Madam Dzifa Abla Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has stated that the tourism sites in the country have contributed a lot to the economy despite challenges, particularly with road infrastructure.
She said the sites has generated over GH₵ 4.8 billion to GDP over the years which highlighted the potential for further growth and development.
The Minister, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, expressed concern over the poor condition of roads leading to key tourism destinations, especially in the Volta Region.
These roads, she said, included Fort Prinzenstein in Keta, Avu Lagoon in South Tongue, and the Xedranawo Slave market sites in Ketu South which suffered from inadequate road access, hindering visitor experience and potential economic benefits.
She said in response to the challenges the Road Minister Mr. Kwame Governs Agbodza was contacted.
She said he pledged to address the road construction needs as soon as possible; and the collaboration also aimed to enhance accessibility and attract more investors and tourists to boost the local economy.
“The tourism sector’s substantial contribution of over GH₵4.8 billion underscores its importance to Ghana’s economy. With improved infrastructure, particularly roads, the sector could realize its full potential to draw more international visitors and investments,” she said
Madam Gomashie said that September 27 marks the World Tourism Day celebration with this year’s focus on the Blue Economy.
She added that the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Arts and Culture chose to collaborate with the Somètutuza festival, a cultural event in the Ketu South to demonstrate local tourism sites and their economic impact.
She said partnering to celebrate the Somètutuza, the Ministry aimed to showcase Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions to both local and international audiences while the initiative included bringing officials of the ministry and students to witness the sites to emphasise on the importance of domestic tourism alongside international visits.
“Ghana’s coastal and marine tourism sites offer vast opportunities for development within this framework, aligning with global trends in sustainable tourism,” Madam Gomashie said.
Madam Gomashie, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu South constituency, said while road infrastructure remained a significant challenge, the potential for growth in tourism sector was substantial and addressing the infrastructural issues could unlock new opportunities for investment and job creation in the tourism industry.
She said efforts to improve infrastructure and promote local tourism would reflect on the commitment to sustainable development in the sector adding that,” the sector does not luck express, ideas, talents, but infrastructure support.”
Some students and other participants who took part in the tour expressed excitement about the event and thanked the minister for the gesture that has given them the exposure to tour places of natural resources and past events.
Some also expressed not impressed with the state of tourism sites such as Fort Prinzenstein and Xedranawo Slave Market.
They were not happy with stories and histories on how the forefathers were treated during the colonial era.
The world tourism day is on the theme,” Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” while the Sometutuza Festival is on theme “Consolidating Peace and Unity for Socio-Cultural and Economic Development in the Somè Traditional Area”.