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university of georgia • school of environmental design • masters in landscape architecture and historic preservation students

ghanaghana

Summer2001 U n i v e r s i t y o f G e o r g i a

P a r t i c i p a n t s

FacultyPratt Cassity

Historic Preservation

Kwesi DeGraft-HansonLandscape Architecture

StudentsKirk Benson, BLA

Jennifer Hatfield, MHPDavid Kelly, MHPAmy Moore, MLA

Melanie Rees, MLAMatthew Sussman, MLA

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In the summer of 2001, University of Georgia students inlandscape architecture and historic preservation programsbecame the short-term permanent staff at the Office of the

Regional Director at Town and Country Planning in Cape Coast,Ghana. Students were partnered with local staff for four weeks

and analyzed twelve pre-identified sites needing urbanimprovements. The student-practitioner teams conducted site

analyses and research that included document review andinterviews with Cape Coast decision makers, producing

conceptual development plans for many of the sites. The eagerlyawaited final designs were presented to a large audience,

including local chiefs and tribal council members. Ghanaiantelevision and newspapers covered the event.

This unique opportunity for partnership has produced not onlyoptimal solutions to urban problems but also lasting relationships

between the students and their Ghanaian counterparts. TheUniversity of Georgia would like to replicate and perpetuate thekind of work done this summer. Our students have learned so

much by working side-by-side with Ghanaian professionals. Weare cooperating in several proposals to extend our assistance

into next year, too. Our desire is to make this design studioformat become a true exchange, one in which Ghanaian

professors and practitioners, along with Ghanaian students,come to the United States and work in our

communities and study alongside our citizens.

A global economy and marketplace present globalchallenges - therefore demanding global solutions. Our

work with Mr. Busumtwi, his staff, the Municipal Assembly, theOguaa Traditional Council, the Ghana Heritage ConservationTrust, the Cape Coast Development Association, the CentralRegion Development Commission, Stool Lands Authority, the

Land Office, the Geography and Tourism Department at theUniversity of Cape Coast and the citizens of Cape Coast has

been most rewarding. Join us!

Welcome to Ghana!

G h a n a S t u d i e s A b r o a d w e b s i t e i s http://www.uga.edu/westafrican

The Commercial Street project includes the lengthof the street from the London Bridge and CrabMemorial area at the north end to Barclay's Bankon the southern end. Along this section of road, avariety of building types, street widths, and trafficpatterns exist. This study broke the street intothree zones. Though Commercial Street as awhole faces many general issues, each zone alsohas its own unique challenges.

The Conservation and Tourism Development Planfor Cape Coast (US/ICOMOS, ConservationInternational and Ghana Heritage ConservationTrust, 2000) contains many generalrecommendations for Commercial Street, especiallyin the area of tourism. Our current study attemptsto specify solutions for the street as a whole andfor each of the three zones identified using thePlan as a guide.

Observations and AnalysisCommercial Street is a one-way street through ourstudy site. Heavy traffic, street vendors andkiosks, and noise characterize the road. Problemsinclude:·Haphazard parking blocks pedestrian ways and roadway

·Lack of shade trees·Lack of rubbish bins and regular trash pickup·Many damaged and uncovered gutters·Vendors and kiosks located in unauthorized areas block pedestrian and vehicular traffic

·Lack of public facilities for shoppers and tourists·Inconsistent or missing signage for both directionand information

Zone 1: The northernmost section of CommercialStreet is characterized by mixed commercial andresidential uses. Most buildings are two stories,containing shops along the street with residentialuse above and behind. The Crab Monument and

London Bridge create a hub of activity, serving asmeeting points and landmarks. A lively marketruns behind Commercial Street to the east, andpedestrians cut between the buildings using smallalleys and drainage ways as access. The street isespecially narrow through this zone, with buildingsand kiosks up to and even over the gutters, leavingvery little room for pedestrians. A building on thecorner adjacent to the Crab Monument is missing,leaving a gap in the enclosure of this area. Manygutters and drains are completely uncovered.

Zone 2: South of the mostly residential area, thearchitecture becomes more varied, including newerone-story buildings, almost no residentialarchitecture, and occasional gaps in the buildings.The streetscape is less unified and more irregularthrough this zone, and includes another partiallydemolished building. Some gutters have beenproperly covered with concrete caps along thiszone. The gaps in the buildings through this areaoffer potential planting areas.

Zone 3: At its southern end, Commercial Streetbecomes wider and filled with delivery trucks andtaxis. This zone is solely commercial, with one tothree story buildings ranging in age. Some newerconstruction lacks the character of the morehistoric structures. The intersection of Jackson andCommercial Streets is particularly busy, serving asa significant taxi stand, delivery area, and site forstreet vendors. The condition of the gutters inthis area varies widely, with some totally buried,some covered with concrete slabs, and others withgaping openings as large as three or four feetacross. The nearby presence of Anafo market andBarclay's Bank guarantees constant activity.Commercial Street continues south towards CapeCoast Castle, with the SSNIT building dominatingthe area just outside the study site.

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CommercialStreet Team

UGAMelanie Rees

Town & Country Planning OfficeAdams MensahEbo BaidooDouglas Tseodu

Vibrant, crowded, noisy--Commercial Street is the heartbeat of Cape CoastCommercialStreet

D e s i g n R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s

Provide Pedestrian Space· Allow only parallel parking. Limit the parking areas and

length of parking time· Limit the placement and number of kiosks

· Provide shade· Use trees and tree guards to define pedestrian space

and buffer pedestrians from vehicular traffic· Limit delivery truck times from 5am to 9am daily

· Cover gutters to increase the pedestrian zone

Improve Sanitation· Provide rubbish bins ·

Cover gutters to prevent entrance of rubbish· Install screens across gutters to catch

rubbish at known spots· Educate residents on the value of sanitation

· Implement ownership of public spaces by adoptingstreets and gutters

Maintain and Enhance Street Character· Implement uniform signage based on historic precedents

· Enforce architectural design guidelines· Add trees to increase shade

· Limit number of kiosks/enforce kiosk design guidelines· Define public pedestrian space

· Decrease street noise, especially from individual stores· Increase street lighting using historic lights

Encourage Tourism· Increase signs for way-finding

· Protect pedestrian space· Provide public toilet facilities

· Improve pedestrian access to shops across gutters andthrough displays of goods to shop entrances

· Improve sanitation· Provide signage and markers for interpretation

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Conclusions

Commercial Street is athriving and vibrant areaof Cape Coast. It is acomplex system ofpeople, vehicles, plantsand animals. Muchmore study and thoughtis necessary tocomplete the work ofwhich this study is apart. Any improvementsmade to CommercialStreet should be part ofa thorough managementplan. This area, and allof Cape Coast, shouldgrow with the guidanceof sensitive and creativeplanners.

G h a n a S t u d i e s A b r o a d w e b s i t e i s http://www.uga.edu/westafrican

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improvements

Zone 1

o n c o m m e r c i a l s t r e e t

Zone 2

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tree details

G h a n a S t u d i e s A b r o a d w e b s i t e i s http://www.uga.edu/westafrican

Zone 3

Zone 1

CemeteryManagementwith in the Cape Coast His tor ic Dis t r ic t

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CemeteryManagementTeam

UGAJennifer Hatfield

Town & Country Planning OfficeSamuel AidooSampson Appon

The Old Elmina Road andMethodist cemeteries liewithin the boundaries of thedesignated Cape CoastHistoric District. These twocultural resources directlycontribute to the historiccharacter of the district.Despite threats ofencroaching development,misuse and neglect, much ofthe original character of thesites remains intact. There isa need, however, for efforts tobe made for the stabilizationand conservation of theseextremely significantGhanaian landmarks.

Old Elmina cemetery is theonly remaining burial groundwithin the historic core.Recent work has beenundertaken to define thespace surrounding themonuments and ensure theirprotection. This is a vital firststep.

The Methodist cemeterylocated on Elmina Road hasbeen negatively affected bythe recent construction of anoffice building for theMethodist Church. Manymonuments were damaged or

destroyed in various phasesof the project. A number offootpaths have been formedon the site and are anexample of the over use bycommunity members. Thesite is currently undefined,having no existing boundaryon two of the four sides.Priorities for the improvementof this space will be theestablishment of boundariesas well as efforts to removetrash and construction debrisfrom the site.

The key issues surroundingthe continued use of bothsites are management,interpretation, communityeducation and the danger ofdevelopment. Cape Coastmust realize the full potential,both economic and cultural, ofthese sites.

Strategies for Old ElminaCemeteryInterpretationThe University of Cape Coastboasts a strong program inGeography and Tourism.Research and interpretationprojects by students in thisdiscipline should begin the

information gathering processand the development of aninterpretive outline. The workfor the cemetery should mirrorprevious historic researchdone for the US/ICOMOSbuilding survey project in thetown center.

Monetary support will be animportant consideration toimplement any interpretivemeasures for the sites.Posted interpretation of thesignificance would be aviable, inexpensive, andeasily managed way toprovide information to visitors.

Access to the site must beconsidered and weighedagainst possible misuse bythe public.Involve the community withthe development ofinterpretive strategies asmuch as possible. Take oralhistories from thosecommunity members whohave knowledge of the siteand those buried there.

ManagementThe landscape features(plants and structures) mustbe maintained and regularly

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inspected for deterioration or excessive growth. TheDepartment of Parks and Recreation should oversee themaintenance of the site with funding assistance derivedfrom a percentage of the walking tour proceeds.

Cooperation between a number of agencies such asGhana Heritage Conservation Trust, Cape CoastMunicipal Assembly, the Cape Coast HistoricPreservation Commission, the Ghana Museums andMonuments Board and Tour Guides Association of Ghanamust occur. Exploration of a possible partnership withCape Coast Castle and GMMB to aid in the interpretationof site may be worthwhile given the historical relationshipbetween some of the buried colonial leaders and theearly history of slave trade in West Africa, for example.A permanent caretaker would abate the occurrence oflooting and vandalism. This caretaker could providemaintenance and interpretive assistance to tour groupsand other visitors. The joining of forces between severalagencies (GHCT, TORAG, CCMA, etc) will lend supportand focus to this important project. In the absence of apermanent caretaker, a program for neighborhoodpatrols, "adopt-a-cemetery" programs and volunteercommittees could fulfill this role.

Proposal for Construction of Caretaker's OfficeThe persistent threat of mistreatment and vandalismwithin Old Elmina Cemetery and its abatement warrantsthe site caretaker. The importance of tourism within thehistoric core of Cape Coast is undeniable. This structurewould provide further opportunities to expand theeconomic and cultural benefits of this resource. The OldElmina Cemetery boasts one of the most historicallydynamic opportunities for interpretation to visitors. Thefull potential of this landmark is currently not beingrealized.

Recommendations for the Caretaker's StructureThe building should incorporate architectural and stylisticelements from the structures that surround the site, suchas roof pitch, materials, and covered verandas.

The structure should not compete with the cemetery asthe focal point; therefore the size should be such thatthere is ample room for the purpose, but no more.Decoration should be simple and understated.

