Volta Region: Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Creative Arts, and Culture, has expressed her commitment to rejuvenating the tourism and creative sectors within the Volta Region and across Ghana. She emphasized the Ministry’s aim to enhance collaboration with key stakeholders, particularly Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), to effectively market and increase the visibility of potential tourist sites.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Gomashie, who is also the Member of Parliament for the Ketu South Constituency, made these remarks during a three-day working tour aimed at evaluating the challenges and opportunities within the region’s tourism sector. She urged MMDCEs to identify and promote the unique cultural and natural attractions present in their districts, stating, “Each district has something unique. We must work together to uncover and market these assets.”
Madam Gomashie highlighted initiatives like the photo competition with UNESCO, which showcases unexplored cultural sites, dances, and traditions. She noted that offering a diverse range of attractions would draw more visitors, whether they are interested in waterfalls, wildlife, fashion, or music. “The Volta Region holds immense untapped tourism potential, and it is time we unlock it for both economic and cultural development,” the Minister remarked.
Accompanied by officials from the Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana Tourism Development Company, and other agencies under her Ministry, the Minister’s tour is part of a broader national agenda to boost domestic tourism and position Ghana as a preferred travel destination. Her visit included notable sites like Praise City in the Adaklu district, Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary, and Wli Waterfalls in the Hohoe Municipality.
Madam Gomashie’s tour also involved a meeting with Mamaga Akua-Dei II, the Paramount Queen Mother of Ho Asogli Traditional Area, where plans were announced for the region to host the 2025 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC). The Minister stressed the importance of traditional authorities’ support to ensure the success of the event.
In addition, Madam Gomashie revealed that the Ministry is reviewing several key tourism conventions and policies to better address the region’s specific needs in terms of creative arts and cultural preservation. Her visit included strategic discussions with Volta Regional Minister Mr. James Gunu, MMDCEs, tourism operators, and creative industry players, focusing on challenges such as infrastructure deficits, funding gaps, and poor road accessibility to tourist sites.
Mr. James Gunu expressed the region’s readiness to partner with the Ministry and other agencies to tackle these issues. He highlighted the region’s potential, noting that Volta boasts over 120 tourist sites, many of which remain hidden due to accessibility challenges. “There’s no doubt that Volta is Ghana’s tourism treasure chest, and with the right investments, we can shine a light on these hidden gems,” he emphasized.
The discussions also explored innovative funding mechanisms and public-private partnerships as vital tools for advancing the tourism sector.