Between Emancipation and Captivity: The Decolonised Jackson’s Park of Kumasi

Keywords: decolonise, emancipation,Kumasi,park, captivity
Abstract Type: Virtual Paper Abstract

Abstract

This paper explores the Jackson’s Park of Kumasi, as a stark reminder of the brutal realities of colonization through its historical root yet, arguably, a space for healing in diverse ways through its current intricate usages. This would be done through an analysis of archival documentations and the current daily activities in and around the park. The then British governor of the city sought to construct a recreational park that would be named after him as ‘the Jackson’s Park’. During the early days of the park, it served as a stadium. The park has now transformed remarkably as a public space for multiplicities of activities. There is a small mosque to its left corner where Muslims observe their daily prayers . There are coconut peddlers and artisans around the park. The forecourt of the park is used for diverse activities like public preaching by both Christians and Muslims, wedding events and funeral ceremonies. Some people just come to the park for fresh air or wander around. The documented history of the park and the current usage present an interesting contrast of how that park is presently emancipated yet remains in colonial captivity. The name of the park was officially changed to the ‘Jubilee Park’ after it was renovated for the celebration of Ghana at 50 independence celebrations in 2007 to signal its emancipation from it colonial past. Yet, the locals still refer to it as Jackson’s Park and remembers every bit of the parks genesis and history.