The town of Osu, being a Danish colonial town in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, has a rich cultural heritage. The heritage of Osu can be traced from its contact with the Danes which led to the adoption of the name, Danish Osu or Danish Accra. Their heritage has however grown from being a colonial town into a contemporary urban settlement which is noted as one of the most vibrant places in Accra with its night life and massive inflow of tourists. This apparent rich history of Osu has called for the study into the heritage of Osu, as heritage is believed to be all aspects of culture that are part of a society.
The study sought to establish among others what tangible sites have existed in the past and what have propelled their existence presently. Particular reference was made to the Christianborg Castle, Richter Fort, Nii-Okantey Shikatse We, Osu Salem School and Frederichs Minde which were all developed in the Danish era. The study also covered other heritage sites such as the Danquah Circle in Osu, the Osu Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, Osu Cemetery and the State
House.
The study furthermore brought into light the distinction of the economics, governance system and education in Osu in terms of how these features were in the past and how they are presently. At the end of the study, findings (primary and secondary sources) established that the heritage of Osu have been propelled by culture contact and globalization and with the implementation of sustainable development the heritage of Osu will be properly protected for an increasing tourists’ consumption.
Recommendations were made for further research into the intangible heritage of Osu as well as establish the divergent cultural traits between those living around the "Oxford Street" and those in the traditional quarters.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
1.2 Study Area
1.3 Research Problem
1.4 Research Aim
1.5 Research Objectives
1.6 Limitations of the Research
1.7 Importance of the Research
1.8 Research Methods
1.8. a Primary Sources
1.8. b Secondary Sources
1.9 Research Questions
1.10 LITERATURE REVIEW AND A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
1.11 Organisation of Study
CHAPTER 2 – COLONIAL DANISH OSU TILL INDEPENDENCE
2.1 Chapter Overview
2.2 Settlement History
2.3 TANGIBLE HERITAGE SITES
2.3.1 Christianborg Castle
2.3.2 Richter Fort
2.3.3 Nii-Okantey Shikatse We
2.3.4 Osu Salem School
2.3.5 Frederichs Minde
CHAPTER 3 – OSU AFTER INDEPENDENCE AND NOW
3.1 Chapter Overview
3.2 Governance
3.2.1 Traditional System
3.2.2 Sub-Metro
3.3 Economic Activities
3.4 Condition of Heritage Sites Under Study
3.4.1 Christianborg Castle
3.4.2 Richter Fort
3.4.3 Nii-Okantey Shikatse We
3.4.4 Osu Salem School
3.4.5 Frederichs Minde
3.5 OTHER NOTABLE HERITAGE SITES
3.5.1 Danquah Circle
3.5.2 Osu Ebenezer Presby Church
3.5.3 Osu Cemetery
3.5.4 State House
3.6 Other Developments
CHAPTER 4 – FUTURE OF OSU
4.1 Chapter Overview
4.2 Future Impact on Heritage Sites
4.2.1 Negative Impact
4.2.2 Positive Impact
4.3 Personal Opinion
CHAPTER 5 – SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 General Overview
5.2 Summary
5.3 Conclusion
5.4 Recommendation
Research Objectives and Thematic Focus
This study aims to examine the historical evolution of Osu, specifically focusing on the transition from a traditional colonial settlement to a modern urban hub, and to analyze how these past developments have influenced the presence and state of current heritage sites. The research seeks to reconcile the preservation of cultural heritage with the pressures of urban modernization.
- Historical context and evolution of Osu as a Danish colonial settlement.
- Documentation of tangible heritage sites, including the Christianborg Castle and Richter Fort.
- Analysis of modern governance, economic transformation, and urban developments in Osu.
- Assessment of the impact of current socio-economic trends on the preservation of historical assets.
- Projections for the future sustainability of Osu's heritage in the face of urban growth.
Excerpt from the Book
2.3.1 Christianborg Castle
The Christianborg Castle, popularly known as The Osu Castle, is a castle constructed by the Danes in Osu. The Castle is noted as one of the numerous forts and castles with a colourful history which span from the year 1661 when the Danish Guinea Company received permission from the local Chief to construct a fort at Osu, Accra (Essah, 2001).
Ownership of the castle went through various political hands. After the Danes had built the fort, they named it Christianborg Castle in remembrance of their monarch, Christian IV. However, the Danes did not have lasting control as one of their employees named Pieter Bolt who was a Greek led a rebellion against the local Danish administration in 1679 and sold the castle to the former Portuguese governor of São Tomé Island.
After the Portuguese had taken over in 1679, they changed the name of the castle from Christianborg Castle to St. Francis Xavier and constructed a Catholic chapel within its premises. In 1683, the Portuguese sold it back to the Danes who also changed the name of the fort from St. Francis Xavier to its original name, Christianborg.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION: Provides the background of the study area, outlines the research problem, objectives, and methods, and establishes a conceptual framework for understanding heritage.
CHAPTER 2 – COLONIAL DANISH OSU TILL INDEPENDENCE: Examines the settlement history of Osu and details significant tangible heritage sites developed during the Danish colonial era.
CHAPTER 3 – OSU AFTER INDEPENDENCE AND NOW: Analyzes the current governance systems, economic activities, and the contemporary condition of heritage sites within a modernized urban context.
CHAPTER 4 – FUTURE OF OSU: Explores the potential future impacts of current development trends on Osu's heritage sites, weighing both negative and positive outcomes.
CHAPTER 5 – SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Synthesizes the research findings, offers a conclusion on the state of Osu's heritage, and provides recommendations for further research.
Keywords
Osu, Heritage, Denmark, Christianborg Castle, Richter Fort, Colonialism, Urbanization, Heritage Sites, Preservation, Sustainable Development, Ga, Ghana, Cultural Contact, Tourism, Modernization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on the heritage of Osu, examining how it has evolved from its origins as a Danish colonial settlement into a contemporary urban area, and identifying the factors that have influenced this transformation.
What are the central themes covered in the study?
The study centers on tangible heritage, colonial history, the socio-economic evolution of Osu, and the impact of modern urban development on historically significant sites.
What is the ultimate goal of the work?
The primary goal is to understand how the past culture and heritage of Osu have shaped its present state and to prospect its future sustainability amidst increasing urban and commercial pressure.
Which scientific methodology was applied?
The author utilized both primary and secondary sources, including field trips, observation techniques, semi-formal interviews with local informants, and a thorough literature review.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the colonial history of Osu, the current state of specific heritage buildings like the Richter Fort and Christianborg Castle, the governance and economic dynamics of the area, and the future outlook of the community.
Which keywords best describe this research?
Key terms include Osu, Heritage, Danish colonial history, tangible heritage sites, urbanization, cultural contact, and sustainable development.
How does the author define heritage in this context?
The author defines heritage as the elements of the past that a society wishes to keep, categorizing it into tangible (movable and immovable) and intangible forms.
What is the significance of the "Oxford Street" in Osu?
The Cantonments Road, popularly known as "Oxford Street," is highlighted as a major commercial hub and tourist attraction, representing the shift from a traditional settlement to a modern, vibrant urban center.
Why are the heritage sites in Osu considered to be under threat?
The sites are threatened by high demand for land and pressure from investors to replace older, dilapidated family homes with modern high-rise apartments and commercial structures.
- Citar trabajo
- Kwabena Ankoma (Autor), 2014, Heritage of Osu, Ghana. Past and Present, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/889371
