Accra, Black Star Square, an iconic monument in Ghana's capital, Accra, is facing severe deterioration, contrasting starkly with the recently redeveloped and bustling Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park nearby.

According to Ghana News Agency, despite the popularity of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, which attracted over 150,000 visitors in five months and generated significant revenue, the Black Star Square, also known as Independence Square, is in a state of neglect. Built in 1961 by Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the Square has historically hosted national events and welcomed notable figures like Queen Elizabeth II and Bill and Hillary Clinton. Comparable in symbolic significance to France's Arc de Triomphe or the Statue of Liberty in the USA, the Square can accommodate around 30,000 people and features the Independence Arch, the Liberation Day Monument, and the Black Star Gate. However, the site is now marred by filth, structural damage, and neglect. Sections of roofing have been torn off, iron rods are exposed in the stands, and the Independence Arch and Liberation Day Monument show visible cracks and water stains.

The Black Star Gate, once a proud symbol, is now in a state of disrepair, with cracked blocks and corroded iron rods. The lack of proper liquid waste disposal has led to stagnant water and unpleasant odors, detracting from the site's appeal to tourists. This decline poses a significant threat to Ghana's "Visit Ghana Agenda," aimed at promoting the nation's culture and heritage to attract international visitors, including a projected 1.2 million arrivals this year. The timely restoration of Black Star Square is essential to preserve its historical significance and support Ghana's tourism ambitions.