Accra, Feb 16, GNA - The 300,000-Euros first phase of the Ussher Fort restoration project funded by the European Commission (EC) was inaugurated in Accra on Friday.

The restoration works at the Fort, which was in a deplorable state due to neglect as a result of lack of funds to carryout regular maintenance started about a year ago.

The first phase of the project involved the refurbishment of the entire structure, the building of a new museum on the slave trade, tourist offices, painting and walling.

Mr Filiberto Ceriani-Sebregondi, Head of the European Commission in Ghana, who inaugurated the project said the EC accepted to support the project through the European Development Fund as part of "The Cultural Heritage and Local Economic Development of Elmina and Old Accra" project.

He said the restoration of Old Accra formed part of an integrated strategy, "The Old Accra Integrated Urban Development and Conservation Framework" approved by the Cabinet in February 2000. The Head of the EC Delegation explained that the Commission agreed to undertake the project because of the special links of various European countries including the Dutch, French and eventually the British who named it "Ussher Fort".

Mr Ceriani-Sebregondi also stressed that the fort besides acting as reminder of Ghana's past trade links with Europe and legacy for its colonial past was used as a prison until 1985.

"I know many Ghanaian Political leaders and activists from independence to recent time have been jailed in this structure" he added.

Mr Gabriel Nii Tieko Tagoe, Project Coordinator for Old Accra Re-development Project, said the restoration works would raise awareness and educate young people in the community on the need to preserve their cultural heritage.

He said the Fort apart from allowing international tourists to stay a bit longer in Accra before going to the other regions would also be a recreational area for the people in Accra.