The government of Ghana has begun negotiations to acquire the house where Ghana’s first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, lived and worked during his final years in Guinea.
According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the initiative is intended to preserve the legacy of Ghana’s first president and to promote historical tourism.
Urgent appeal for the preservation of Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s former residence in Guinea
The move, undertaken on the direct instructions of President John Dramani Mahama, will also serve as an act of respect to the former president.
“On the instructions of President John Mahama, we have initiated negotiations with the Sékou Touré family of Guinea to allow Ghana take possession of the house Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah lived and worked as Co-President of Guinea in his last years,” he announced on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
He explained that the Mahama administration plans to renovate and preserve the property as a historic site that will allow visitors to trace Nkrumah’s life and Pan-African journey from Ghana to Guinea.
“The Mahama Administration intends to renovate and preserve Nkrumah’s Guinea residence not only as an act of respect but also to preserve the Osagyefo’s legacy and create a full experience for tourists to follow Nkrumah’s outstanding life from Ghana to Guinea,” Ablakwa explained.
He also disclosed that the decision was formally communicated to the family of Guinea’s former President, Ahmed Sékou Touré, during a visit led by Vice President Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
“This landmark decision was conveyed to the Sékou Touré family on Saturday when Vice President, HE Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang led us to visit the Sékou Touré family and also tour Nkrumah’s abandoned home after the investiture of President Mamady Doumbouya,” he continued.
The minister added, “Ghana’s delegation was well-received by three generations of the Sékou Touré family led by his eldest son.”
Ablakwa further indicated that his ministry is currently handling negotiations and technical preparations for the project.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is negotiating the terms and conditions and engaging preservation experts for this important assignment. In the spirit of transparency and accountability, the Ghanaian public shall be fully apprised at every stage,” he concluded.
The late Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s house in Guinea known, as the Villa Syli, has over the years been in a deteriorating state.
The residence served as his safe haven during his exile from 1966 until his tragic passing in 1972.
The seaside villa was generously provided by the late President Ahmed Sékou Touré to Dr Nkrumah as a symbol of African solidarity.
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