Ghana celebrated World Tourism Day 2025 with a national event held during the vibrant Somètutuza Festival at Agbozume in the Volta Region.
The celebration, themed “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” highlighted the important role of peace and unity in unlocking the nation’s tourism potential and advancing sustainable development.
Speaking at the durbar on Sunday in the Volta Region, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, emphasized that tourism transformation cannot be achieved by the government alone.
She called for the commitment of citizens, traditional authorities, youth, and the private sector.
“Peace and unity are the very foundation upon which tourism thrives. Without peace, there can be no true tourism. Without unity, there can be no real development,” she declared.
Madam Gomashie praised the people of the Somé Traditional Area for their long-standing commitment to peace, noting that it has created fertile ground for cultural celebrations and investment.
She appealed to traditional leaders to continue safeguarding peace in their communities while promoting cultural pride and heritage.
She further urged collaboration with government and development partners to develop tourism products that showcase the diversity and richness of local communities.
The minister also underscored the importance of cultural festivals such as Some Tutuzã, Homowo, Panafest, and Emancipation Day. She described them as powerful tools for showcasing Ghana’s living heritage, boosting local economies, and fostering social cohesion.
Delivering President John Dramani Mahama’s message in his absence, Dr Goosie Tannoh, Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development, commended the people of Somé for preserving their heritage while fostering peace.
“This festival is a living testimony to our ancestors’ generosity and our people’s courage to build a peaceful future,” Dr Tannoh noted.
He also highlighted the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy Programme, which aims to support youth in creative arts, agro-processing, and cooperative enterprises through innovation and infrastructure.
For his part, Torgbuiga Adamah III, President of the Somé Traditional Area, expressed gratitude to the government for its support.
He commended President Mahama for his visionary leadership and applauded the Tourism minister for choosing the Volta Region to host the national celebration.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
