The Upper East Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Joseph Appiagyei, has called for improved transport infrastructure, including an airport, railway extension and an inland port at Paga, to unlock the region’s tourism and trade potential.
Speaking at the 2026 GTA Tourism Awards in Bolgatanga, Mr Appiagyei urged the government to expedite work on the proposed Upper East Airport, describing it as a potential “game-changer” for tourism.
“I appeal to government to expedite action on the Upper East Airport project. An operational airport will be a game-changer and will significantly improve tourist traffic into the region,” he said.
He also called for the extension of Ghana’s railway network to the Upper East Region and the establishment of an inland port at Paga, a major border town linking Ghana to Burkina Faso.
“I further wish to appeal to government to consider extending the railway transportation system to this part of the country to ease the burden on our roads, and to also consider creating an inland port at Paga. These interventions will not only facilitate trade but will also open up the region to domestic and international tourists,” he said.
Mr Appiagyei argued that the Upper East Region’s location gives it a strategic advantage as a gateway between Ghana and the Sahel and should be deliberately leveraged to attract more visitors.
He urged tourism operators and other stakeholders to target travellers from neighbouring Burkina Faso and other Francophone markets, including Mali, Niger and Togo.
“The Upper East Region has a unique comparative advantage as the gateway to the Sahel. I therefore urge all stakeholders to deliberately support the tourism drive by penetrating the Sahel market,” he said.
As part of that effort, Mr Appiagyei encouraged high-end hotels in the region to employ French-speaking staff to better serve visitors from Francophone countries.
“I appeal to our upmarket hotels to engage French-speaking staff to render holistic services to our Francophone brothers and sisters,” he added.
The awards ceremony was held under the theme, “Celebrating Excellence Beyond Borders: The Black Star Experience.”
Mr Appiagyei said the theme reflected Ghana’s identity and the opportunity to position the country’s culture and tourism offerings internationally.
“The Black Star symbolises our identity, pride, culture and aspiration on the world stage,” he said.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | David Azure | Bolgatanga
