Ghana's Tourism Minister, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has emphasized the need for improved maintenance and consistent interpretation of historical narratives at tourist attractions. She made the call during a tour of selected tourist sites in the Eastern Region, following her participation in the 2026 Eastern Regional Tourism Expo. The Minister stressed that regular maintenance of tourist attractions is crucial to preserving their historical and natural value.
Madam Gomashie visited the Aburi Botanical Gardens, Aburi Craft Village, and Papaye Recreation Village, where she interacted with facility managers and received briefings on their operations. At the Aburi Botanical Gardens, she was briefed on the facility's history, including its association with the Biafran War and trees planted by prominent world leaders. She also received an update on the condition of the trees and the general state of the gardens.
The Minister planted a tree at the Aburi Botanical Gardens to underscore the importance of environmental conservation and the preservation of Ghana's natural heritage. She noted that the historical significance and natural beauty of the gardens could only be sustained through deliberate and continuous care. Madam Gomashie also stressed the need for tour guides to provide accurate and consistent accounts of the history of tourist attractions.
Madam Gomashie highlighted the importance of collaboration among institutions managing attractions and those providing supporting infrastructure. She noted that the Ghana Tourism Authority played a regulatory and supervisory role in the tourism sector, but the development of tourist destinations also depended on collaboration with other institutions, particularly the Ministry of Roads and Highways.
The Minister mentioned that concerns about poor road access to tourist destinations had been brought to the attention of the President, who had tasked the Minister responsible for Roads with prioritizing roads leading to key tourism sites. A list of roads requiring urgent attention had already been submitted, while the second phase of the government's Big Push infrastructure program was expected to place emphasis on improving access to tourist destinations.
Madam Gomashie was accompanied by other officials, including the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority and the Executive Director of the Ghana Tourism Development Company. The tour highlighted the diversity of tourism products in the region and their potential to contribute to employment, enterprise development, and economic activity.
The Minister's call for improved maintenance and consistent storytelling at tourist sites aims to enhance visitor experiences and encourage repeat visits. The government is working to improve access to tourist destinations and prioritize roads leading to key tourism sites.
Key points
- The Minister emphasized the need for regular maintenance of tourist attractions to preserve their historical and natural value.
- Madam Gomashie stressed the importance of collaboration among institutions managing attractions and those providing supporting infrastructure.
- The government is working to improve access to tourist destinations and prioritize roads leading to key tourism sites.
