The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park Mausoleum experience (KNMP) was first opened in 1992 on a 5 acre site originally the Accra Polo club. In July 2023 the park was redeveloped to enhance the experience for visitors and tourists and now house a restaurant, gift shop and a dedicated library and an improved audio visual fountain. So if you have been previously its time to come and experience the 21st century version.
KNMP is a place where visitors can chart the life and achievements of Dr Kwame Nkrumah the first president of Ghana (1909 – 27 April 1972) and it tracks the chain of events that lead to Ghana becoming the first African country to gain independence in 1957. Visitors are also able to follow the journey that Nkrumah took to try and establish Pan Africanism.
What can you see and do at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park Mausoleum?
The memorial park and mausoleum houses a library which provides an exhibition telling the back story of Dr Kwame Nkrumah where he started from to what he achieved. The collection of archive footage and images is impressive. Additionally in the main building you get a chance to see up close his famous Ocean blue 1957 Cadillac 62 series which was one of his presidential cars.
During his time studying in the USA had found an appreciation for American designed cars. Another must see feature of the park are the fountains which are synced to audio and visuals.
A guided tour around the park is the best way to take in all the artifacts and to get the story behind the final resting place and tomb of Kwame Nkrumah and his wife, first lady Fatima Nkrumah who was laid to rest in 2007.
Where is the the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park Mausoleum?
The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park Mausoleum referred to as KNMP is site located off the Professor Atta Mills High Street and next to the Accra Arts centre. This is an impressive memorial park that is dedicated to the life and achievements of Ghana’s first president Dr Kwame Nkrumah also referred to as Osagyefo.
Why is the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park significant?
The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park is important and significant as it tells the history of Ghana from the man who led the struggle. The position of the bronze statue of Dr Kwame Nkrumah looking out to the future and pointing stands in the same spot where he gave his 1957 speech declaring independence from British rule. “Forward ever Backward Never”.
As you enter the main park you are confronted by 7 bare chested male statuettes bearing flute blowers which blow out springs of water. Within Ghanaian culture the flute and the blowing of flutes are used to welcome dignitaries.
The two main features of Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum are the museum and the mausoleum. The mausoleum is the actual place where Kwame Nkrumah was laid to rest. The mausoleum itself is built on a man-made island which is connected to the mainland by two bridges.
How to get to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park Mausoleum?
The park is right at the heart of Accra, so visitors will not find it difficult at all locating it. If you are lost just simply ask anyone for the “arts centre or the old polo grounds” upon finding these two places you are bound to find the the mausoleum.
