Rita Awatey, the Eastern Regional Minister-nominee, has outlined an ambitious vision to transform the tourism sector in the Eastern Region by attracting investors to harness and promote the area’s rich natural and cultural heritage. Speaking during her vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament, Awatey expressed her commitment to making tourism a key driver of economic growth in the region.
Awatey highlighted the Eastern Region’s wealth of existing tourist attractions, including the iconic Boti Falls and the thrilling paragliding adventures in Kwahu. These sites already draw significant numbers of visitors each year, contributing to the local economy and showcasing the region’s potential as a premier tourist destination. However, she emphasized that the region’s potential extends far beyond these well-known landmarks.
“The region has numerous tourism potentials,” Awatey said, elaborating on her plans. “Moving from the Akuapem area and coming down to Aburi, we have very beautiful hotels. In Asuogyaman, we have exceptional natural resources. Where my region is located, we also host numerous festivals, and all these potentials bring people around. One of the things I will do as a regional minister is to invite investors to invest in all the tourist centres and activities we have.”
She pledged to work closely with key stakeholders to conduct detailed feasibility studies on other underdeveloped or overlooked tourist sites. This, she said, would help identify opportunities for sustainable tourism development while ensuring the preservation of the region’s natural and cultural resources. Awatey expressed confidence that these efforts would unlock the full potential of the Eastern Region’s tourism sector, creating jobs, boosting local businesses, and attracting international attention.
In her vision for the region, Awatey envisions a tourism landscape that combines modern infrastructure with the preservation of its cultural heritage. She pointed out that beyond the natural attractions, the region boasts vibrant festivals and cultural events that celebrate its rich history and traditions. These festivals, she noted, not only bring people together but also serve as unique opportunities to showcase the Eastern Region’s identity to the world.
Awatey also acknowledged the vital role of private sector investment in achieving her goals. By partnering with private investors, she aims to develop modern tourist facilities and services that enhance the visitor experience while ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism-related activities. This includes improving accessibility to key tourist sites, providing adequate accommodations, and introducing innovative activities that will encourage longer stays and repeat visits.
She cited examples of areas that already exhibit potential for growth, such as the picturesque Aburi area with its serene environment and beautiful hotels. Similarly, Asuogyaman’s rich natural resources offer opportunities for eco-tourism and adventure tourism, which, when developed, could draw a diverse range of visitors. She emphasized the importance of capitalizing on these opportunities to create a balanced and diversified tourism sector that appeals to both domestic and international tourists.
“We have the Boti Falls, paragliding in Kwahu, among others,” Awatey reiterated. “With the help of my stakeholders, we are going to do more feasibility studies into other areas, and we are going to bring investors to move the region forward from where we are now.”
The Minister-nominee’s plans have drawn attention to the Eastern Region’s strategic position as a hub for tourism. Located close to Ghana’s capital, Accra, the region is easily accessible, making it an attractive destination for weekend getaways and day trips. Awatey’s vision seeks to capitalize on this proximity by creating a tourism experience that is both diverse and memorable.
Awatey also stressed the importance of collaboration between government agencies, private businesses, and local communities in achieving her vision. By fostering partnerships, she aims to create a sustainable tourism model that balances economic development with environmental conservation. This approach, she believes, will ensure that the benefits of tourism are widely distributed and that the region’s resources are preserved for future generations.
Her plans also include measures to improve security and safety at tourist sites, as well as initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of tourism to the local economy. Awatey emphasized that building the capacity of local communities to actively participate in and benefit from tourism development is a key aspect of her strategy.
The Eastern Region’s unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure tourism opportunities positions it as a significant player in Ghana’s tourism industry. Awatey’s proactive approach to leveraging these assets demonstrates her commitment to unlocking the region’s full potential. Her emphasis on inviting investors and conducting feasibility studies indicates a focus on long-term planning and sustainable growth.
Awatey’s plans have been widely welcomed as a step in the right direction for the Eastern Region. Stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sectors have expressed optimism about the potential benefits of her initiatives, including increased visitor numbers, job creation, and enhanced economic activity. With the right investments and strategic planning, the Eastern Region could soon become a leading destination for both leisure and business travelers.
The unveiling of these plans during her vetting underscores Awatey’s readiness to take on the role of Eastern Regional Minister. Her clear vision and pragmatic approach reflect her understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the tourism sector. As she prepares to assume office, expectations are high that her leadership will usher in a new era of growth and development for the Eastern Region.
The Eastern Region holds immense potential as a tourism destination, and Awatey’s plans to revitalize the sector come at a time when Ghana is increasingly focusing on tourism as a key driver of economic diversification. Her emphasis on collaboration, sustainability, and innovation aligns with global trends in tourism development, positioning the Eastern Region as a model for other regions to emulate.
With Rita Awatey at the helm, the Eastern Region is poised to undergo a transformation that will not only boost tourism but also enhance the overall quality of life for its residents. Her commitment to promoting the region’s attractions and inviting investment signals a bright future for tourism in the Eastern Region, one that will leave a lasting impact on Ghana’s economy and global reputation.