The position of the building should not obscure views,other significant features or important sites. (Views to thesea, historic buildings etc.)

Subtle, locally produced signs made of natural materialsshould be used to identify the building.

Preservation Strategies for Methodist Cemetery AtElmina RoadThe boundaries of this cemetery must be defined to aidin the stabilization of the site. At the moment the site isbeing used by the members of the community for taskssuch as drying laundry, grazing animals, growing corn,and parking push lorries. The continual use by humansand animals is having a negative impact. A protectivebarrier surrounding the site will eliminate heavy foot trafficand other high use activities.

The site is littered with solid waste, especiallyconstruction debris. Before any proposed conservationwork is undertaken the litter must be removed.

Much of the site has been affected by erosion. The baresoil coupled with the slope intensifies the situation. Theplanting of groundcover is an immediate solution to helpalleviate the erosion and soil compaction that is currentlytaking place. However, to establish the new plants thesoil should be aerated and improved. Planting shouldoccur immediately to reduce the risk of loss of the newlyprepared topsoil.

Encroachment of DevelopmentWith the recent implementation of the Cape CoastHistoric Preservation Bye-Law, there is a standardadministrative procedure for the treatment of historicresources within the district. The Cape Coast HistoricPreservation Review Commission (CCHPRC) and theTown and Country Planning Office should seriously

discuss any future development plans of the MethodistChurch. The remaining monuments should be protected fromdeterioration with standard monument protection methods ofICOMOS and UNESCO.

Including the site in walking tours operated by GHCT andTORAG is an option that should be explored with theMethodist Church. This cooperation with the tour operatorscould potentially provide exposure, monitoring of conditionsand revenue to make management of the site more feasible.

The functional needs of the building, such as a car park,entryway, and walkway must be balanced with the importantcultural resource that is found on the site. Finding off-sitelocations for incompatible uses should mitigate negativeimpacts.

Conservation / ProtectionA fence of traditional design character will define thespace and act as a protective barrier. The fence willhelp decrease foot traffic as well as invasive use byanimals. A continuation of the fence type that isfound on the frontage of the site is a favorableoption. The existing fence is found at severalimportant cultural sites around Cape Coast and itsuse to surround the cemetery would serve toenhance and promote the cultural importance of theresource.

The Church should have a rededication ceremonyfor the cemetery once their building is completed.This would be a positive way to generate supportfrom the church membership which may help tosecure additional funds for preservation. Acommemorative plaque or marker should be placedto acknowledge the disturbed burial sites. It wouldbe a traditional way to honor the dead whose burialsites were destroyed by construction activities.

Management / FundingThe desire of the church to explore the possibility of religioustourism for the site is a realistic way to help with thegeneration of funds for its development. A partnership with

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c e m e t e r yimprovements

existing cemetery site

redesigned cemetery

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TORAG to include the cemetery in its walking tour would generate funds thatcould be applied to management costs.

Fundraising drives aimed at the members of the church would be a practicalway to produce funds for conservation efforts. Descendants of the buried maywelcome the chance to lend support to such a project of preservation. UCCGeography and Tourism students could identify the families and a specialappeal can be made to them abroad.

Community EducationThe community's perception of the sites is vital to their survival as landmarks.The problems with looting, vandalism, and misuse are evidence that the publicdoes not view the cemeteries as sacred sites, worthy of being protected. Apublic information campaign to address issues surrounding the resources,such as cultural importance, misuse, and invasion must begin immediately ifthe activities that are destroying the site are to cease.

AGORO may be a useful resource to help with the educational campaign.Concert parties addressing the issues of endangerment and the importancewill reach a wide audience.

"Heritage Hour" is an awareness campaign that is already in place and canbegin the education process. Programs that specifically address the issuessurrounding the cemetery and its role in historic Cape Coast would beworthwhile and beneficial.

The community's perception of the sites

is vital to their survival as landmarks.

G h a n a S t u d i e s A b r o a d w e b s i t e i s http://www.uga.edu/westafrican

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GothicHouseHistor ic Preservat ion St ra tegy

BackgroundBuilt by wealthy trader James Dawsonaround 1815, Gothic House is one ofCape Coast's most importantarchitectural sites. Named "GothicHouse" for its wealth of Gothic Revivalarchitectural features, the building andits compound have become a landmarkin Cape Coast. Jacob Wilson-Seyowned Gothic House for many yearsbefore turning it over to the Ghanaiangovernment shortly after Ghanaachieved independence. The Ghanaiangovernment housed its Public WorksDepartment (PWD) in the compounduntil recently. Only a few PWD officesremain in the compound, soon torelocate to new facilities elsewhere.Gothic House now belongs to theOguaa Traditional Council, who plan touse it as a palace and cultural centerfeaturing a museum, library, and agenealogical research facility.

A New Direction for Gothic HouseThe government's transfer of thecompound to the Oguaa TraditionalCouncil provides a chance for GothicHouse to regain its former glory as oneof Cape Coast's most prestigious andattractive locations. Presently, thecompound is in very poor condition.The removal of PWD offices has leftmany buildings in the compoundabandoned. No one remains to providemuch-needed maintenance to thedeteriorated structures. The OguaaTraditional Council wants to remedy this

problem by reusing the compound andrehabilitating it according to preservationstandards contained in the Cape CoastDesign Review Guidelines. They willbreathe life back into Gothic House byoccupying it, using it, caring for it, andpromoting it as a symbol of Oguaa prideand of Cape Coast heritage.

