Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has urged traditional rulers and district assemblies to own their unique cultures, histories, and attractions instead of relying on the capital city, Accra, and central authorities to determine how their stories are told.

She urged them to position themselves for partnerships and investment, especially in eco-tourism and sustainable tourism infrastructure that strategically launches them into the limelight.

“Let’s not wait for Accra to define our stories. Each district, each village, holds a key to Ghana’s tourism future,” she said, while embarking on a three-day working tour of the Volta Region.

She explained that her administration is poised to change the approach to tourism development.

Instead of the usual way of making decisions solely by the officials at the top, local people and authorities will now be involved in the planning and promotion of tourism.

“We are not just here to assess; we are here to listen and co-create solutions. Real tourism transformation begins in the communities,” Honourable Gomashie stated during a visit to the Volta Regional Coordinating Council in Ho.

She also highlighted cultural dances, describing them as "tourism gold" because they can be packaged to attract tourists as well as generate income for the greater good.

“Local dances like Atsiagbekor and Agbadza, our crafts and festivals, are not just traditions—they are tourism gold. But we must present them in ways that attract and educate visitors,” she explained.

Meanwhile, the minister has pledged to focus on developing key tourist sites, including Mole National Park in the Savannah Region.

During her vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Wednesday, January 22, she stressed the importance of strategic investments to make major tourist destinations more attractive.

“I agree with you that Mole, for years, has been one of the most frequently visited sites. What it needs is more investment. Our country must focus on giving more to this sector to attract the required resources. I will be pushing for this agenda,” she said.

Additionally, Honourable Gomashie mentioned the Black Star Experience model, a framework aimed at empowering district, municipal, and metropolitan assemblies to initiate projects in arts, tourism, and culture, thereby stimulating local economies.

As the Member of Parliament for Ketu South and a Queen Mother in the Aflao Traditional Area, she reaffirmed her commitment to leveraging tourism, culture, and creative arts as vital contributors to Ghana’s economic transformation.