The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has underscored the immense tourism and cultural potential of Gwollu and the wider Sissala West District during a visit to the family home and mausoleum of Ghana’s late President, Dr Hilla Limann.

The visit formed part of the Minister’s familiarisation tour of the Upper West Region, aimed at assessing tourism assets and engaging local communities on how best to preserve and promote Ghana’s cultural heritage.

At the mausoleum, Roy Limann, a nephew of the late President, welcomed the Minister and her delegation. He described Gwollu as a community endowed with unique attractions that could significantly boost tourism development in the district.

Among the sites highlighted was the renowned traditional bone-setting centre in Bullu, known for treating fractures and other bone injuries using indigenous healing methods. He noted that traditional medicine has become a major tourism attraction in countries such as Mexico and said Ghana could similarly leverage Bullu’s expertise to promote health and cultural tourism.

Kuobintuo Abdullah, who served as the tour guide, also mentioned the sacred crocodile pond in Gwollu, where crocodiles are revered and believed to be spiritually linked to specific families and clans. According to local custom, harming a crocodile is considered tantamount to harming a member of the community.

Other notable heritage sites include the family home and final resting place of Dr Hilla Limann, as well as the chief’s palace, all of which contribute to the area’s historical and cultural significance.

The Deputy Minister for Communication and Member of Parliament for Sissala West, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, also reiterated the district’s tourism potential, emphasising that the combination of traditional medicine, sacred sites, and historical landmarks makes the area a compelling destination for both domestic and international visitors.

Gomashie toured the mausoleum of the late President and listened to concerns raised by the family regarding the maintenance and development of the site. She assured them that the Ministry would examine the issues and work with relevant stakeholders to preserve the legacy of Dr Hilla Limann.

She noted that the former President’s contributions to national development must continue to be recognised and that his resting place should remain an important part of Ghana’s historical and tourism landscape.

The Minister expressed appreciation to the family and traditional authorities for preserving the site and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing heritage assets across the country as part of efforts to strengthen domestic tourism and deepen national pride.