The specific uses the Oguaa TraditionalCouncil desires for the compound are achief's residence, an ethnographicmuseum, and a library focusing onOguaa and Cape Coast history andculture. The site will also serve as agenealogical research facility, and alodging facility for the Council's guests.The Gothic House compound has morethan adequate space to accommodateall of these uses and it floor plan is well-suited to the diverse uses the Councildesires.

Planning for the Future, Honoring thePastIn breathing new life into the GothicHouse, the Oguaa Traditional Councilshould follow the guidelines adopted bythe Cape Coast Historic PreservationCommission. Although the new usesthe Council proposes will assure thecompound remains a vital space, theirinstallation and operation must beconducted in a manner that willpreserve as much of Gothic House'shistoric design and materials aspossible. Areas of the compound thathave deteriorated should be repairedand their original materials should be

Gothic House Team

University of GeorgiaDavid Kelly

Town & Country Planning OfficeJohn AdainooJoseph Danquah-SmithEdward Odoom

retained. In cases where original materials cannotbe retained, new materials that are similar to theoriginal materials in appearance, texture, andlifespan should be used. In areas of the compoundwhere original materials have already beenreplaced by dissimilar materials, research should beconducted to determine the type of original materialand replacement with a similar material shouldfollow.

Conducting the RestorationRestoration of the Gothic House will involveresearch, documentation, and project planning, andwill be best executed in phases. To begin, theOguaa Traditional Council should employ internscoordinated through an outside organization (PeaceCorps, SYTO, US/ICOMOS or other NGOs).Interns could provide the following crucial servicesto both the restoration and redevelopment of theGothic House compound:

Fundraising/ Grant Writing·Physical and Structural Analysis of the Site (coulduse student interns from UST in Kumasi)·Cataloging Library (could use student internsfrom University of Cape Coast)·Museum development (The Getty Institute couldarrange an intern)·Construction

and Historic Preservation details such as plastering,woodworking, etc. (could use student interns fromCape Coast Polytechnic)

Ghanaians undertaking their one-year NationalService should assist interns. Contacts withgovernment authorities should begin immediately toarrange for placement.

Restoration can only begin once the necessaryresearch, documentation and planning have beencompleted by both interns and professionals. Atwo-phase restoration plan consists of:

The first phase addresses the buildings and openspace around the compound's primary entrance, aswell as the wall enclosing the compound. Thisphase will include restoring the buildings that willhouse the Omahene's residence, thelibrary/genealogy facility, the museum, a formalreception and event space, and a public receptionand office building immediately adjacent to theprimary entrance. It will also address the outdoorstairway and gazebo-like entrance pavilion that aresignature visual elements of Gothic House, andshould include significant landscape improvementsto the main courtyard area.

The second phase of restoration should address theremaining structures and open space areas at the

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...breathe life back into Gothic House by occupying it,

using it, caring for it, and promoting it as a

improvementss o u t h v i e w

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Eastern side of the compound. This area includes the building that will house the guestlodging facility and two open spaces that need significant landscape improvements.

Using a two phase restoration plan allows for the more crucial portions of the compoundto be given precedence while the auxiliary areas await the next round of funding. Thefirst phase of restoration will provide residential, formal, and office space for the OguaaTraditional Council and will create revenue-generating facilities through the museum, giftshop and library/genealogy institute. The revenue and public support that are createdfrom these facilities can then be applied to the second phase of restoration.

Funding the RestorationAs stated earlier, some restoration funding can be generated through revenues collectedat the museum and library/genealogy institute proposed for the site. These revenues,however, will be meager and will only exist once some initial restoration is complete. Togenerate funds for the initial restoration the Oguaa Traditional Council will need to usegrant funds. Interns researching and writing grants should pursue the following fundingsources:

"National Resource Conservation and Historic Preservation Project" funds-availablethrough the Ghana Heritage Conservation Trust.

"Economic Development and Democracy Initiative" funds-available through UNESCO(contact Mr. Bruno LeFevre in Accra).The Getty Foundation-Getty funds could be useful for library and museum development.These funds must go through a United States partner.

British Council funds-Again, these funds are useful in library and museum development.Other National Councils and Embassies should be researched to determine if they couldprovide funds as well.

Grant funds should be available for a project of this nature. Grant funds alone areunlikely to complete the entire restoration and allow for the continued upkeep of the site,however. To ensure sufficient and comprehensive funding that will continue into thefuture, the Oguaa Traditional Council must consider other options as well.

One option is to solicit funds from the Muslim community to restore the mosque adjacentto Gothic House. The Aga Kahn Foundation has made international cultural preservationits priority.

symbol of Oguaa pride and of Cape Coast heritage.

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Old Post Office Development OpportunitiesAnother, more profitable option is to partner with thegovernment in the redevelopment of the STCTerminal and Post Office building that is across thestreet from Gothic House. This building is historic inits own right and has tremendous redevelopmentpotential.

This landmark building was built during the early1960s to serve as Cape Coast's main post office.Constructed during the early years of Ghana'sindependence, the building's modernist designexpresses faith in the new Africa for which Ghanawas the flagship nation. The creator of anindependent Ghana also helped create this uniquebuilding. On November 4, 1960 Ghana's firstpresident Dr. Kwame Nkrumah laid the cornerstonefor the Cape Coast Post Office. Standing out amongthe colonial-era structures that surrounded it, theCape Coast Post Office gave Cape Coast's citizens asymbol of modernity, progress, and the institutionalpower of their new nation-a symbol of Ghanaian pridestanding tall and proud beside the sea.

