President Mahama condemns destruction of heritage sites

(From George-Ramsey Benamba, GNA Special Correspondent in Paris)

Paris (France), Oct 6, GNA - President John Dramani Mahama on Monday joined the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in condemning the destruction of cultural heritage sites in some countries by religious extremists.

He described it as an act of inhumanity against cultures in the world.

President Mahama made this condemnation when he addressed an inter-sectoral Technical meeting between UNESCO and the Ghanaian delegation at the Organisation's headquarters in Paris.

For some time now, heritage sites in countries including Iraq, Mali, Syria, Yemen and Libya have witnessed massive destruction although those countries have ratified The Hague Convention for the protection of cultural property. Sites affected included Mosques and shrines, churches, ancient and Medieval sites.

The Director General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova has already condemned the destructions and launched the United4Heritage campaign to protect heritage sites threatened by extremists.

President Mahama said countries were identified by their people, culture and heritage sites, and that it was therefore unfortunate for some of the extremists to engage in the deliberate destruction of those sites which could promote unity and generate foreign exchange through tourism.

On Education, President Mahama said his administration was making efforts to eliminate illiteracy and create better opportunities for the coming generations.

In that respect, the President said the construction of 123 new Community Day Senior High Schools was underway throughout the country, while enrolment at the basic level had also risen up because of the progressive free education that was being rolled out.

He said more than 10,000 out of school children had been sent back to school, and commended UNESCO for supporting the Government of Ghana in the training of teachers and provision of teaching and learning materials.

President Mahama called for further collaboration between the government of Ghana and UNESCO in the area of Information and Communication Technology in order to make it examinable at the basic and Senior High School levels.

The President commended UNESCO for providing $1.4 million for the management of lake Bosomtwe in Ghana, the largest natural lake in West Africa, and gave the assurance that the management of the facility would inure to the benefit of Ghanaians as well as other nationals in the sub-region.

Madam Irina Bokova commended Ghana for protecting her cultural heritage sites over the years, especially the forts and castles that were bequeathed by her colonial masters after the slave trade and independence.

She said the ratification of six UNESCO conventions by Ghana over the years signalled the country's readiness to protect the sites and adhere to the dictates of the conventions.

Madam Bokova also commended politicians in Ghana for their Kumasi declaration to maintain peace and unity after the 2012 general election, adding that such a declaration was an inspiration to the entire continent.

The programme was also attended by members of other affiliate organizations of the United Nations.

GNA