The Managing Director of Kacstone Records, Wenawome Duriyem Aborah, has expressed concerns over the neglect of historical and cultural sites in Ghana's Upper East Region. He believes that this neglect is depriving local communities of potential tourism revenue and employment opportunities. Aborah cited Karimenga Hill, a site with a safe house reportedly used by Ghana's first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, as an example of an attraction that could be developed to attract visitors but has been allowed to deteriorate.
Aborah, who is also Chairman of the Paga Youth Movement, suggested that Karimenga Hill could be restored and equipped with facilities to help visitors appreciate its historical significance while creating business opportunities for surrounding communities. He noted that several other locations across the Upper East Region have historical and cultural significance but remain largely undeveloped due to inadequate investment and the absence of deliberate plans to promote them as tourism destinations.
Aborah made these observations following his participation in a tourism industry engagement in Lesotho, where he witnessed efforts to develop heritage sites into organised attractions that generate revenue. He explained that some tourism destinations in Lesotho were supported by facilities for entertainment, conferences, and other activities that encouraged visitors to spend money within the local economy.
Aborah believes that the Upper East Region could adopt similar approaches by identifying historical landmarks, preserving their significance, and developing complementary services around them. He also raised concerns about the management of some heritage sites, arguing that treating culturally significant locations solely as private family properties could limit opportunities for their development.
Aborah called for appropriate arrangements involving traditional authorities, communities, government agencies, and private investors to ensure that such sites are preserved and developed for public benefit. He mentioned the historic mosque at Pusiga as another attraction that has not received sufficient attention to realise its tourism potential.
The region's historical landmarks, cultural traditions, and community histories could attract both domestic and international visitors if properly documented, preserved, and promoted, according to Aborah. He therefore urged stakeholders to develop a coordinated approach to tourism that would protect the region's heritage while creating sustainable livelihoods for communities.
Aborah's concerns are shared by many in the region, who believe that the neglect of heritage sites is a missed opportunity for economic growth and development.
Key points
- The Upper East Region has several historical and cultural sites that could be developed into tourism attractions.
- Neglect of these sites is depriving local communities of potential revenue and jobs.
- A coordinated approach to tourism is needed to protect the region's heritage and create sustainable livelihoods.