The design of the Cape Coast Post Office alsoexplored the relationship between Cape Coast andthe Ocean that has been its lifeblood throughouthistory. The original roof of the building wassupported on a system of posts and curvilinear raftersvisually reminiscent of fish bones or the ribs of afishing boat. They also recalled the ribs of man-thehuman skeleton nurtured by the Gulf of Guinea to theSouth. Painted in a nautical pastel scheme, thisbuilding brought Cape Coast's maritime history intothe perspective of Ghana's transition to a modern,independent nation. It is the architectural pivot pointof Cape Coast, the moment where a rich past met adynamic future.

Allowing the Oguaa Traditional Council to develop(with the help of outside private investors) thedeteriorated portions of the Cape Coast Post Officebuilding would benefit both the Council and thegovernment. The Council could reap the revenuesgenerated by the new uses developed in the buildingand the government could assure that an important

Cape Coast landmark is maintained whileemployment opportunities are created simultaneously.

This building would be an ideal location for a hotelwith a supporting restaurant/bar, Internet café,conference center, and retail shops (the existing busterminal and post office should remain). Its seasidelocation and proximity to historic sites would make it apopular location for tourists and locals alike. Touristswho wish to visit Gothic House could use this facilityas their temporary home base while in Cape Coast,with their money going to the new proprietors of thespace-the Oguaa Traditional Council.

Conclusions

It is important to consider any restoration efforts forGothic House within the framework of a largerrehabilitation effort for a "historic corridor" that willextend from the Cape Coast Castle west to the OldElmina Cemetery. Including Victoria Park, the oldCape Coast Post Office, Bentsir Paado, and othersites, this area has the potential to elevate CapeCoast's status as an internationally recognized centerof culture and history.

Gothic House is only one piece in this puzzle.Restoration efforts for Gothic House should both feedinto and feed off of this greater rehabilitation. Whenrehabilitation efforts for one site are successful theypromote exposure and recognition of the other sitesnearby. With each individual gain, the entire networkis boosted.

Gothic House has the potential to be very useful toboth the Oguaa Traditional Council and the public atlarge. A proper restoration will ensure that theCouncil has a palace compound in accordance withits prestige, and that the public will have a restoredCape Coast landmark to be proud of. The restorationof this site will promote Cape Coast and will helpboost the local economy while it honors history. Bornof the prosperity of one man, Gothic House can nowwork to bring pride and prosperity to Cape Coastthrough the initiation of historic preservation.

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Existing ConditionsVarious groups, including football players andfishermen, heavily use the site. During Cape-Coast's Fetu Afahye, the park becomes a durbarground. The site is quite eroded as a result ofexcessive football play, exacerbated by watererosion. There are healthy stands of Bermudagrass, Cynodon species, and an enduringgroundcover with yellow flowers on theperipheries of the park. The west portion of thesite is primarily the ball field, accompanied bytwo structures. The eastern portion of the sitefeatures a bust of Queen Victoria andabandoned tennis court now used by fishermenas the site for mending their nets. South of thepark is a new restaurant (Oasis), and the beach.The beach is eroding, both from the effects ofocean waves, and overland erosion from thefootball field. Solid waste is currently beingdumped in the eroded crevices on the beach.The beach is in poor condition.

Purpose of the Plan

Three compelling reasons for Victoria Park'srehabilitation are: environmental health,improved aesthetics, and tourism developmentand support. First, the beach area must bestabilized with new palms and groundcover assea defense walls. Soil erosion must bestopped. The beach must become a comfortableand clean place to swim and walk. Secondly, abeautiful city creates a healthy mentaldisposition. Keeping Cape Coast clean andattractive is good for residents and visitors alike.Thirdly, tourism is economic development inCape Coast and the Central Region. Victoria

Park, with its proximity to Cape Coast Castle,Gothic House, Chapel Square and HeritageHouse, not to mention the importance of theAfahye to tourists, is an important destination.

Proposed DesignThe proposed re-design for the park features anewly graded and planted ball field. To the east,the most noticeable introduction is an eight-foothigh "Wall of Fame" with reflection pool. Thewall will feature distinguished past citizens ofCape Coast and the Central Region, forexample John Mensah Sarbah. The reflectionpool is shallow, a mere six inches deep andlined with black tile to enhance reflection. Thepool and wall will provide a destination withinthe park for all visitors. Flanking the bust ofQueen Victoria, four other monuments or worksof art are proposed. These should be ofespecially notable past citizens of Cape Coastor commemorative obelisks of special events orsymbols. These should be debated publicly andapproved by the appropriate authorities in CapeCoast.

Management and Maintenance for Victoria ParkThe football field, once rehabilitated, must seeless active play on it. Currently, football isplayed almost daily. No amount of fertilizer orirrigation can sustain turf grass subjected todaily, hectic foot-traffic. It is recommended thatlike the stadium at Siwudu, Victoria Park'sfootball field be played on no more than threetimes weekly. The turf should be watered atleast once weekly, especially in the dry(continued)mattan season, and should be fertilized twice

VictoriaParkLandscape Rehabi l i ta t ion Plan

Victoria ParkTeam

UGAProfessor KwesiDeGraft-HansonKirk Benson

Town & Country Planning OfficeJames Kofi EssumanWilliam Kofi Memsah

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annually. During the active growing seasons, the turf grass should bemowed at least weekly, maintaining a height of 1 to 1-1/2 inches. Once ayear, the turf should be aerated to relieve soil compaction.

