The Managing Director of Kacstone Records, Wenawome Duriyem Aborah, has raised concerns about the neglect of historical and cultural sites in the Upper East Region, warning that the situation is depriving communities of potential tourism revenue and employment opportunities.
He cited Karimenga Hill, which he said has a safe house reportedly used by Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, as one of the historical attractions that could be developed to attract visitors but has been allowed to deteriorate.
Mr Aborah, who is also Chairman of the Paga Youth Movement, said the site could be restored and equipped with facilities to help visitors appreciate its historical significance while creating business opportunities for surrounding communities.
According to him, several other locations across the Upper East Region have historical and cultural significance but remain largely undeveloped because of inadequate investment and the absence of deliberate plans to promote them as tourism destinations.
He argued that preserving such sites should go beyond protecting their historical value to creating economic opportunities for residents, particularly young people.
“Tourism should be an employable entity,” he said.
Mr Aborah made the observations following his participation in a tourism industry engagement in Lesotho, where he said he witnessed efforts to develop heritage sites into organised attractions that generate revenue.
He explained that some tourism destinations in Lesotho were supported by facilities for entertainment, conferences and other activities that encouraged visitors to spend money within the local economy.
He believes the Upper East Region could adopt similar approaches by identifying historical landmarks, preserving their significance and developing complementary services around them.
Mr Aborah also raised concerns about the management of some heritage sites, arguing that treating culturally significant locations solely as private family properties could limit opportunities for their development.
He called for appropriate arrangements involving traditional authorities, communities, government agencies and private investors to ensure that such sites are preserved and developed for public benefit.
Beyond Karimenga Hill, Mr Aborah mentioned the historic mosque at Pusiga as another attraction he believes has not received sufficient attention to realise its tourism potential.
He said the region’s historical landmarks, cultural traditions and community histories could attract both domestic and international visitors if properly documented, preserved and promoted.
Mr Aborah therefore urged stakeholders to develop a coordinated approach to tourism that would protect the region’s heritage while creating sustainable livelihoods for communities.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
