By Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako
The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has underscored the strategic role of government, Parliament, and the media in transforming Ghana’s cultural events into sustainable drivers of national development, using the Vodza Easter Regatta as a prime example.
Speaking to Media at the 2026 edition of the Vodza regatta during the Easter celebrations, the Minister revealed that the Ministry, through its legislative backing, has the authority to work with Parliament to strengthen the tourism levy framework, a fund currently managed by the Ghana Tourism Authority. According to her, the fund is specifically intended to support the development, promotion, and expansion of Ghana’s tourism sector.
However, she emphasized that the tourism levy fund is intended to support the overall development of the sector and is not restricted to specific sites or projects. She explained that references to places such as forts and castles were merely illustrative, not indicative of actual fund allocation. She therefore stressed the need to strategically channel resources into a broader range of cultural and tourism initiatives, particularly emerging community-based events like the Vodza Regatta, which hold significant untapped potential for growth and national impact.
“This year, the Ministry has taken a bold step to directly support and sponsor the regatta,” she noted, explaining that her presence at the event and the involvement of the Ghana Tourism Authority represent a clear demonstration of government commitment.
Hon. Gomashie explained that the Ministry’s role is to provide structure, legitimacy, and strategic backing, while allowing local organizers the flexibility to manage the finer details of execution. She emphasized that government support is not about controlling initiatives but about empowering communities and giving their ideas national relevance and visibility.
“We agreed through my agency that this event must be given the specificity and support it deserves,” she stated, highlighting the importance of institutional backing in elevating local initiatives to national prominence.
The Minister made a passionate appeal for collective responsibility, noting that government alone cannot fully develop the tourism sector. She called for deeper collaboration involving:
Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), Regional leadership, Traditional authorities, the Media and Private sector sponsors
She particularly urged the media to go beyond minimal coverage and instead dedicate significant airtime and platform visibility to promoting such events.
“When you give even five minutes of your platform to promote this, you are allowing your wings to be used for us to fly,” she remarked, emphasizing the media’s powerful role in shaping public interest and attracting sponsorship.
In a candid and relatable moment, the Minister acknowledged her personal limitations—revealing that despite being born by the sea, she has a fear of water. Yet, she stressed that leadership is about supporting visions beyond personal abilities.
“I may not swim, but I support it. Just as I may not understand football deeply, but I support it,” she said, drawing applause from the audience.
She pointed out that the young participants seen swimming and racing may have discovered their natural talents and future careers, reinforcing the broader developmental value of such events.
The Minister concluded by emphasizing that while vision may begin with an individual or institution, its success depends on collective effort and shared commitment.
“It takes one person to conceive a vision, but it takes everyone putting their shoulders to the wheel to move it forward,” she stated.
The 2026 Vodza Easter Regatta, now backed by government sponsorship and growing national attention, is increasingly being seen not just as a cultural celebration, but as a strategic platform for tourism growth, youth development, and economic expansion.
With sustained collaboration, policy support, and media engagement, stakeholders believe the regatta could evolve into one of Ghana’s flagship cultural tourism events, redefining the country’s coastal tourism landscape.
Source News Volta
