Identities and Archaeological Heritage Preservation at the Crossroads: Understanding the Challenges of Economic development at Tengzug, Upper East Region, Ghana

Abstract

It is evident that both tangible and intangible elements constitute heritage and this needs to be recognized by researchers, heritage professionals and government bodies charged with implementing development policies. However, the relationship between traditional beliefs, worldview, heritage conservation, and archaeological investigation is a complex one. This is illustrated by the conflict that can occur between government policy and indigenous belief in relation to architecture, and with reference to perceptions of landscape amongst the Talensi communities of Tengzug in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The resilience of the community to preserve and identify their heritage is high-lighted and community involvement at all stages of development and research projects is stressed to be crucial for sustainable development.