By Anthony Adongo Apubeo, GNA
Paga-Nania (U/E), July 3, GNA – The Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM) has appealed to the Government to expedite action on the proposed airport project for the Upper East Region, saying improved air connectivity was critical to unlocking the region’s tourism and economic potential.
The movement said the airport would significantly improve access to key heritage sites, including the historic Pikworo Slave Camp, attract more domestic and international tourists, facilitate investment, and stimulate economic growth across northern Ghana.
“We respectfully appeal to the Government of Ghana to expedite action on the proposed airport project for the Upper East Region.
“Improved air connectivity will significantly increase access to heritage sites such as Pikworo, attract tourists, facilitate investment, and open new opportunities for economic growth across the northern sector,” Mr Wenawome Duriyem Aborah, Chairman of PAYOM, said.
He made the appeal at a durbar held at the Pikworo Slave Camp in Nania, a suburb of Paga, to honour Mrs Carol Ammons, Illinois State Representative for the 103rd District of the United States, whose DNA ancestry research traced her roots to the community.
The event, held on the theme; “Family Reunion: Claiming Our Roots, Restoring Our Bonds,” celebrated the reunion of descendants of enslaved Africans with their ancestral families and highlighted the tourism potential of the Pikworo Slave Camp.
Mr Aborah noted that the increasing global interest in tracing African ancestry presented a unique opportunity for Ghana to position the Upper East Region as a major heritage tourism destination.
He said improved transport infrastructure, particularly an airport, would make it easier for members of the African diaspora, researchers and other visitors to access the region and contribute to local development.
The PAYOM Chairman also urged the Government to give serious attention to the proposed inland port project for the region, saying although land had been acquired for the project many years ago, the project was still to see the light of day.
Mr Aborah said the inland port would transform trade, create employment opportunities for the youth, enhance regional integration and position northern Ghana as a major commercial hub within the West African sub-region.
He appealed for the establishment of a modern museum at the Pikworo Slave Camp to preserve historical artefacts, oral histories, research findings and educational materials.
According to him, the museum would enhance visitors’ experience while serving as a centre for learning, remembrance and cultural exchange.
The Chairman also called for the expansion of ongoing DNA ancestry research beyond Paga to cover communities across the Upper East, Upper West, Northern and Savannah regions, as well as neighbouring Burkina Faso.
He said a comprehensive study tracing the historical slave routes from Paga through Navrongo, Sandema, Bolgatanga and Salaga would help preserve the region’s collective history, strengthen heritage tourism and ensure that the stories of enslaved ancestors were properly documented for future generations.
Mr Aborah reiterated the youth’s commitment to working with government, traditional authorities, development partners and the African diaspora to promote tourism, preserve the region’s heritage and accelerate local development.
Mr Joseph Appiagyei, the Upper East Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority, said the region was blessed with numerous tourism potentials and called for collective efforts to promote and develop the sector.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/George-Ramsey Benamba
Reporter: Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Email: [email protected]