Mapping Ghana’s Heritage Loss: A GIS Approach to Inform a National Inventory

Abstract

This article advocates for the urgent development of a centralised digital and context-based heritage inventory system in Ghana. Drawing on Ghana’s rich archaeological landscape, the article iden tifies threats posed by unregulated urban expansion, mining, and inadequate legal protections. Using GIS-based analysis to visualise the spatial distribution and vulnerability of heritage sites in Ghana, the study reveals patterns of destruction and potential risk zones. It reviews international case studies and theoretical discussions around heritage documentation, emphasising the ethical, political, and practical implications of inventory-making. The discussion situ ates Ghana within a broader comparative framework, considering models from other countries while highlighting postcolonial and local governance challenges unique to West Africa. The paper recommends a phased, selective inventory grounded in ethical practices, participatory heritage principles, and sustainable policy frameworks. By doing so, Ghana can build an inventory system that balances accessibility, security, and cultural relevance, enabling both preservation and responsible development.