The reflection pool should be skimmed at least biweekly to remove debristhat accumulates in the water. This will ensure that the pool's filter andpump will endure and function well for a long time. The water will require amild salt solution to ensure safe sanitary conditions. The water should beslowly circulated daily to ensure that no mosquito larvae be harbored in it.The Wall of Fame, made of a reflective material, must be maintained byregular periodic cleanings as necessary to prevent dirt and sea sprayaccumulation.

analysis of existing site

v i c t o r i a p a r k

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improvement proposals

improvements

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WaterfrontDevelopmentVictor ia Road Area

WaterfrontDevelopmentTeam

UGAMatthew Sussman

Town & Country Planning OfficeJohn Dan EwudzieEbeneezer Ortsin

Victoria Road is an important artery inCape Coast. The west end of the roadbegins at Victoria Park, travels southeastby the Old Post Office Building. Itproceeds east by the Court House andChrist Church and ends at Cape CoastCastle. All of the important Castlearea/waterfront sites-Victoria Park, theOld Post Office, the Court House, ChristChurch, Cape Coast Castle, and ChapelSquare Mosque--are important culturalresources of Cape Coast.

Due to its location, Victoria Road is busywith pedestrian and vehicle traffic alltimes of the day. Despite its constanttraffic, there is little separation betweenpeople and cars-one must walk in thestreet to travel from the Castle to VictoriaPark. There is a walkway, but it is out ofsight, behind an attractive wall that runsthe length of Victoria Road, around toVictoria Park. The wall tends to hide thewalkway. It makes the path seemuninviting to pedestrians, or even out ofbounds. This underscores the need forvisible and accessible walkway.

New walkways should line both sides ofVictoria Road and Amoah Street.Walkways should also exist along bothsides of Market St., connecting to thewalkway in front of Gothic House. Thepaving design for the walkway is basedupon the wall that travels the length ofVictoria Road. Small plazas should beprovided between walk to the wall atregular intervals, so that the public can

have easier access to the alreadypopular place to sit and relax.

Augmenting the existing saplings thatline Victoria Road, new palm trees willbeautify, shade, and provide the entirewaterfront area a unifying appearancethat is appealing to humans. An existinggroundcover grows dense, has anattractive yellow flower, small thorns andspreads quickly. It is excellent atkeeping the soil from eroding andcollecting in the gutters. Unfortunatelythere are a few problem areas whereeroded soil has collected and thegroundcover has colonized and clogs thegutter. Along with the soil, it should beremoved from the gutter and usedelsewhere on the site. This groundcover,if maintained, will provide the waterfrontwith excellent erosion control andpedestrian traffic control.

Victoria Road and the wall are popular inthe evening for friends and couples.Streetlights would enhance the area andshould be replicas of historic lamppostthat can be found in front of Cape CoastCastle. These lamp posts were useduntil the mid-1970s when they werereplaced with contemporary lamp postswhen Cape Coast was connected to theAkosombo Power Grid.

An old well is located on Victoria Road,just east of its junction with Amoah, onthe south lawn of the Court House. It isnear the low point in the road causing

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the damaged gutter that runs by it toempty into it. This is especially truewhen it rains. The standing water cango undisturbed for long periods of timemaking it a prime location for mosquitobreeding. This well needs to berehabilitated or removed. In the middleof the junction of Amoah and VictoriaRoads is a large hole that is the guttercross-under. In it grows some of thesite's ground cover. This hole shouldbe repaired. It is hazardous topedestrians and drivers alike. The holecan be covered with a metal grate sothat it is safe to travel over. This makesit accessible for periodic maintenance.East of Gothic House is Chapel SquareMosque on King Street. Its south wallis on Market Street across from the OldPost Office. The wall has deterioratedand is a hazard. It is dangerous topedestrians who walk beside it andthose using the space above it. Thiswall should be repaired when theproposed walkway is constructed. Thecontinuation of the walkway here andaddition of the one across the streetwill greatly increase the safety forpedestrians at this narrow stretch ofMarket Street.

A coordinated approach in the area willconnect and unify the important culturalresources. The area now lackscohesion and can become one of themost attractive features in CapeCoast's tourism development program.

Victoria Road detail

waterfront development plan

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BentsirPaado

Bentsir Paado, the name given to the areadirectly across from historic Cape CoastCastle, is currently used by the Bentsirfishermen to mend their nets and by vendorsand their kiosks. Residents of Bentsir also usea standpipe on the northeast side of the siteas their fresh water source. DuringPANAFEST, people attending the festival usethe site as a gathering place.

This site is within easy walking distance fromdowntown and is the center to a host ofsignificant historic buildings-Cape CoastCastle, Christ Church, and Belgrave Hall;Heritage House is nearby and also serves asa community meeting place, Chapel Squarewith the beautiful Wesley Methodist Church, isin sight. Additionally, Bentsir Paado is passedby on almost every historic tour given in CapeCoast. In an effort to enhance communitypreservation efforts in the area, the site shouldbe developed into a space both useful andbeautiful to fishermen, vendors, tourists andPANAFEST visitors.

Existing Conditions

The site is backed by the Ghana CommercialBank, the late twentieth-century modernistarchitecture does not complement thelandmark buildings nearby. Parking currentlyexists in front of bank.

There are excellent views of the ocean to theeast, over the Bentsir area, and the west sideof the Castle. These should be preserved andoptimized.

The site has sparse grass and heavilycompacted soil. There are no shade trees orshrubs on the site.

Existing gutters allow for adequate drainagewhen they are clear of debris; gutters at theintersection of Commercial Street and VictoriaRoad needs to be regraded to allow water todrain properly-water currently stands in spotsand becomes stagnant.

The significance of Cape Coast Castledemands a connection to Bentsir Paado.Currently there is no seating or shade forvisitors who sit outside the Castle; BentsirPaado could partly provide this. It would be awaiting area for drivers, and tourists who viewthe castle more quickly than their mates.Additionally, the Castle entrance needsgreater attention rather than appearing as aplace to park vehicles.

