Paga to benefit from CCTN’s Royal Community Development Initiative
CCTN’s Royal Community Development Initiative targets tourism, agriculture, infrastructure and cultural preservation to create jobs and attract investment to Paga.
Paga in the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region is expected to benefit from the Countrystyle Community Tourism Network’s (CCTN) Royal Community Development Initiative, aimed at harnessing the area’s tourism, entertainment and agricultural potential to create economic opportunities for residents.
The initiative will focus on promoting Paga’s cultural identity, establishing a digital centre to document its history and tourist attractions, improving infrastructure at tourism sites and showcasing the community’s unique heritage to visitors.
The programme is also expected to create livelihood opportunities and support economic growth by positioning Paga as a destination for cultural tourism and investment.
The initiative was announced at a durbar held on Tuesday October 20, at the Paga Town Football Park to welcome members of the network to the community.
Addressing the gathering, Chairman of the Countrystyle Community Tourism Network, Roy Paga said the network was committed to promoting Paga’s tourism potential to the international community, including Jamaica and other diaspora communities.
“We can sell this community not just to Jamaica but to the rest of the diaspora communities. We’ll be using different platforms and ways to market this area,” he said.
Roy Paga disclosed that the network planned to bring additional groups from Jamaica to Paga in the coming year to expose them to the historical significance and cultural heritage of the area.
He urged residents to preserve their cultural identity and embrace their uniqueness as key assets in promoting the community’s tourism potential.
He further indicated that he and other members of the network were prepared to invest in tourism, entertainment, agriculture and infrastructure to unlock economic opportunities for residents.
Roy called on community members to take ownership of the initiative and use it to create wealth, jobs and sustainable livelihoods.
The Upper East Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Joseph Appiagyei, welcomed the visitors and their collaborators, commending them for prioritising the development of the Paga community.
He also praised the Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM) for its active role in promoting tourism and supporting development efforts in the area.
Appiagyei described the Upper East Region as a destination rich in tourism potential and said Paga was an appropriate starting point for the initiative because of its notable attractions.
“Your choice of starting this project here in Paga is right, because in the Upper East Region, the iconic attractions are here in Paga,” he said.
He also cited other tourism attractions in the region, including the Tongo Hills the Sirigu Women’s Pottery and Art Centre, among others.
Appiagyei added that the region’s hospitality and peaceful environment continued to make it an attractive destination for tourists.
The durbar brought together traditional leaders, representatives of the Ghana Tourism Authority, women’s groups, youth groups and other community members.
The event also featured exhibitions of traditional dishes and cultural performances, including war dances, traditional dances and performances by women’s cultural groups, highlighting Paga’s rich cultural heritage.
Mike 105.3 FM I Navrongo | David Adapuna
