By Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako
The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has called for the expansion of the Vodza Regatta into a coastal-wide tourism initiative, urging the organizing committee and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) to include other constituencies along the eastern coastline.
She made this call during a speech delivered at the Vodza Regatta celebration, held as part of the Easter festivities, where she emphasized the need to extend the event beyond a single locality.
According to the Minister, the integration should cover coastal communities stretching from Aflao to Anyanui, forming a unified tourism corridor that reflects the shared cultural identity of the people along the coast.
Hon. Gomashie noted that the Aflao–Anyanui stretch possesses immense tourism potential due to its natural coastline, lagoons, fishing traditions, and vibrant cultural heritage. She stressed that expanding the regatta to include these communities would significantly enhance visibility, participation, and economic impact.
She outlined several key benefits of the proposed expansion:
- Boost in Tourism: A coordinated coastal festival would attract more visitors and position the area as a major cultural destination.
- Economic Opportunities: Increased activity in trade, hospitality, and transport would create jobs and support local businesses.
- Infrastructure Growth: The initiative could drive improvements in roads, sanitation, and tourism facilities.
- Cultural Promotion: A broader platform would showcase diverse traditions and strengthen cultural preservation.
- Youth Empowerment: Opportunities would emerge for young people in sports, arts, and creative industries.
The Minister emphasized that the success of this vision depends on collaboration among stakeholders, including local authorities, traditional leaders, the media, and private sector partners.
She reiterated that Ghana’s tourism development must be inclusive and community-driven, ensuring that no coastal area is left out of the growth process.
The call, delivered at the heart of the Vodza Regatta celebration, signals a bold step toward transforming the event into a major national and international tourism attraction, while fostering unity and shared prosperity along Ghana’s eastern coast.
Source News Volta
