The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has declared its intention to transform the Volta Region into a major eco-tourism hub. Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie confirmed the government's commitment to this goal, emphasizing cultural promotion, eco-tourism development, and attracting private sector investment.
This strategic focus follows the Minister's initial visit to the Volta Region upon assuming office, underscoring the government's recognition of the region's significant tourism potential. The plan involves collaboration with Municipal and District Chief Executives to identify unique local attractions. The Ministry will provide technical expertise to package and promote these sites both domestically and internationally.
This initiative forms part of Ghana's broader economic strategy to diversify revenue streams and create employment opportunities. Tourism is a vital sector, contributing significantly to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Developing regional tourism hubs like the Volta Region can help distribute economic benefits more widely across the country, reducing reliance on traditional sectors.
Madam Gomashie stated, "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 also highlighted that tourism development is primarily driven by the private sector. The Minister urged investors to partner with the government to develop these attractions into internationally competitive destinations.
Looking ahead, the government anticipates significant growth in tourism, culture, and the creative arts sector from 2027 onwards. This growth is expected to be fueled by increased investment and improved infrastructure. Decision-makers and markets will closely watch the progress of road rehabilitation projects and the uptake of private sector partnerships. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for developing other regions' tourism potential.
Following a directive from President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister met with Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Minister for Roads and Highways. Their discussion focused on rehabilitating roads leading to major tourist attractions across Ghana. Madam Gomashie expressed optimism that the second phase of the government's "Big Push" infrastructure programme will significantly improve accessibility to tourism sites in the Volta Region.
The Volta Region possesses immense eco-tourism potential, including the Adaklu Mountain Range and the Likpe-Todome area in the neighboring Oti Region. These locations are suitable for adventure tourism activities such as paragliding. The government also intends to transform the southern coastal belt of the Volta Region into a vibrant cultural and marine tourism destination through strategic public-private partnerships.
Key tourism assets identified include the Wli and Agumatsa Waterfalls, Avu Lagoon, Hedzranawo Slave Market, Keta, Kedzi, and Galosota. These sites are capable of attracting both domestic and international visitors. The Vodza Easter Regatta, organized in partnership with the Vodza Eco-Tourism Initiative, has already gained national attention, demonstrating the region's emerging tourism products.
While some attractions, like the Wli Waterfalls, are community-owned, the government seeks stronger collaboration with traditional authorities and local communities. This collaboration aims to ensure that investments generate shared economic benefits for local populations. The Ghana Tourism Development Company has also launched a digital tourism platform to showcase businesses and attractions nationwide.
Madam Gomashie expressed concern that many hotels, restaurants, and tour operators have not registered on this platform. This limits the government's ability to market their businesses internationally. She urged tourism businesses to register to benefit from global promotion efforts.
The Minister commended Keta residents for maintaining clean beaches, stressing that environmental cleanliness is crucial for Ghana to compete with international beach destinations. She also revealed that the government is promoting investment in the Marine Drive Project. Engagements with the Agbogbomefia of Asogli aim to attract investors, particularly from China, to the tourism sector.
The Ministry has identified litigation-free land suitable for tourism investments. It is ready to partner with private investors under Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) and other Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements. President Mahama has facilitated meetings between the Ministry and the Ministry of Finance to secure additional resources for tourism development, demonstrating high-level support for the sector.