Accra: Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has emphasized the importance of preserving Ghana's cultural heritage while equipping the next generation with technological skills. Her remarks were made during a working visit to the Upper West Region, underlining her commitment to fostering tourism and culture as essential components of national development.
According to Ghana Web, Dzifa Gomashie expressed her gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for her appointment and pledged to diligently work towards preserving Ghana's cultural heritage. She aims to enhance tourism, which she views as deeply intertwined with culture and creativity. Her visit to the Upper West Region is part of a broader nationwide tour across all 16 regions, focusing on engaging stakeholders and assessing each area's tourism and cultural potential.
The minister praised the efforts of the Upper West offices of the Ghana Tourism Authority and the Culture Directorate for their collaborative efforts in promoting tourism. She highlighted the success of initiatives like the recently organized food bazaar in Wa, which showcased the region's culinary traditions and increased community involvement.
Dzifa Gomashie stressed that while government policy provides direction, the growth of tourism relies significantly on private sector investment and active community participation. She reaffirmed her commitment to promoting domestic tourism, asserting that encouraging Ghanaians to explore their own country will foster national unity, enhance appreciation of the country's diverse heritage, and create economic opportunities for local communities.
During the visit, the Minister announced that renowned Ghanaian musician and cultural advocate Wiyaala would be honored as a tourism ambassador. She lauded Wiyaala for her dedication to promoting northern Ghanaian culture through music, fashion, and international engagements, and for her work with children, which nurtures creativity and cultural awareness.
Hajia Pougnaa Fati Korey, Chief Director for the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council, welcomed the minister and highlighted the region's vast tourism potential, which she believes should be fully harnessed to support economic growth and development. She also mentioned the successful food fair held two months ago in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority and recommended institutionalizing the event to further promote the region's unique culinary heritage.
The visit also includes inspections of key tourism, culture, and creative arts facilities, the unveiling of Wiyaala as a tourism ambassador, and the launch of the annual photography competition. Hajia Fati Korey expressed confidence that the minister's visit would help position the Upper West Region as a leading tourism destination in Ghana.