Ghana Must Leverage Ecotourism
– As sustainable response to challenges posed by climate change – Dzifa Gomashie
Story: Rebecca OKINE, Accra
MINISTER-DESIGNATE for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, and Member of Parliament for Ketu South, Ms. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has outlined a vision for leveraging ecotourism as a sustainable response to the challenges posed by climate change.
During her vetting session in Parliament, she highlighted the growing threat climate change poses to Ghana’s tourism sector and called for immediate action to mitigate its impacts.
Climate Change Threats to Tourism
Ms. Gomashie underscored the significant risks climate change poses to coastal towns and tourist attractions across Ghana. Rising sea levels threaten coastal resorts, while extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and heat waves disrupt tourism activities. Changes in rainfall patterns and temperatures have also led to ecological imbalances, including pest influxes and reduced biodiversity.
“As someone who comes from the seaside, I have witnessed, at firsthand, the devastating effects of climate change and global warming on our communities and tourism hubs along the beaches,” Ms. Gomashie said.
She further noted that climate change may alter tourist preferences, with visitors gravitating towards destinations prioritizing environmental sustainability.
Ecotourism as a Sustainable Solution
Ms. Gomashie proposed ecotourism as a practical and sustainable way to address the environmental and economic challenges facing Ghana’s tourism sector. She emphasized the importance of adopting environmentally friendly tourism practices that protect natural ecosystems while benefiting local communities.
“Global tourism is shifting towards more sustainable alternatives, and Ghana must embrace ecotourism as part of our national strategy,” she said.
The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.”
Countries like Costa Rica, Iceland, Slovenia, and Kenya have successfully integrated ecotourism into their tourism strategies, setting an example for Ghana to follow.
Collaboration and Capacity Building
Ms. Gomashie pledged to collaborate with the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology, as well as allied agencies, to promote ecotourism and tackle climate change’s effects. She also expressed interest in revisiting past discussions on climate change, citing her experience with World Bank-led climate change meetings from 2013 to 2017.
“We need to take action and work together for a cleaner, healthier environment and a more sustainable tourism industry,” she said.
Infrastructure Development for Sustainable Tourism
In addition to promoting ecotourism, Ms. Gomashie highlighted the urgent need to improve Ghana’s hospitality infrastructure. She lamented high hotel rates and inadequate capacity, which have hindered the country’s ability to attract tourists and maximize revenue.
“Even hotels with international franchises tend to have comparatively high rates. This is an issue we must address,” she noted. Ms. Gomashie pledged to collaborate with the private sector to expand and enhance infrastructure to support tourism growth.
A Call to Action
Ms. Gomashie’s plans to champion ecotourism reflect a broader strategy to align Ghana’s tourism industry with global sustainability trends. By prioritizing renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and community-centered tourism, Ghana can not only combat climate change but also position itself as a leading ecotourism destination in Africa. Her appeal to stakeholders, both domestic and international, reinforces the urgency of taking collective action to safeguard the future of Ghana’s tourism sector while preserving its natural heritage for generations to come.
