Excerpt
The Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB) serves as the legal custodian of Ghana’s tangible cultural heritage, encompassing both movable and immovable assets. Established in March 1957, just before Ghana’s independence, the GMMB emerged from the merger of the Interim Council of the National Museum of the Gold Coast and the Monuments and Relics Commission.
Historical Background
The GMMB’s origins trace back to 1929 with the establishment of an Ethnographic Museum at Achimota College. In 1948, this museum was transferred to the Department of Archaeology at the University of the Gold Coast. Recognizing the need to preserve the nation’s heritage, the British colonial government formed the Interim Council of the National Museum of the Gold Coast in 1952, which later merged with the Monuments and Relics Commission to form the GMMB.
Mandate and Functions
The GMMB operates under the National Liberation Council Decree (NLCD) 387 of 1969, strengthened by Executive Instrument (E.I.) 29 of 1973. Its primary functions include:
- Equipping and managing the nation’s material cultural heritage.
- Establishing and managing new museums.
- Controlling the export, import, sale, and ownership changes of cultural properties through licensing and permits.
- Maintaining a national register and inventory of all cultural heritage assets.
- Identifying and recommending structures, objects, and sites of historical significance for national monument status.
- Conducting research and publishing findings related to cultural heritage.
Organizational Structure
The GMMB comprises two main divisions:
Museums Division:
- Oversees the management and development of museums across the country.
Monuments Division:
- Responsible for the preservation and conservation of national monuments and sites.
Supporting these divisions are auxiliary departments, including:
- Education and Interpretive Department
- Administration and Finance Department
- Public Relations/Marketing Department
The heads of these divisions and departments form the Management Committee, which meets regularly to oversee daily operations and report to the Board of Directors.
Leadership and Ranks
The GMMB is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for strategic policy decisions. As of February 2010, the board comprised eight members, including the Executive Director. The management team includes positions such as Executive Director, Deputy Directors for Education and Museums, Assistant Directors for Monuments and Museums, and Heads of various departments.
Mode of Appointment and Recruitment
Board members are appointed based on their expertise and contributions to cultural heritage. The recruitment process for management and staff positions involves standard public service procedures, including advertising vacancies, reviewing applications, conducting interviews, and selecting qualified candidates.
Collaborations and Partnerships
The GMMB collaborates with various governmental and non-governmental organizations to fulfill its mandate. It works closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, as well as international bodies like UNESCO, especially concerning World Heritage Sites in Ghana.
Constitutional Reforms
The GMMB’s legal framework is primarily defined by NLCD 387 of 1969 and E.I. 29 of 1973. These instruments outline the board’s authority and responsibilities, including the control of antiquities, establishment and functions of the board, and regulations concerning national monuments.
Achievements
Over the years, the GMMB has made significant strides in preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage. Notably, it manages numerous museums and historical sites, including:
- The National Museum in Accra
- Cape Coast Castle Museum
- Elmina Castle Museum
- Volta Regional Museum
- Upper East Regional Museum
References
- https://gmmb.gov.gh/about-us/
- https://www.ghanamuseums.org/board-directors.php
- https://ghanamuseums.org/management.php
- https://gmmb.gov.gh/legal-and-administrative-framework/
- https://www.motac.gov.gh/ghana-museums-and-monuments-board-gmmb/
- https://www.ghanamuseums.org/index.php
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghana_Museums_and_Monuments_Board
- https://ghanamuseums.wordpress.com/management/