Dzifa Gomashie commends World Bank for tourism assistance

Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has commended the World Bank for its continued support to Ghana’s tourism, culture and creative arts sector.

She said the longstanding partnership between the Ministry and the World Bank has played a significant role in advancing sector development over the years.

The Minister made the remarks when a World Bank delegation paid a courtesy call on the Ministry in Accra to explore opportunities for deepening collaboration.

Madam Gomashie acknowledged the Bank’s contribution to national development and called for stronger cooperation to address structural and infrastructural challenges facing the tourism sector.

She raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of some national tourism assets, particularly sections of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.

“The physical environment of our flagship tourism sites must reflect our commitment to tourism. Tourism is the heartbeat of our image as a country,” she said.

The Minister noted that improving infrastructure at key heritage sites was crucial to enhancing visitor experience and strengthening sector competitiveness.

Mr Leonardo Iacovone, an economist with the World Bank, expressed interest in expanding collaboration with the Ministry.

He highlighted the growing global importance of tourism, particularly for Africa, which he said has a rapidly expanding youth population with skills and entrepreneurial capacity.

He noted that tourism generates substantial direct and indirect employment and could play a transformative role in Ghana’s economic development if supported with appropriate policies, infrastructure and investment.

Mr Andres F. Garcia, a World Bank representative, said the Bank was conducting a comprehensive global tourism study — the first to integrate multiple tourism value chain tools into a single analytical framework.

While acknowledging delays in the study, he said it would provide strategic insights to help countries such as Ghana improve sector competitiveness, resilience and long-term planning.

Mr Garcia reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to strengthening tourism infrastructure, enhancing resilience and unlocking the full economic potential of Ghana’s tourism sector.

The World Bank delegation included Mr Abu Ahmed, Mr Emmanuel Awuni, Mr Andres Garcia and Mr Leonardo Lacovone.

Ghana’s delegation comprised Prof. Kobby Mensah, Executive Director of the Ghana Tourism Development Company; Mrs Kafui Danku Pitcher, Executive Director of the National Film Authority; Mr Devine Owusu Ansah, Director of Culture and Creative Arts; and Dr Geoffrey, Director of Tourism at the Ministry.

Source: GNA