework of the FSPI “Sankofa project”, the French Embassy in Ghana commissioned CRAterre to diagnose some of the ancient earthen mosques on behalf of the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB), in order to propose appropriate conservation strategies, and the eventual preparation of a World Heritage nomination file. To carry out this diagnosis, the Embassy funded a two-week mission for 1 CRAterre expert (M. Sebastien MORISET) and 2 GMMB staff members (M. Bernard SACKEY, principal curator based in Accra and M. Francis KWARAYIRE, head of the GMMB Kumasi regional office).

The initial plan was to diagnose only 3 mosques, namely Wa-Dondoli, Bole and Banda Nkwanta. However, during the preparation of the mission, it became obvious that this selection was restrictive and that it would be more appropriate to look at all the mosques in order to better assess the condition of the entire range of properties, rather than a small sample that would not necessarily be representative. Seeing all the mosques also allowed for a better assessment of the World Heritage enlisting potential, following the inscription of the Côte d’Ivoire mosques in July 2021.

Mr Kwarayire, who is responsible for the conservation of the Asante traditional buildings (ATBs) being part of this mission, he insisted that we also take a look at them. Given CRAterre's experience with the ATBs, we could not afford to decline his request. Thus, a mission initially planned to diagnose 3 mosques turned into a mission to diagnose 8 mosques, the Wa palace and the 10 Asante traditional buildings.

The terms of reference for CRAterre in the contract were as follows:
- Design of the visit programme
- Assessment of the state of conservation of the mosques of Dondoli (Wa), Bole and Banda Nkwanta, and of the state of craftpeople’s skills around the main mosques.
- Training of GMMB staff (two curators and site managers) on the conservation of earthen mosques
- Writing of a mission report in English including a diagnosis, a conservation strategy and budgetary elements for each mosque.
- Writing of a note presenting the recommendations to be considered for the inscription of all or part of these mosques on the World Heritage List

Partenaires

CRAterre Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB) French Embassy