Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has emphasised the critical role of the blue economy in the country’s tourism drive, calling on Ghanaians to protect and harness the vast resources of the nation’s coastline.

Speaking during a tour of tourism sites in the southern part of the Volta Region to mark World Tourism Day, the Minister said the celebration was linked to the blue economy to remind citizens of the opportunities along the coast stretching “from Aflao to Half Assini.”

She explained that the Volta Region, though rich in diverse tourist attractions, has untapped heritage along its coastline.

She particularly highlighted the newly documented slave market and museum at Agbozume, unearthed through the work of Prof. Wazi Apo, which tells the painful but important story of Ghana’s enslavement history.

“Our aim is to unearth new products so that visitors who have already been to forts and castles elsewhere can discover something new here in Volta,” she stated.

“It is our duty as a ministry to help package these sites and promote them globally.”

The Minister also urged young people to embrace travel and cultural immersion, noting that the ministry deliberately engaged students in Agbozume as part of the commemoration.

She stressed the need for improved road networks to tourism sites, adding that bad roads discourage repeat visits.

“Our sector is not lacking in talent or ideas. What we lack is infrastructure support, especially roads,” she said, urging government and private partners to invest more in tourism.

The event, which was held in collaboration with the people of the Soma Traditional Area, marked Ghana’s recognition of World Tourism Day 2025 under the theme of blue economy and heritage preservation.