The Member of Parliament for Atwima Nwabiagya North, Frank Yeboah, has urged the government to develop the tourism potential of the Barekese and Owabi dams in the Ashanti Region.

Raising the matter in Parliament, Mr Yeboah questioned the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture on measures being taken to promote tourism in the area. 

In response, Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie acknowledged the significant eco-tourism potential of the two dams and the nearby Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary.

She assured Parliament of government’s commitment to harnessing the economic and tourism benefits of these sites through infrastructure upgrades, promotional activities, and community engagement.

Constructed between 1965 and 1969, the Barekese Dam on the Ofin River currently supplies about 80 percent of Kumasi’s drinking water. The Owabi Dam, built in 1928 and later expanded in 1954, provides around 1.6 million gallons of water daily. Alongside the dams, the Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary hosts over 160 species of birds, Mona monkeys, African civets, and butterflies. The area is part of a Ramsar-protected wetland.

Despite this, Mr Yeboah noted that the sites remain underutilised due to poor road access, inadequate visitor facilities, and limited promotion.

In her response, Abla said the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Roads and Highways, would prioritise improving access roads to the dams and sanctuary. 

She added that efforts would be made to rehabilitate and upgrade tourist facilities such as information centres, toilets, parking areas, and nature trails.