Hon Dzifa Gomashie Rallies to Unlock Tourism Potential as Mahama Continues Regional Tour

The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Dzifa Abla Gomashie, has called for renewed commitment to promoting Ghana's cultural heritage and supporting the country's creative economy during President John Dramani Mahama's ongoing "Reset Agenda" tour of the Central Region. Her remarks came after participating in activities alongside President Mahama and Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang during the two-day visit.

On Friday, June 26, Hon. Gomashie welcomed the President to the Cape Coast Castle, where students from the School of Performing Arts, led by Dr. Karim, staged a moving reenactment of Ghana's slavery history. The performance highlighted the importance of preserving the country's historic sites, with President Mahama assuring stakeholders that the restoration of forts and castles would receive increased government support in the 2027 national budget.

The following day in Apam, Hon. Gomashie joined the President and Vice President for a community engagement session, where she encouraged Ghanaians to prioritise locally made products. Speaking in Mfantse, she stressed that supporting Made-in-Ghana goods would help sustain businesses in the creative sector while strengthening the country's cultural identity. She also emphasised that Ghana's rich traditions and creative talents remain key drivers of tourism and economic growth.

Hon. Gomashie further highlighted the government's Adwumawura initiative as a major opportunity for people working in fashion, gastronomy, visual arts and other creative industries. According to her, the programme will help equip young people with practical skills, create employment and strengthen the creative economy. She added that the National Film Authority and the Creative Arts Agency would serve as important institutions in implementing policies that benefit the sector.

She concluded by urging Regional Ministers and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to identify tourism opportunities within their jurisdictions and collaborate with the Ministry to develop them. With 80 percent of the District Assemblies Common Fund now allocated directly to local assemblies, she said communities have a unique opportunity to invest in their heritage, attract visitors and transform tourism into a powerful engine for local development.