Conflicts negatively impacting tourism in Upper East – Ghana Tourism Authority
He noted that the violence in parts of the region is discouraging tourists from patronising the unique tourist attraction sites in the region.
The Upper East Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Wisdom Ahadzi, has revealed that conflicts in parts of the region are deterring the growth of the tourism sector.
He noted that the violence in parts of the region is discouraging tourists from patronising the unique tourist attraction sites in the region.
“Conflict is one of our biggest challenges. We are doing so much for the region to be promoted, and we are getting signals of tourism picking up in the region, but you will wake up with zeal to work and hear someone has been killed.” He stated.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Tuesday March 18, 2025, Ahadzi said the region has great tourism potential as it is a multifaceted industry. He added that the potential could propel the development of the region and improve the lives of the people if properly tapped.
“When one tourist comes to the Region, the benefits are multifaceted because one tourist visit benefits, accommodation, drinks, food, transportation and other areas.” he remarked.
Ahadzi said the state of tourism in the region is dynamic and promising, urging the private sector to partner with the tourism authority to drive its development.
“They [The Private Sector] should see tourism as a business and invest in it; we want people to enter into travel and tour, car rentals, improve our hotels and good eateries”, he noted.
He further opined that the tourism sector in the region, if properly tapped, could contribute to the reduction of conflicts through the creation of employment opportunities for idle youth.
“When people begin to come here, and it generates employment, and people become busy, I want to believe that it will bring down the conflict.” He said
The Upper East Region is currently bedeviled with the protracted chieftaincy conflict between the Kusasi and Mamprusi in Bawku. Although state actors have continued mediation talks with the feuding factions to find a lasting solution, the conflict since its resurgence in October 2024 has claimed an estimated 76 lives.
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