Accra: Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has reaffirmed the government's commitment to making the Volta Region a leading tourism destination through cultural promotion, eco-tourism development, and private sector investment. Speaking at President John Dramani Mahama's Citizens' Engagement in Ho, Madam Gomashie emphasized the importance placed on the region's tourism potential.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Minister noted that the Volta Region was the first destination she visited after assuming office, underscoring the government's dedication to developing the area's tourism sector. She had discussions with the Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, and engaged all Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) to identify unique tourism attractions within their jurisdictions.
'The responsibility of the assemblies is to identify what is unique and marketable in their districts, while the Ministry provides the technical expertise to package and promote those attractions both locally and internationally,' she said. Following a directive from President Mahama, she met with Mr. Kwame Governs Agbodza, Minister for Roads and Highways, to discuss road rehabilitation leading to major tourist attractions nationwide.
The Minister expressed optimism that the second phase of the government's 'Big Push' infrastructure programme would enhance accessibility to tourism sites in the Volta Region. She highlighted the region's enormous eco-tourism potential, mentioning the Adaklu Mountain range and Likpe-Todome area as suitable for adventure tourism activities such as paragliding.
Tourism development being private sector-driven, Madam Gomashie called on investors to partner with the government in developing attractions into internationally competitive destinations. 'We provide policy direction, but tourism is driven by private investment. We are inviting investors to work with us to develop these sites and unlock their full economic potential,' she stated.
The Minister highlighted the success of the Vodza Easter Regatta, in partnership with the Vodza Eco-Tourism Initiative, as an emerging tourism product that gained national attention after Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang's participation during Easter celebrations. She indicated plans to transform the southern coastal belt of the Volta Region into a vibrant cultural and marine tourism destination through strategic public-private partnerships.
Madam Gomashie recognized attractions such as Wli and Agumatsa Waterfalls, Avu Lagoon, Hedzranawo Slave Market, and coastal communities like Keta and Galosota as key assets capable of attracting visitors. She explained that although some attractions are community-owned, the government seeks collaboration with traditional authorities to ensure shared economic benefits from investments.
The Minister announced the launch of a digital tourism platform by the Ghana Tourism Development Company to showcase tourism businesses and attractions. However, she expressed concern that many businesses had not registered, limiting marketing efforts internationally. 'If you own a hotel, restaurant or tourism facility and you are not on the platform, it becomes difficult for us to promote your business to the rest of the world,' she said.
Madam Gomashie commended Keta residents for maintaining clean beaches, emphasizing environmental cleanliness as essential for competing with renowned beach destinations. She urged Municipal and District Assemblies to support preserving the region's natural environment and tourism assets.
Additionally, the Minister revealed ongoing investment promotion in the Marine Drive Project and engagements with the Agbogbomefia of Asogli to attract investors, particularly from China. With litigation-free lands suitable for tourism investments, the Ministry is ready to partner private investors under Build-Operate-Transfer and other Public-Private Partnership arrangements.
Madam Gomashie expressed gratitude to President Mahama for his support, facilitating a meeting with the Ministry of Finance to secure additional resources for tourism development. She expressed confidence that from 2027, the Volta Region and Ghana would witness significant growth in tourism, culture, and the creative arts sector through increased investment and improved infrastructure.