Statue of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah (2020) by HACSA FoundationHeritage and Cultural Society of Africa Foundation
A site of history and memory
The Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum is a site of memory dedicated to Ghana’s first Prime Minister and President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah who lived from 21st September 1909 to 27th April 1972.
Touring the Mausoleum
Nkrumah's mausoleum is set within the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
Final resting place
Nkrumah’s tomb is housed at the centre of the mausoleum. The body of his Egyptian wife Fathia Nkrumah who died in 2007, was transported from Egypt to Ghana and laid to rest next to him.
Plaque on Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's Tomb (2020) by HACSA FoundationHeritage and Cultural Society of Africa Foundation
Nkrumah's third and last resting place
Kwame Nkrumah was initially buried in Guinea Conakry and later in his hometown of Nkroful in the Western Region of Ghana. He was finally laid to rest in Accra in 1992. The mortal remains of Nkrumah lie within a chamber beneath his tomb.
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The interior and exterior of the tomb are covered in Italian marble. His grave is in the form of a mini Egyptian style Mastaba surrounded by white pebbles. The exterior of the crypt of the mausoleum depicts a tree cut off at its trunk.
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The Black Star defines Nkrumah's vision for Ghana
A black star hangs at the top of the mausoleum symbolizing Nkrumah's vision for the future of Ghana. The cutting of the tree at its trunk implies the unfinished work and vision of Nkrumah before his demise. The design of the mausoleum implies Nkrumah “resting under the shade after his great works as a national and Pan-African leader”. The catacomb is surrounded by water indicating an allegory of eternal life.
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Resting under the shade of a tree cut down
The design of the mausoleum implies Nkrumah “resting under the shade after his great works as a national and Pan-African leader”. The catacomb is surrounded by water indicating an allegory of eternal life.
The Exterior of The Museum (2020) by HACSA FoundationHeritage and Cultural Society of Africa Foundation
A museum dedicated to Nkrumah's life
Behind the mausoleum is a museum painted in white with sides covered in marble. The façade has an elaborate depiction of a gathering incorporating traditional Ghanaian Adinkra symbols with a visible Egyptian influence. Above the entrance is a three-faced head carrying an eagle with a five-pointed star which signifies strength in unity.
The walls are banded with Adinkra symbols. On the left is a figure holding a sword with the blade facing upwards. Next to him are three people blowing horns and two people facing each other holding a linguist's staff with the Adinkra Sankofa bird on top. Next are two people carrying bowls and three guards with spears and shields.
Nkrumah's Presidential Vehicle (2020) by HACSA FoundationHeritage and Cultural Society of Africa Foundation
The Presidential Cadillac
One of the notable aspects of the life history of Nkrumah was that unlike many of his contemporaries he studied in the United States rather than in Britain which was the colonial power of the time in the Gold Coast.
The American influence
He studied at Lincoln College and UPenn in Pennsylvania and many of his ideas and influences were developed from his time in America. This included a preference for American cars. Nkrumah used an ocean blue 1957 Cadillac 62 series as one of his presidential vehicles from 1957 until his overthrow in 1966.
Tree Planted by President Sam Nujoma (2020) by HACSA FoundationHeritage and Cultural Society of Africa Foundation
Tree plantings in the Park
The park is cultivated with a variety of plants including mango and royal palm trees. Some of the plants were symbolically planted by visiting heads of state and global personalities.
Tree Planted by Nelson Mandela (1991-11-06) by HACSA FoundationHeritage and Cultural Society of Africa Foundation
A souvenir of a visit by Nelson Mandela
A mango tree was planted on 6th November, 1991, by Nelson Mandela when he visited the park, as president of the African National Congress in South Africa.
Tree Planted by President Sam Nujoma (2020) by HACSA FoundationHeritage and Cultural Society of Africa Foundation
Another mango tree was planted by President Sam Nujoma on the 4th of February 1992.
Tree Planted by the Non-Aligned Movement (2020) by HACSA FoundationHeritage and Cultural Society of Africa Foundation
A palm tree was planted on behalf of members of the Non-Aligned Movement, during their conference held in Ghana in 1991.
