Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has stated, underscoring the need to preserve Ghana’s cultural heritage while preparing the next generation for the future.

The minister made the remarks during a working visit to the Upper West Region, where she reaffirmed her commitment to promoting tourism and culture as vital pillars of national development.

Dzifa Gomashie expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for appointing her to serve in government and pledged to work diligently to preserve Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and promote tourism, which she described as deeply rooted in culture and creativity.



She explained that her visit to the Upper West Region forms part of a nationwide tour of all 16 regions aimed at engaging stakeholders and assessing the tourism and cultural potential of each area.

The minister commended the Upper West offices of the Ghana Tourism Authority and the Culture Directorate for their collaboration in promoting tourism, particularly through initiatives such as the recently organised food bazaar in Wa, which showcased the region’s rich culinary traditions and strengthened community participation.

Dzifa Gomashie emphasised that while the government provides policy direction, the expansion of tourism depends largely on private sector investment and active community involvement.

She reiterated her commitment to promoting domestic tourism, noting that encouraging Ghanaians to travel within the country would foster national unity, deepen appreciation of the country’s diverse heritage, and create economic opportunities for local communities.



As part of the visit, the Minister announced that renowned Ghanaian musician and cultural advocate Wiyaala would be honoured as a tourism ambassador.

She praised Wiyaala for her longstanding dedication to promoting northern Ghanaian culture through her music, fashion, and international engagements, and commended her work with children through community initiatives that nurture creativity and cultural awareness.

Welcoming the minister, on behalf of the Regional Minister, Chief Director for the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council, Hajia Pougnaa Fati Korey, said the Upper West Region possesses enormous tourism potential that must be fully harnessed to support economic growth and development.

She also cited the successful food fair held two months ago in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority and said stakeholders had recommended that the event be institutionalised to further promote the region’s unique culinary heritage.

The visit also includes inspections of key tourism, culture, and creative arts facilities, the unveiling of Wiyaala as a tourism ambassador, and the launch of the annual photography competition.

Hajia Fati Korey welcomed Dzifa Gomashie and her delegation of senior officials from the Ministry and expressed confidence that the visit would help position the Upper West Region as one of Ghana’s leading tourism destinations.