By Maxwell Awumah, GNA
Ho, Nov. 01, GNA – Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, has called for renewed efforts to transform the Volta Region’s vast tourism resources into sustainable economic opportunities, saying the region must move from tourism potential to tourism prosperity.
He said tourism was more than recreation, describing it as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, job creation, cultural preservation, and sustainable development.
Mr Gunu made the remarks at the Fourth Volta Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards held in Ho.
Addressing the event on the theme, “Unlocking the Tourism Potentials of Ghana: Positioning the Volta Region as the New Sustainable Frontier,” he said the region was well-positioned to maximise the benefits of the tourism sector through careful planning and strategic investment.
The Minister highlighted Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, scenic landscapes and diverse natural attractions, while emphasising the Volta region’s enormous tourism potential.
He noted that the region was endowed with breathtaking scenery, unique cultural traditions, and warm hospitality that could attract both domestic and international visitors.
Mr Gunu cited attractions such as Mount Afadja, Wli Waterfalls, Lake Volta and the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary as examples of destinations offering a unique blend of nature, adventure, culture and relaxation.
According to him, these attractions present significant opportunities for tourism development and investment.
Beyond its natural attractions, he said the region’s rich cultural heritage, festivals, traditional institutions, music, dance, and cuisine offered distinctive tourism experiences.
“We must recognise these cultural assets not merely as traditions to preserve, but as valuable economic resources capable of creating livelihoods and attracting investment,” he said.
Mr Gunu, however, emphasised that unlocking the sector’s full potential would require deliberate action and sustained investment.
He called for increased investment in tourism infrastructure, including improved road networks, better transportation systems, quality accommodation facilities, and enhanced digital connectivity.
“A destination cannot compete globally without the necessary infrastructure to support visitors and investors.”
The Minister also underscored the importance of community participation in tourism development, urging stakeholders to empower young people, women, traditional authorities, artisans, tour guides and local entrepreneurs.
He said this would create jobs, reduce poverty, and ensure that host communities directly benefited from tourism activities.
Mr Gunu further emphasised the need for sustainable tourism practices, describing the region’s mountains, forests, waterfalls, wildlife and water bodies as priceless natural assets that must be protected.
He advocated responsible tourism, environmental conservation, effective waste management, and climate-conscious investments to safeguard these resources for future generations.
The Regional Minister also called for intensified branding and marketing of the region as a leading tourism destination in Ghana and West Africa.
He said strategic partnerships, investment promotion, tourism festivals, digital marketing and compelling storytelling could position the region as a preferred destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, cultural enthusiasts and eco-tourists.
Mr Gunu noted that achieving the vision required a collective effort involving government, traditional authorities, investors, development partners, local communities, the private sector, and the media.
“We must move beyond discussions and translate our collective vision into practical programmes, strategic investments and measurable results.
“The time has come to move from potential to performance, from attraction to investment, and from recognition to global competitiveness,” he said,
Mr Gunu expressed confidence that the region possessed the natural beauty, cultural heritage, human resources and opportunities required to become a leading tourism destination.
“What is urgently needed now is commitment, collaboration and bold action. “Let us work together to make the Volta region Ghana’s new sustainable tourism frontier and a shining example of tourism-driven development for generations to come,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah