The government, through the Tourism Development Fund, has disbursed over Ghc30 million to promote cultural tourism across the country.

Policy Advisor at the Office of the Vice President, Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, disclosed this at the 61st Oguaaman Fetu Afahye held in the Central Region.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, at the durbar, Dr. Ampofo stated that the investment aims to boost the tourism sector and position festivals as drivers of economic growth and a platform for Ghanaian Creatives to thrive.

“Through the Creative Arts Agency, working with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the government is investing in unprecedented opportunities for our Creatives to flourish, allowing them to earn sustainable livelihoods while flying high the proud flag of Ghana across the globe.

“Our tourism sector, strengthened by strategic investments through the Ghana Tourism Development Company and the Tourism Development Fund, which has already disbursed over 30 million Ghana cedis, is ensuring that festivals such as the Fetu Afahye remain both cultural sanctuaries and engines of economic growth.”

Dr. Ampofo also praised this year’s festival theme, “Innovate to Elevate,” describing it as aligned with the government’s broader vision to reset the country.

Dr. Ampofo, accompanied by the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto, and the Member of Parliament for Cape Coast South, George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, donated soft drinks, bottled water, cooking oil, bags of rice, and an undisclosed amount of cash to support the festival.

Paramount Chief of Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, expressed profound gratitude to the delegation and urged collective efforts to advance progress in Cape Coast.

The delegation further paid a courtesy visit to the Central Regional Coordinating Council, where he urged the members to work efficiently with the Regional Security Council to ensure the safety of the Central Region.

He further assured the public of the government’s plans to expedite construction works on the Accra–Cape Coast stretch.

“His Excellency the President is very passionate about roads, and so he decided to introduce the big push to confront the challenges facing the sector.

“He empathizes with the people. So I’m sure he will show the same sentiments towards the people of the Central Region. It is almost becoming a nightmare to travel from Accra to the Central Region. And so we’ll carry the sentiments and concerns of the Regional Minister and then get in touch with the sector minister and others to ensure that we are able to accelerate the pace of the work that is currently going on as far as the Accra-Cape road is concerned.”

Central Regional Minister Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere also revealed plans by the government to establish a free zone in the Region to attract investment to other parts of the country beyond the capital, Accra.