Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, popularly known as Abeiku Santana, has reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to transforming Ghana into the leading tourism hub in West Africa.
During a courtesy call at the Gulkpe Naa’s Palace in Tamale, as part of a five-day official tour of the northern zone, Abeiku Santana revealed that government, in collaboration with the private sector, is making significant investments in infrastructure, technology, and strategic marketing to boost the tourism sector.
“The government has shown a clear commitment to developing Ghana’s tourism potential and positioning the country as a premier tourism destination in the region,” he said.
He emphasized that these investments aim to make tourism a vital contributor to economic development, job creation, and revenue generation.
Highlighting Innovation in Tourism
The delegation—comprising Deputy Director of Operations Ekow Sampson, PANAFEST representative Taqiyya Salem, and GTA Northern Regional Director, Lawyer Angelou Yossi Dogbe—visited the Red Clay Studio, a contemporary art center founded by celebrated artist Ibrahim Mahama.
Abeiku Santana commended the Red Clay Studio as a brilliant example of sustainable tourism through creative innovation and recycling.
“We discovered the Ibrahim Mahama Red Clay Studio, a place where old aircraft, trains, and utensils have been repurposed into inspiring art,” he shared. “It educates the public on how tourism can thrive sustainably using discarded materials.”
PANAFEST and Emancipation Day Preparations
On the upcoming 2025 PANAFEST and Emancipation Day celebrations, Abeiku Santana highlighted that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, alongside GTA, has embarked on a nationwide tour covering the Savannah, Northern, and Upper East Regions.
The tour will continue through the Bono, Ashanti, and Central regions, culminating in grand celebrations in Cape Coast.
This year’s events will be held under the theme: “The vision of government deepening Ghana’s position as the number one tourism destination in West Africa.” The theme also aligns with the recently launched Black Star Experience, a flagship initiative strengthening the country’s seven pillars of tourism, arts, and culture.