Tamale: Mr Angelo Dogbe, Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), has called for increased private sector investments in eco-tourism initiatives to accelerate sustainable development and position the Northern Region as a premier destination for adventure and cultural tourism.
According to Ghana News Agency, speaking at the 2025 United Nations World Tourism Day celebration at the Botanga Eco Resort in the Kumbungu District, Mr Dogbe emphasized the event’s theme, ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,’ which highlights tourism’s role in economic growth and environmental protection. He pointed to the Botanga Dam enclave as a representation of harmony between nature, culture, and enterprise, showcasing attractions like boat cruises, jet-ski rides, kayaking, and quad biking.
Mr Dogbe stressed the potential for hospitality, adventure tourism, and agro-tourism ventures in the Botanga area, mentioning the commitment of the District Assembly and GTA to support sustainable site development. He stated, ‘Tourism thrives when we safeguard the very assets that attract visitors – our landscapes, water bodies, and cultural heritage – while at the same time creating jobs and stimulating local economies.’
The Northern Regional edition of the World Tourism Day celebration was organized with partners like the University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale Technical University, and the Ghana Hotels Association. Activities included tree planting and sports, symbolizing commitment to environmental stewardship and youth involvement in tourism.
Mr Dogbe urged stakeholders to use the occasion as a rallying point to promote responsible tourism and attract investors, asserting, ‘Together, we can ensure that the Northern Region shines as a premier destination for eco-tourism and a model of sustainable transformation.’
Professor Raymond Adongo of the Department of Ecotourism and Hospitality Management at UDS noted the vast potential for eco-tourism in Northern Ghana, although he acknowledged the sector’s current underdevelopment. He remarked on the Botanga Eco Resort as an ideal destination for relaxation.
Mr Cosmos Muniru Mohammed, Northern Regional Chairman of the Tour Guides Association of Ghana, called for greater governmental and stakeholder interest in eco-tourism to bridge development gaps between the North and South. He suggested developing a bird sanctuary at the Botanga Eco Resort to attract more tourists.
Ms Amadu Aisha, a tourism and hospitality student at Tamale Technical University, appealed for enhanced teaching and learning of tourism to build human resource capacity for effective sector management.
World Tourism Day, observed annually on September 27, raises awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, political, and economic impacts. The regional celebration served as a platform to advocate for sustained investments and policies maximizing tourism’s contributions to the Ghanaian economy and people’s wellbeing.