Abeiku Santana touts ‘big push’ as tourism expands across regions

Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Abeiku Santana, says the government’s “big push” agenda is driving tourism expansion across regions.

Speaking during Easter festivities, he linked the growth in tourism activities nationwide to ongoing infrastructure development aimed at improving access to key destinations.

“The big push agenda is the major investment that is leading to the tourism sites and attractions,” he stated, stressing that strategic investments are opening up previously underdeveloped areas.

He explained that road network improvements to major tourist sites are already reshaping travel patterns and encouraging more domestic movement.

“If you look at all the major tourism destinations, the road infrastructure is going on,” he noted.

Abeiku Santana expressed optimism that travel time to major regions will reduce significantly within the next two years, particularly to the Volta Region, which he described as a major ecotourism hub.

“If you want to go to Volta Region, it won’t take you more than two hours from Accra to get there,” he said, adding that similar gains are expected for routes to the Central Region.

According to him, the Ghana Tourism Authority is complementing these infrastructure efforts by expanding tourism promotion into new destinations, including sites such as Dakulu and Trash Hill in the Volta Region.

“That is why we are developing that site, so that those who cannot come from Accra, Eastern Region, Central Region, may choose to go there,” he explained.

He further noted that events are now being held simultaneously across multiple regions during Easter, helping to decentralise tourism and boost local economies.

“Domestic tourism awareness is increasing, and our domestic tourism product is evolving,” he said, highlighting the importance of sustaining interest among local travellers.

Abeiku Santana also cautioned against relying heavily on international tourists, pointing out that global disruptions can negatively affect the sector. He maintained that strengthening domestic tourism remains critical.

He credited the progress to leadership under President John Dramani Mahama, expressing confidence that continued infrastructure investment will further expand tourism opportunities nationwide.