The Government of Ghana has officially launched the country’s Documentary Heritage National Register, marking a significant milestone in efforts to preserve the nation’s historical records and cultural identity. 

The launch, led by the Deputy Minister for Education, brought together key stakeholders including representatives from UNESCO, diplomatic missions, and cultural institutions.

Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Minister described the initiative as a crucial step toward protecting Ghana’s collective memory and preserving the country’s rich history for future generations. 

He emphasised that Ghana’s story, from ancient civilisations through independence to modern development, must be safeguarded through deliberate and coordinated action.

According to him, the newly launched National Register provides a structured framework for identifying, cataloguing, and protecting documentary heritage materials across the country. 

These include manuscripts, archival records, photographs, and audiovisual materials found in public institutions, private collections, and communities. 

He noted that such records are not merely historical artefacts but serve as vital tools for education, research, governance, and national development.

“Archives are the living memory of our nation,” the Deputy Minister stated, stressing their importance in promoting transparency, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making. 

He added that effective records management strengthens democratic governance and protects citizens’ rights.

The Minister, however, acknowledged the challenges facing Ghana’s documentary heritage sector. 

He pointed to the deterioration of valuable records, limited resources, and environmental threats as key concerns requiring urgent attention. 

He called for innovation, increased investment, and stronger collaboration between public and private sector actors to address these issues.

The launch aligns Ghana with UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme, a global initiative established in 1992 to protect documentary heritage from neglect and destruction.

Ghana has been an active participant in the programme, making notable progress in recent years.

The Deputy Minister highlighted that in 2021, the Ghana Commission for UNESCO established a National Committee dedicated to the Memory of the World Programme. 

He also referenced Ghana’s hosting of the 15th International Memory of the World Training Workshop in 2024, which brought together experts from across Africa to build capacity in heritage preservation and documentation, particularly focusing on women’s contributions to the continent’s history.

He explained that the establishment of the National Register positions Ghana to nominate significant documentary collections to the international register, thereby gaining global recognition and protection for its heritage assets.

Beyond preservation, the Deputy Minister underscored the educational value of documentary heritage. 

He said the initiative would provide students, researchers, and the general public with reliable sources to better understand Ghana’s past and draw lessons for the future.

He commended the Public Records and Archives Administration Department (PRAAD) for its sustained efforts in preserving national records, noting ongoing improvements in digitisation and public access. 

He also acknowledged the contributions of universities, libraries, museums, and other cultural institutions in safeguarding Ghana’s heritage.

Looking ahead, the Deputy Minister called for a comprehensive national strategy to support the initiative. 

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernising archival systems, investing in digital infrastructure, and building the capacity of professionals in the sector.

He further urged institutions and individuals to actively participate by nominating valuable materials, supporting digitisation projects, and engaging in training programmes. 

“This is a shared responsibility,” he said, emphasising that collective effort is essential to achieving lasting impact.

In conclusion, the Deputy Minister described Ghana’s heritage as a testament to resilience, cultural richness, and continuity. 

He noted that the National Register would serve as a bridge connecting the country’s past to its future while contributing to the global preservation of human history.

The event concluded with the official declaration of the Ghana Documentary Heritage National Register as launched, signalling a renewed national commitment to preserving the country’s documentary legacy.