Accra: Mr. Edmund Agboh, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Ga East Municipal Assembly (GEMA), has pledged his commitment to revamping key tourism assets within the municipality, with a particular focus on the Frederiksgave Museum at Sesemi. He made this known during the inauguration of a Tourism Development Committee of the Assembly, which is tasked with examining existing challenges in the sector and proposing strategies to enhance tourism potential.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Agboh emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader vision to boost local tourism and create socio-economic opportunities for residents. He expressed his dedication to either expand or refurbish the Frederiksgave Fort, viewing it as a monument deserving preservation within the Ga East Municipality. The MCE believes that once restored, the site could generate revenue as a tourist destination and serve as a part of his legacy as the Municipal Chief Executive.
Mr. Agboh also addressed the deteriorating state of the facility and the increasing encroachment on the museum's land, stressing the need for swift and concerted efforts to restore the site as a center of national and international interest. He is hopeful that restoring and promoting these sites will attract both local and international tourists, thereby significantly contributing to the local economy and cultural preservation.
The 12-member Committee is chaired by Nii Apain Akoto, Dzaasetse of Sesemi, and includes members such as Dr. Johnny Andoh-Arthur, Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Daniel Baah-Tenkorang, Municipal Planning Officer, and other key municipal officials. Nii Apain Akoto commended the MCE for addressing the community's long-standing concerns, particularly the persistent land encroachment threatening the museum's existence.
During the Committee's inaugural meeting, members discussed practical and sustainable approaches to reviving not only the Frederiksgave Museum but also other underutilized tourist sites within the Ga East Municipality. A roadmap was developed, outlining immediate and long-term actions, such as forming a Sub-Committee with key stakeholders and indigenes of Sesemi, conducting field visits to assess the site's condition, and preparing a comprehensive refurbishment proposal.
In addition to the Frederiksgave Museum, other key tourism attractions in the area include the Tamarind Trees, the Dakobi River, and the Abokobi community, often referred to as the 'Vatican City of Ghana'.