OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT MAHAMA: An Urgent Appeal to Protect Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s Conakry Residence and Facilitate the Return of His Personal Effect

Dear Mr. President,

I am writing as a concerned Pan-Africanist and admirer of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's legacy.

As part of my Africa-wide campaign for a visa-free Africa by 2030, I visited Villa Syli, the historic residence of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah during his exile from 1966 until his tragic passing in 1972, and personally witnessed the deteriorating condition of the residence.

This seaside villa, generously provided by the late President Ahmed Sékou Touré as a symbol of African solidarity, stands as a testament to the unbreakable bond between Ghana and Guinea, and to the broader ideals of Pan-African unity that Dr. Nkrumah championed.

However, its current state of disrepair risks erasing a vital piece of our shared history, and I humbly appeal to your government to intervene diplomatically and collaboratively to preserve it.

Villa Syli, located in Conakry, was not merely a refuge for Dr. Nkrumah after the 1966 coup; it was a hub of intellectual and revolutionary activity. Here, he hosted key figures like Amílcar Cabral and continued his work on Pan-Africanism, authoring books and strategizing for Africa's liberation.

Tragically, the building now appears abandoned and neglected, with crumbling facades, overgrown vegetation, damaged balconies, and signs of structural decay evident in its white walls, barred windows, and tiled courtyard.

Despite past uses, including by members of Guinea's former first family, it no longer serves any active purpose and is falling into ruin. More poignantly, some of Dr. Nkrumah's personal belongings remain packed away in a garage on the premises, untouched and vulnerable to further deterioration.

While many of his artifacts have been rightfully repatriated to Ghana and are displayed at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra — including books, photographs, and the metal coffin donated by Guinea — these remaining items represent an incomplete chapter of his legacy that deserves to be safeguarded and returned home.

The historical tensions surrounding Dr. Nkrumah's death and burial in 1972, when Guinea initially interred him in Conakry before his remains were repatriated amid diplomatic negotiations, underscore the need for renewed cooperation between our two nations.

I urge the Government of Ghana to engage with the Guinean authorities through diplomatic channels to:

1. Facilitate the safe repatriation of Dr. Nkrumah's remaining belongings to Ghana, where they can be integrated into the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park or a dedicated archive, ensuring they are preserved for future generations and educational purposes.

2. Collaborate on the restoration of Villa Syli, perhaps through joint funding or international grants from organizations like UNESCO, which recognizes sites of Pan-African significance.

3. Honor the spirit of African brotherhood by supporting initiatives that highlight the Ghana-Guinea alliance, such as cultural exchange programs.

Furthermore, I suggest a visionary repurposing of Villa Syli to maximize its potential as a living monument. Rather than allowing it to languish, the site could be transformed into a Pan-African Cultural and Educational Center. This could include:

• A museum wing dedicated to Dr. Nkrumah's exile years, featuring exhibits on his writings, meetings with freedom fighters, and contributions to African unity.

• Educational facilities for workshops, seminars, and youth programs on Pan-Africanism, history, and leadership, attracting students and scholars from across the continent.

• A space for cultural events, such as art exhibitions, film screenings, and conferences, fostering tourism and economic ties between Ghana and Guinea.

• Eco-friendly renovations to preserve its architectural heritage while incorporating modern amenities, potentially partnering with organizations like the African Union or private philanthropists.

This redevelopment would not only honor Dr. Nkrumah's vision of a united Africa but also generate revenue through eco-tourism and cultural diplomacy, benefiting both nations. It could serve as a bridge between our peoples, reminding us of the solidarity shown when President Touré named Dr. Nkrumah honorary co-president of Guinea.

Mr. President, as Ghana continues to lead in preserving African heritage, evident in the success of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, and your calls for reparation for slavery, extending this commitment to Villa Syli would reaffirm your personal dedication to Pan-Africanism.

I humbly appeal to you to act swiftly before this irreplaceable site is lost forever.

Thank you for your attention to this matter of profound historical and cultural importance.
Sincerely,

Ras Mubarak,
Campaign Lead, Trans Africa Tourism & Unity Campaign.
Conakry, Guinea.

cc: Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP — Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, MP — Minister of Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts.