By Prince Offeh
Volta Region Eco‑Tourism Gains Boost from Government Plans | Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to positioning the Volta Region as a leading tourism destination. She emphasized cultural promotion, eco‑tourism development, and private sector investment as the pillars of this vision.
Speaking at President John Dramani Mahama’s Citizens’ Engagement in Ho, she recalled that the Volta Region was the first destination she visited after assuming office. This, she noted, highlighted the importance government attaches to the region’s tourism potential.
Furthermore, she explained that she had met with Volta Regional Minister James Gunu and engaged all Municipal and District Chief Executives to identify unique attractions. “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.
In addition, Madam Gomashie disclosed that she had met with Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza to discuss rehabilitation of roads leading to major tourist sites. She expressed optimism that the second phase of the government’s “Big Push” infrastructure programme would improve accessibility.
Highlighting eco‑tourism potential, she cited the Adaklu Mountain range and the Likpe–Todome area as suitable for adventure tourism activities such as paragliding. However, she stressed that tourism development must be private sector‑driven. “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 added.
She pointed to the success of the Vodza Easter Regatta, describing it as an emerging tourism product that had gained national attention. Government, she said, intends to transform the southern coastal belt into a vibrant cultural and marine tourism destination through strategic partnerships.
Madam Gomashie identified attractions such as Wli and Agumatsa Waterfalls, Avu Lagoon, Hedzranawo Slave Market, and coastal communities like Keta and Kedzi as assets capable of drawing both domestic and international visitors. She explained that although some sites are community‑owned, government seeks stronger collaboration with traditional authorities to ensure shared benefits.
She also announced the launch of a digital tourism platform by the Ghana Tourism Development Company. Yet, she expressed concern that many hotels and tour operators had not registered, limiting international promotion.
Commending residents of Keta for maintaining clean beaches, she stressed that environmental cleanliness is essential if Ghana is to compete with destinations like Seychelles. Finally, she revealed that government is promoting investment in the Marine Drive Project and has secured litigation‑free lands for tourism under PPP and BOT arrangements.
Madam Gomashie expressed confidence that from 2027, the Volta Region and Ghana as a whole will witness significant growth in tourism, culture, and the creative arts sector.
Volta Region Eco‑Tourism Gains Boost from Government Plans | AviationGhana