RecommendationsKeep existing functions (selling, mending netsand gathering) but enhance the significance ofthe area's historic connection to fishing.Seating for persons in front of the castleserves as a resting spot for those on historicwalking tours.

Provide for a more permanent and well-managed kiosk system. The kiosks shouldhave a transparent appearance, rather thansolid. They should not be removed altogetherbecause there will always be visitors whocome to Cape Coast and do nothing but stop

CommercialStreet Team

UGAAmy Moore

Town & Country Planning Office:John Kwesi AggraFrank Nana Buschell

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at the Castle. This is unfortunate, but it is a reality. Byhaving the commercial function remain, it means that afew more cedis might be spent in Cape Coast rather thantaken back to Accra. These should be permanentstructures and could include the selling of minerals andsnacks. Placing these near the seating area shouldencourage business. The views of the ocean are beautifuland should be maintained. The clear and unobstructedview of the Castle from as many vantage points aspossible must be perpetuated.

Extend current southern property line out 15 feet towardCape Coast Castle to provide more space for visitorswhile maintaining current space used by fishermen. Thiswould also strengthen the connection between BentsirPaado and Cape Coast Castle.

Enhance open space where nets are mended by addinga shaded workspace. New trees will provide the dualpurpose of providing shade and as a place to tie up netsfor net mending. Arbors can also provide that purposeand can support flowering vines. Allow visitors to watchand enjoy fishermen to visitors, but keep park spaceseparate.

A hardy groundcover is recommended for the netmending area; sand should also be included in areas ofhigh activity where groundcover is difficult to grow. Sandis beautiful, appropriate, easily cleaned and plentiful. Onthe south and east side, 4 inches coping is needed toprevent displacement of the sand.

Low walls (2 feet) around the park would maximize seating.

Any paved surfaces in the kiosk area should beporous. Pavers and building materials should containsea shells (a historic building material called "tabby") tocreate a visual link with historic construction

techniques.Cover gutters around site to hide wastewater andprovide additional space to walk.

Construct a semi-permanent structure around thestandpipe to provide shade. It should be a traditionalshape and should be made similarly to the spaceprovided for the kiosks.-Demonstrations and interpretive tours of Bentsir, givenby residents or tour guides should explain the fishinghistory and practices of the area. This will enhance thevisitor's experience.

·Large rubbish receptacles are needed around site; thiswill help keep the area clean and prevent litter fromentering the gutters.

·Additional street light should be added to enhancenighttime use of the area.

·New trees provide shade for both fishermen andtourists. Fishermen can also tie nets to the trees whenmending them. Palms and Neem trees arerecommended. Low growing, shade providing treesfrom the Cassia family are also suggested.Concrete arbors can also provide shade and givefishermen tie-up points for their nets.

·The entrance to the Castle needs to be enhanced butnot made too fancy. A subtle, distinct, low anddetached sign that follows the design motif of theCastle should identify the entrance for first time visitors.Explanatory information (rates, times of operation, briefhistorical overviews, directions to Heritage House, etc.)can be placed on locally produced "sandwich boards"that can easily be changed or replaced. Refer toDesign Review Guidelines for Cape Coast, Ghana

... the site should be developed into a space both usefuland beautiful to fishermen, vendors, tourists and

PANAFEST visitors.

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(Morag Kersal, August 2000) for materialsand style. The Ghana flag might be placedon a permanent flagstaff in front of theCastle that can be incorporated into the signdesign. Re-establish chains or nautical ropesbetween existing bollards in front of Castle tocreate a pedestrian only zone in front of theWorld Heritage site.

·Plant palms along the front of Castle; thereis a historical precedent for trees along theCastle walls and palms will provide asculptural element currently missing in CapeCoast but very obvious in Elmina. The rootstructure of the palms is contained enoughthat it should not interfere or destroy Castlefoundation.

·Provide a few benches near the frontentrance which might be incorporated intothe sign. The pedestrian zone should neverhave buses or cars near, therefore parkingmust be moved away from entrance.

·Provide trash receptacles that are regularlyemptied and are complementary to the styleand flavor of the area.

·Utilize parking space between GhanaCommercial Bank and Bentsir Paado forvisitors to the area. Parallel parking spaces

b e n t s i r p a a d oimprovements

existing site

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are recommended for the car parkingarea; bus parking would best beaccommodated in front of ChristChurch where the view to the beachwill not be obscured

·Any paved surfaces in the kiosk areashould be porous. Pavers and buildingmaterials should contain sea shells (ahistoric building material called “tabby”)to create a visual link with historicconstruction techniques.

·Additional street light should be added toenhance nighttime use of the area.

·New trees provide shade for bothfishermen and tourists. Fishermen canalso tie nets to the trees when mendingthem. Palms and Neem trees arerecommended. Low growing, shadeproviding trees from the Cassia family arealso suggested. Concrete arbors can alsoprovide shade and give fishermen tie-uppoints for their nets.

·The entrance to the Castle needs to beenhanced but not made too fancy. Asubtle, distinct, low and detached sign thatfollows the design motif of the Castleshould identify the entrance for first timevisitors. Explanatory information (rates,times of operation, brief historicaloverviews, directions to Heritage House,etc.) can be placed on locally produced"sandwich boards" that can easily bechanged or replaced. Refer to DesignReview Guidelines for Cape Coast, Ghana(Morag Kersal, August 2000) for materialsand style. The Ghana flag might be placedon a permanent flagstaff in front of theCastle that can be incorporated into thesign design. Re-establish chains ornautical ropes between existing bollards infront of Castle to create a pedestrian onlyzone in front of the World Heritage site.

