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The Independence/Freedom and Justice Arch in Ghana: An Uncontested Embodiment of Disparate Sentiments–National Identity” and “Freedom”

Puplampu, Aditei

Abstract Details

2008, MS ARCH, University of Cincinnati, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning : Architecture (Master of).

Among its numerous roles in the pre-independent era, social historians agree that imported architecture in colonial African landscapes provided forms for the specific purpose of subverting the cultures of colonized subjects, and created centers for domesticating colonial subjects. Conversely, in the mid to late twentieth century (post-independent era), architecture was [also] conceptualized as a tool for formulating national identity and unity, and as a template for structuring national development policies. Thus, just as architectural and spatial organizational strategies were used to segregate, regulate, and ultimately facilitate colonialism, they were also employed as an attempt to desegregate, deregulate, and as a counter measure to the effects of colonialism.

This paper explores the cruel ironies as well as the propagation of fierce contradictions in Ghana, focusing on the nation's Independence Arch, a curious rendition of the Roman triumphal arch, installed in the celebration of Ghana's victory over British colonialists. Although the seemingly baseless adaptation of an abstracted and idealized culture has been considered, and may be understood as an effective and calculated strategy to unify the varied cultural groups in an emerging nation of Ghana, I propose that the Independence Arch also reinstitutes, perpetuates, and epitomizes the very ideologies it seeks to defy in its stance.

This research draws on a wealth of diverse sources: histories of the architectural strategies of the colonizer and the colonized (British Empire and Ghana), pre-and post-independence maps of Accra (the capital city), archival records of the inception and inauguration of the monument, architectural treatises, and contemporary accounts of the use and meanings of the monument.

I explore the design, evolution, sociopolitical functions, semiotics and interpretations of the Independence Arch, including the opposing views of localism and internationalism.

The conception and evolution of the monument reveals the fierce contradictions associated with the conceptualization and utilization of architecture–the very instrument and language of colonizers–as an ideal mechanism for the infusion of cultural nationalism. It thus provides insight into the grave dangers inherent in the pursuit of two radically divorced ideals–a legitimate national identity, and the claim to legitimacy and self-determination.

Nnamdi Elleh, PhD (Committee Chair)
John Hancock (Committee Member)
109 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Puplampu, A. (2008). The Independence/Freedom and Justice Arch in Ghana: An Uncontested Embodiment of Disparate Sentiments–National Identity” and “Freedom” [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1227208824

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Puplampu, Aditei. The Independence/Freedom and Justice Arch in Ghana: An Uncontested Embodiment of Disparate Sentiments–National Identity” and “Freedom”. 2008. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1227208824.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Puplampu, Aditei. "The Independence/Freedom and Justice Arch in Ghana: An Uncontested Embodiment of Disparate Sentiments–National Identity” and “Freedom”." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1227208824

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)