Lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, Dr Samuel Amartey, has warned that Ghana is overlooking a vital but often forgotten dimension of ocean resources: underwater cultural heritage (UCH).
Delivering his presentation on Wednesday (3rd September) at the 2nd International Oceans Conference at the University of Ghana School of Law, Dr Amartey said submerged artefacts, shipwrecks, and historic sites should form part of the national conversation on the blue economy.
“Our exclusive economic zone is about the size of Ghana’s land area, and at any point, hundreds of ships have traversed these waters, leaving debris, wrecks, and artefacts,” Dr Amartey explained.
According to him, these remains constitute cultural treasures that hold immense scientific, historical, and economic value. He cited shipwrecks from the transatlantic slave trade, some known to local fishers, which could shed light on trade patterns, shipbuilding techniques, and community history.
He emphasized that underwater heritage is not just about history but also development. “They stimulate a sense of identity, a sense of community as Ghanaians, and they also have the potential to be harnessed for tourism purposes,” he said, pointing to international examples where shipwrecks have been transformed into attractions.
Despite this, Ghana’s maritime policies and strategies, including the 2023 National Integrated Maritime Strategy, make little or no mention of UCH. “These resources must be given due recognition. During the Atlantic slave trade, several ships probably got wrecked in our ocean. They are sitting there,” Dr Amartey said, urging collaboration across fisheries, archaeology, and maritime agencies.
He also highlighted threats from climate change, noting that tidal waves and rising sea levels have already submerged parts of Ghana’s coastal heritage, including forts and castles. “A classic example is the fort at Ada Foah, which is almost gone,” he said.
The challenges, however, are formidable. Ghana lacks trained underwater archaeologists, while the equipment and expertise needed for underwater exploration are costly. Previous research, mainly led by foreign institutions, has identified 17th-century Dutch shipwrecks in Elmina Bay and Benya Lagoon. Without proper investment, Dr Amartey warned, these discoveries risk looting by recreational divers and fishermen seeking scrap value.
“What we can do is train people in underwater archaeology and foster collaboration with the Ghana Maritime Authority and Regional Maritime University.”
“If we don’t recognise and protect these resources, others will,” he urged.
