By Hafsa Obeng
Accra, Aug. 6, GNA – Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, says road safety is indispensable to Ghana’s “Black Star Experience” initiative and the country’s global tourism ambitions.
She said while Ghana continued to invest in cultural heritage, arts and hospitality, visitors must also be able to travel safely and confidently across the country.
Madam Gomashie made the observation at the launch of the Road Travel Safety and Tourism Project, an initiative by the Ghana Tourism Authority Ex‑Staff Association (GHATEX) in collaboration with the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), in Accra.
She commended retired staff of the GTA for demonstrating that retirement did not signify the end of national service.
“Retirement offers an opportunity to continue contributing valuable knowledge, experience and leadership towards Ghana’s development. Your partnership with the NRSA and GTA is both timely and commendable,” she said.
The Minister noted that the launch coincided with the 52nd anniversary of Ghana’s transition to right‑hand driving, describing it as a milestone that improved the transport system.
“Road safety is therefore an essential pillar of destination quality. Every life saved on our roads protects not only families and communities but also strengthens confidence in Ghana as a safe and welcoming destination,” she stressed.
Madam Gomashie assured stakeholders of the Ministry’s commitment to work with the NRSA, GTA, transport operators, local authorities and development partners to promote safety awareness and responsible road use across tourism corridors.
Mr Abraham Amaliba, Chief Executive Officer of the NRSA, said the project should symbolise the country’s collective commitment to safeguarding lives.
“The success of any nation should not be measured solely by economic performance but also by the safety and security of its people,” he said.
Madam Adeline Boateng, President of GHATEX, said the association’s flagship project reflected its commitment to supporting tourism development beyond active service.
She explained that GHATEX, inaugurated in 2023, was legally registered under the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992), and aimed to collaborate with government and private institutions on sustainable tourism initiatives.
Madam Boateng said the road travel safety campaign was designed not only to promote safer roads but also to stimulate interest in domestic tourism through sustained public education.
She appealed to stakeholders, including development partners, civil society organisations, transport operators and the media, to support the initiative and help build a lasting culture of road safety.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Hafsa Obeng