Accra: Madam Dzifa Abla Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, has highlighted the significant economic contributions of Ghana’s tourism sites despite facing challenges, particularly with road infrastructure. She pointed out that these sites have generated over GH?4.8 billion to the GDP over the years, underscoring the potential for further growth and development.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Minister expressed concern over the poor condition of roads leading to key tourism destinations, especially in the Volta Region. These include Fort Prinzenstein in Keta, Avu Lagoon in South Tongue, and the Xedranawo Slave Market sites in Ketu South, which suffer from inadequate road access, hindering visitor experience and potential economic benefits. In response, discussions have been held with Road Minister Mr. Kwame Governs Agbodza, who has pledged to address the road construction needs to enhance accessibility and attract more investors and tourists.
Madam Gomashie emphasized the tourism sector’s substantial contribution of over GH?4.8 billion, highlighting its importance to Ghana’s economy. She noted that improved infrastructure, particularly roads, could enable the sector to reach its full potential by drawing more international visitors and investments. The Minister also mentioned that September 27 marks World Tourism Day, with this year’s focus on the Blue Economy, and discussed the Ministry’s collaboration with the Som¨tutuza festival to showcase local tourism sites and their economic impact.
The partnership with the Som¨tutuza festival aims to highlight Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions to both local and international audiences. Initiatives include bringing ministry officials and students to witness the sites, emphasizing the importance of domestic tourism alongside international visits. Madam Gomashie noted that Ghana’s coastal and marine tourism sites offer vast opportunities for development within the sustainable tourism framework.
As the Member of Parliament for Ketu South constituency, Madam Gomashie acknowledged the potential for growth in the tourism sector, despite road infrastructure challenges. She stressed that addressing these infrastructural issues could unlock new opportunities for investment and job creation in the tourism industry and reflect a commitment to sustainable development. Participants who took part in the tour expressed excitement about the event, though some were not impressed with the state of tourism sites such as Fort Prinzenstein and Xedranawo Slave Market, citing the need for better preservation of historical narratives.
The World Tourism Day theme, ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,’ aligns with the Sometutuza Festival’s theme, ‘Consolidating Peace and Unity for Socio-Cultural and Economic Development in the Som¨ Traditional Area,’ highlighting the broader objectives of promoting peace, unity, and economic growth through tourism.