Minister Calls for Increased Funds to Fix Roads to Tourist Sites

By Esther Korantemaa Offei

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts is calling for increased budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Roads and Highways to rehabilitate roads leading to tourist sites across Ghana, in a move aimed at boosting tourism and enhancing national revenue generation.

Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie says improved road access to tourist destinations is critical to unlocking the full economic potential of the sector. She made the appeal while speaking on the need for stronger infrastructure investment to support tourism development nationwide.

She noted that while the road sector continues to receive funding from the Ministry of Roads and Highways, dedicated attention to roads leading directly to tourist sites remains limited, affecting the ease of travel to many attractions.

“We can see the work that is being done in the road sector and I am sure that if it continues at that pace, we should be able to address those concerns,” she said.

The Minister further explained that targeted investment in roads leading to tourism sites would significantly improve visitor access and increase revenue for the country. She stressed that better infrastructure would not only support tourism growth but also contribute to diversifying national income sources.

“I wish that the ministry is given a budget big enough for us to do the roads to at least the tourist sites that directly are under the ministry. Unfortunately, that is not what is done,” she stated.

She added that although the Ministry of Roads and Highways is responsible for overall road development, continuous lobbying is necessary to ensure tourism infrastructure receives adequate attention. According to her, improved access to tourist destinations would enhance the sector’s contribution to the national economy.

“But we will continue lobbying as all others are doing. I lobby for Cut to South and I lobby also for the ministry and I am hoping that it is done,” she said.

Mrs. Gomashie emphasized that tourism remains a key contributor to Ghana’s GDP and that increased investment in the sector would yield significant economic returns. She noted that with better infrastructure, Ghana could substantially increase tourism earnings and strengthen its fiscal position for broader national development.