By Jones Anlimah
The Volta Regional Museum in Ho has held a special exhibition of German relics excavated by a team led by renowned archaeologist Professor Wazi Apoh, with support from the German Embassy.
This marks the first major exhibition of its kind since the museum’s official opening in 2021. The theme for the exhibition was Volta-German Histories Connection.
The relics, believed to date back to Germany’s colonial involvement in the Volta Region, were unearthed during an extensive research and excavation project aimed at preserving and showcasing the region’s shared history with Germany. This initiative highlights the evolving collaboration between Ghana and Germany in cultural heritage preservation.
The Executive Director of the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB), Kingsley Ofosu Ntiamoah, said the exhibition will play a crucial role in telling Ghana’s complex historical narrative and enhancing tourism development.
“This exhibition is not just a display of relics but a testament to the enduring connections between Ghana and Germany. It is a significant step in preserving our shared history and ensuring future generations understand the roots of our cultural identity,” he said.
Professor Wazi Apoh, who led the research and excavation exercise, shed light on the historical importance of the relics and their contribution to academic research, as well as Ghana’s developmental growth.
“This exhibition is not just about the colonial past; it’s also about the pre-history of the areas before the coming of the Europeans. In most cases, people think the Europeans brought us most of these developments of civilisation, but our ancestors had indigenous knowledge systems and indigenous technologies that they were using from way back in time until they were exposed to new imports,” he said.
He added, “The relics we have uncovered provide a rare glimpse into the socio-political and economic interactions between the local people and German settlers during the colonial period. This exhibition allows us to bridge the past and present, fostering dialogue about our history and its implications for our future.”
The German Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Daniel Krull, expressed his government’s commitment to supporting cultural preservation initiatives.
“Germany is honoured to contribute to the discovery and preservation of these significant artifacts. This collaboration demonstrates our shared respect for history and culture and underscores the enduring partnership between Ghana and Germany. We hope this exhibition will spark a deeper understanding and appreciation of our intertwined histories,” he remarked.
He added, “I hope this museum today will be a starting point for new and exciting projects in other fields, including technical training, education, and others. This requires a lot of energy to get things done and to secure the necessary support, but we should not shy away from this task. It will be very rewarding once we reach milestones like the one we are celebrating here today.”
The exhibition is expected to further boost tourism and education in the Volta Region. Officials of the Volta Regional Museum have also assured that the artifacts will be preserved under internationally recognised standards.
The Volta Regional Museum, which serves as a repository for the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage, continues to strengthen its position as a hub for learning and reflection. This latest exhibition is a milestone in its journey, affirming its role in the cultural landscape of Ghana.
