Objectives
In the city of Kumasi, capital of the Ashanti region, earthen buildings are now rare. However, at the end of the 19th century, travellers' accounts depict a splendid city, made up of earthen buildings decorated with refined geometric motifs. Only 10 of these buildings remain today: the traditional Ashanti temples, inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1980.
The preservation of these unique testimonies is ensured by the Ghana Monuments and Monuments Board (GMMB), which strives to protect them from the galloping urbanisation that threatens them. Since 1997, CRAterre has had the honour of participating in this conservation mission alongside the GMMB in order to restore the traditional straw roofs, pass on the knowledge linked to decoration and produce tools to promote the sites.
In 2024, CRAterre was again asked to help implement new projects. The mission provided an opportunity to carry out a detailed assessment of the materials and conservation techniques used and to work with the GMMB on a conservation and management strategy for the coming years.
Results
- 5 temples diagnosed
- 6 local university students took part in temple conservation work
- 15 villagers mobilised to conserve the temples
- 8 children involved in practical decoration and conservation activities
- 38 people involved in project activities
Partner
Ghana Monuments and Monuments Board
Funding
World Monument Fund
French Embassy in Ghana