·Plant palms along the front of Castle;there is a historical precedent for treesalong the Castle walls and palms willprovide a sculptural element currentlymissing in Cape Coast but very obvious inElmina. The root structure of the palms iscontained enough that it should notinterfere or destroy Castle foundation.

·Provide a few benches near the frontentrance which might be incorporated intothe sign. The pedestrian zone shouldnever have buses or cars near, thereforeparking must be moved away fromentrance.

·Provide trash receptacles that areregularly emptied and are complementaryto the style and flavor of the area.

·Utilize parking space between GhanaCommercial Bank and Bentsir Paado forvisitors to the area. Parallel parkingspaces are recommended for the carparking area; bus parking would best beaccommodated in front of Christ Churchwhere the view to the beach will not beobscured.

·Any paved surfaces in the kiosk areashould be porous. Pavers and buildingmaterials should contain sea shells (ahistoric building material called “tabby”) tocreate a visual link with historicconstruction techniques.

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Significance: The market system of selling things fromsmall stands, tables, open spread cloths or on bareground along streets and in common areas is a well-established West African tradition. As the tradition hasevolved, the seller's spot becomes more and moreingrained in the minds of the shoppers and competitionarises between merchants vying for the better locationto sell their wares. Sellers have come to set up apermanent presence in those spots where they do thebest business. This has resulted in the construction ofmore permanent stalls and the eventual building of astructure where material can be securely locked awaywhen the seller is absent. As the 21st century dawns,an even more imposing structure, the prefabricatedmetal container, has taken up residence along Ghana'sstreets and market areas.

Visual Character: Kiosks, their placement, design,surfaces and success depend on how well they canattract the shoppers and, ultimately, buyers. They havetraditionally been made of natural materials and takethe form of very traditional West African building forms,either the closed shed or field house, or the smallpitched-roof detached hut. The effect of having somany similarly designed buildings is pleasing andrecalls a bygone era. This treatment creates a semi-transparent unified urban edge in commercial areas ofCape Coast.

Problem: New design and construction techniques haveallowed kiosks to grow ever larger and becomeomnipresent along streets. The kiosks being placed onstreets today are often larger than the structures behindthem. They obscure the beautiful details of historicbuildings and block pedestrian and vehicular traffic.The large prefabricated kiosks provide inharmoniousvisual disruptions of historic streets and scenic drives.They are oversized for the human scaled city that Cape

Coast has become. They make the historic coreunattractive and lessen the architectural and designintegrity of the city.

Recently, a terrible flood happened in Accra and muchof the blame is being placed on illegal buildings, kiosksand construction in flood plains and wetlands. SeveralMPs and the local planning agencies in Accra havecalled for a crackdown on this kind of random andhazardous permit granting and construction pattern.

From The Daily Graphic, Friday, June 29, 2001:FLOODS CLAIM 11 LIVES by Kojo Sam & Joe Okyere"…He [Mr. Kwamena Bartels, Works and Housing

Minister] said Accra and its surrounding areas willcontinue to experience floods because developers haveflouted statutory regulations with impunity.

The minister disclosed that between 60 and 70 per centof structures are illegal because their owners did notobtain building permits from the appropriate authorities.

'What is even worse and puzzling is that developersdecided to build anywhere and anyhow irrespective ofwhether the building was located on a waterway or not',Mr. Bartels said.

The minister accused the statutory authorities,particularly the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), ofcolluding and conniving with the developers and saidthe consequence of their action is what he called 'theannual flood ritual'.

'Everybody puts up kiosks or containers and they go togrease the palms of AMA officials and that strikes a dealfor the non-conformist,' he said.

Kiosksand Portable Buildings for Cape Coast: A Solution is at Hand

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…Ms. Theresa Ameley Tagoe, Deputy Minister of Works and Housing, assured the House that thistime, the ministry, through its agencies, will be strict and enforce building regulations.

Ms. Tagoe made a special appeal to chiefs and land owners not to sell wetlands to prospectivedevelopers, since these actions amounted to condoning and conniving with developers, todisregard building regulations.

The MP for Awutu-Senya, Mrs. Hannah Tetteh-Kpodar, said what happened at Kasoa was a neardisaster and attributed it to the indiscriminate building culture in the town."

Cape Coast should heed the warning: floods and erosion are bitter enemies of the historic citycore. The design AND placement of structures really matters. Careful balance must be struckbetween the goals of selling and earning a living and community safety.

SolutionsSeveral solutions to this problem are at hand. They might include:1. Restricting the placement of larger kiosks along scenic roads and within the historic core.2. A competition among architects and urban designers at KNUST to develop a prototypical CapeCoast kiosk design program. How about UDS-or is there no one in Cape Coast who cancontribute?3. The requirement that all kiosks be registered and purchased from a city agency that will thenturn the money collected back into a program that makes street improvements.4. A matching grant program that gives small stipends to kiosk owners to bring their currently non-conforming or newly proposed kiosks into compliance with a set of Cape Coast Kiosk Standards. 5. A stricter system of approval permits for new structures and penalties for illegally placed ordesigned structures.

G h a n a S t u d i e s A b r o a d w e b s i t e i s http://www.uga.edu/westafrican

Produced by the School of Environmental Design at the University of Georgia • Athens, GA

2001If you would like an electronic copy of the report, you can contact the Public

Service and Outreach at the School of Environmental Design.Tel: (706) 542 4731 or email: pcassity@uga.edu