The President, H. E. Nana Akufo-Addo cut sod for project which involves an enhancement of the immediate surroundings of the Elmina Castle. It includes the following;  Receptive Facility that will provide a dignified welcome to visitors, a reverential garden, improved parking spaces, an event grounds, waterfront seats , busts of iconic Ghanaians, Africans and African-American, arts and craft shops and improved washrooms.

The project places emphasis on the sites UNESCO heritage status and will build on the strong participation of the Community, enhancing visitor experience in the surroundings of the Castle and Elmina in general, and drawing linkages with existing tourism inventory in the area. These include the old Dutch cemetary, Fort St Jago, Bethel Methodist church , the Elmina Fish Market and the Coconut Grove Bridgehouse.

The sod-cutting was done at a Durbar held at the forecourt of the Elmina Castle. Hon. Catherine Afeku, Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture used the opportunity to present 5% of proceeds of revenue from Elmina Castle to the Traditional Council as their share. She added that use of technology for revenue collection at attractions is part of government’s efforts to bring transparency in its work.

Hon. Afeku added that the project coincides with the activities celebrating 400years since slavery which will be marked in 2019.

Nana Kondua VI used the opportunity to thank the President for listening to fishermen and postponing the “off-season” fishing period. He further urged him to support him and other chiefs to take up the sanitation fight.