Ghana's Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has pledged to finish the Centre for National Culture building in Wa. This structure has been unfinished for years. The Minister also urged local leaders to use more district funds to develop tourism attractions.
The stalled project is a 1,500-seat auditorium. It was meant to be a crafts village for the Centre for National Culture. Construction began in 2008. A contractor abandoned the work. The building is now overgrown and used for open defecation. Minister Gomashie has gathered documents about the project's past. She wants to understand why work stopped. She will speak to the Ministries of Finance and Transport about next steps. The Ghana Airports Company Limited now uses the old office space. Staff are working in cramped conditions in another building. The Minister sees great tourism potential in the Upper West Region. She met with district leaders to discuss this.
The Upper West Region exhibits significant cultural richness. This aligns with Ghana's ongoing efforts to diversify its economy beyond traditional sectors. Promoting regional tourism helps spread economic benefits. It can reduce reliance on Accra. The government has increased district assemblies' Common Fund allocations. This allows local authorities more financial power. The Minister mentioned the recent crowning of musician Noella Wiyaala as Fugu Queen. This event highlights local culture's value. It shows how national recognition can boost local pride and tourism.
Minister Gomashie met with the Chief Director for the region. She also met with all Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). She stressed the need for them to find unique local assets. These need to be packaged for promotion. She stated, "I can’t do it alone." Some MMDCEs joined her on a tour of the region. These discussions were positive and productive.
The Minister's main goal is to promote domestic tourism. She encourages MMDCEs to use the 80 per cent of the Common Fund they receive. This funding can develop "low-hanging fruits." These are easily achievable projects that can draw visitors. She said, "You have power behind you to invest in low-hanging fruits in your various districts." Her ministry will help promote these identified assets. Communities should also create and promote new cultural products. This variety keeps tourism exciting and encourages repeat visits. Without new offerings, tourism can become monotonous. Ghana's tourism sector contributed GHS 1.6 billion to GDP in 2022. This indicates its economic importance.
Minister Gomashie asked residents to propose ideas. These proposals should aim to develop local tourism. Her team will review them. "Upper West Region, take advantage of this visit," she said. "Identify new things, write to us as a ministry." Her ministry and sector experts will help develop and promote these initiatives. Citizens are invited to submit proposals for new tourism projects.