PAYOM urges Paga residents to prioritise development, support tourism initiatives

The Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM) has urged residents of Paga to prioritise collective development over individual interests and complement the efforts of development partners to unlock the area’s potential.

The Movement said Paga had significant potential in tourism, hospitality, creative arts, trade and other sectors, urging residents to unite and channel their energies towards initiatives that would promote sustainable development and improve livelihoods.

The call was made at a community durbar held at the Paga Town Football Park on Tuesday, October 20, by the chiefs and people of Paga to welcome members of the Countrystyle Community Tourism Network (CCTN) to the community.

In a message delivered on behalf of PAYOM Chairman, Wenawome Duriyem Aboarh, the Movement described the visit by the CCTN delegation as an opportunity to reconnect people with their history, culture and heritage while exploring new avenues for development.

It said the network’s decision to pilot a project aimed at developing Paga’s tourism and business potential was more than an ordinary initiative, describing it as an opportunity to create jobs, empower young people and women, support local businesses, preserve cultural heritage and improve livelihoods.

“This is an opportunity to transform our cultural and tourism resources into sustainable ventures that can create jobs, empower our youth and women, support local businesses, preserve our heritage, and improve livelihoods,” the statement said.

Aborah noted that the success of the initiative carried a responsibility for the people of Paga, as it could determine whether similar projects would be replicated in other African communities.

“We must work together in unity and put the development of our community above our individual interests. We must make Paga a shining example of what community tourism can achieve when traditional leaders, young people, women, businesses, government, and development partners work together,” he said.

He urged residents to take advantage of the Royal Community Development initiative to acquire relevant skills, preserve their cultural heritage and support local businesses to ensure that the benefits of tourism reached all sections of the community.

The PAYOM chairman expressed gratitude to the Chairman of the Countrystyle Community Tourism Network, Roy Page, who travelled from Jamaica, as well as Jason Stone and members of the wider African diaspora, for their visit and interest in the development of Paga.

He also welcomed other initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between Africa and its diaspora, including the Know Thyself Africa–Caribbean Connectivity Initiative, and encouraged members of the diaspora to invest, establish partnerships and contribute to the community’s development.

Aboarh further commended Dr Ambassador Tengol K. Klepmani for his efforts to promote Africa to the rest of the world through tourism.

The durbar brought together traditional leaders, representatives of the Upper East Regional Tourism Authority, women’s groups, youth groups and other community members.

The event also featured exhibitions of traditional dishes and vibrant cultural displays, including war dances, traditional dances and performances by women’s cultural groups, showcasing Paga’s rich cultural heritage.

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