Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie Urges Better Maintenance Of Eastern Region Sites

When visitors receive different accounts of the same historical events during successive visits, they may become uncertain about what to believe, said Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, during a tour of destinations in the Eastern Region.

Minister Demands Consistent Storytelling At Eastern Sites

Following her participation in the 2026 Eastern Regional Tourism Expo in Koforidua, held in conjunction with World Tourism Day activities, the Minister toured the Aburi Botanical Gardens, the Aburi Craft Village, and the Papaye Recreation Village. Throughout the tour, she met with facility managers, reviewed operational briefings, and evaluated opportunities for site enhancements.

Fix Roads, Fix Tourism! Minister Dzifa Gomashie Demands Action At Aburi Gardens

Minister Focuses On Historical Consistency And Conservation

At the Aburi Botanical Gardens, Madam Gomashie received updates on the overall condition of the grounds, the well-being of trees planted by visiting world leaders, and the historical connection between the site and the Biafran War. To emphasize natural preservation and environmental conservation, the Minister planted a tree on the grounds. She stated that the natural beauty and historical importance of the location require deliberate and continuous care.

The Minister also demanded that tour guides deliver accurate, uniform, and coherent historical accounts. She cautioned that conflicting narratives can confuse guests, ultimately damaging the appeal and credibility of the attractions.

World Tourism Day 2026: Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie Arrives in Koforidua

Government Prioritizes Transport For Tourism Sites

Addressing the needs of the sector, Madam Gomashie noted that while the Aburi Botanical Gardens do not fall directly under her ministry’s direct management, thriving tourism depends on cooperative efforts between managing institutions and supporting infrastructure providers. She pointed out that while the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) executes regulatory and supervisory duties such as permits and oversight, developing destinations also requires collaboration with other ministries, notably the Ministry of Roads and Highways.

The Minister revealed that concerns regarding inadequate road access to key destinations have been communicated to the President, who instructed the Minister responsible for Roads to prioritize routes leading to major tourism sites. An urgent list of roads has been submitted, and the second phase of the government’s Big Push infrastructure program is anticipated to prioritize enhancing access to tourism locations.

Managers Urged To Inspire Repeat Visits

To inspire return visits, Madam Gomashie urged facility managers to continuously evolve by upgrading existing amenities and introducing fresh features. Stops at the Aburi Craft Village and Papaye Gardens additionally pointed to the region’s diverse tourism offerings and their capacity to stimulate economic activity, enterprise development, and local employment.

The Minister was accompanied on the tour by several key officials:

Mrs Maame Efua Houadjeto, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority
Professor Kobby Mensah, Executive Director of the Ghana Tourism Development Company
Dr Eric Afornorfe, Executive Director of the Hotel, Catering and Tourism Training Institute (HOTCATT)
Mr Adjavon, Director of the Folklore Board
Dr Tamakloe, Director of Tourism
Divine Owusu Ansah, Director of Culture and Creative Arts
Additional officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts