By Philip Tengzu, GNA
Wa, (UW/R), May 20, GNA – Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to prioritise tourism development in their respective jurisdictions to help increase domestic tourism and promote local economic growth.
She said the President Mahama-led government had increased the District Assemblies Common Fund transferred to the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) from about 45 per cent to 80 per cent, which had positioned them to invest in promoting tourism potentials within their communities.
The Minister made the call when she held a meeting with the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council during her visit to the region.
The visit was primarily to honour Ghanaian musician Wiyaala, known in private life as Noella Wiyaala Nwadei, as Fugu Ambassador to promote the Fugu textile and Ghana’s culture.
As part of her tour, Madam Gomashie paid a courtesy call on the Overlord of the Waala Traditional Area, Naa Seidu Fuseini Pelpuo IV.
She also visited the Jirapa Dubai in Jirapa to have a first-hand experience of the hospitality resort and safari, and the Slave Defence Wall and tomb of former President Hilla Limann in Gwollu.
“Back in the day, assemblies would receive, like, 40 per cent, 45 per cent of the common fund, but he (President Mahama) has changed that and is giving 80 per cent.
My suggestion is that you take an interest in the tourism potential in your community. We have the expertise, and we will help you promote it”, Madam Gomashie stated.
The Minister observed that Ghana’s tourism sector could achieve significant growth if MMDAs actively partnered with tourism agencies, digital content creators, bloggers and vloggers to market tourism sites across the country and beyond.
She said relying solely on traditional media for tourism promotion was no longer sufficient in the digital age, especially in reaching young audiences across the world.
“We want to reach as far as we can, and the medium through which we can reach these young people in the country, on the continent and in the world is through the platforms that they have”, Madam Gomashie explained.
At the Jirapa Dubai, Madam Gomashie commended the investment made at the eco-tourism and wildlife facility, describing it as comparable to safari destinations in other countries.
“I’ve had the opportunity to see safari in a couple of countries, and this is no different from countries that are celebrated for their safari”, she stated.
The Minister reiterated her commitment to promoting domestic tourism, and said Ghana possessed diverse ecological, cultural and heritage attractions capable of attracting both local and international tourists.
Madam Gomashie encouraged Ghanaians to explore the country and experience the uniqueness of each region, describing the Upper West Region as “absolutely gorgeous”, with great cultural heritage.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade