Accra, Ghana – The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, recently concluded an impactful tour of Ghana’s Upper West Region. The visit, spanning several days, focused on highlighting the region’s significant cultural heritage, exploring historical landmarks, and officially recognizing local cultural icons. A key highlight was the crowning of international music star Noella Wiyaala as the global ‘Fugu Ambassador’ during a vibrant cultural celebration in Funsi.
Regional Exploration and Heritage Sites
The minister’s tour commenced in Jirapa, where she inspected the Royal Cosy Hills Safari Resort. Minister Gomashie commended the substantial investment in the facility, noting its alignment with the national ‘Experience Ghana and the Black Star Experience’ tourism branding initiative. She expressed regret over the owner’s absence but emphasized the resort’s potential.
The delegation, including the MP for Sissala West Constituency and Deputy Minister for Communication, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, then journeyed to the historic town of Gbollu. Here, the minister paid respects at the tomb of former President Dr. Hilla Liman, acknowledging the community’s decision to honor his status as a paramount chief by burying him in his hometown.
Minister Gomashie spoke passionately about the integration of traditional beliefs into Ghanaian identity. “Traditional religion is a part of who we are,” she stated. “And we must, as Ghanaians, as Africans, learn to appreciate ourselves holistically. You love the food, you must also love the ways of worship of our forebears… I don’t discriminate between religions. I have enormous respect for each of them.”
Preserving Oral History and Ancient Fortifications
In Gbollu, local guides provided detailed accounts of the 19th-century Gbollu Defence Wall. This historical fortification, built under Chief Tanjia Ban, served as a crucial defense against slave raids. The guides also shared captivating lore surrounding the Kaligwie and Hapalong crocodile ponds.
These ponds are steeped in centuries of mutual respect between the community and the reptiles, governed by the belief that harming a crocodile brings misfortune to humans. Minister Gomashie pledged support for the preservation of these significant historical sites.
She stressed the importance of a structured approach to documenting the region’s rich oral history. “This story is so revealing that oral history is the reason why our stories are so checkered,” the minister remarked. She emphasized the need for continued collaboration with local authorities to develop these sites for international tourism.
Wiyaala Crowned ‘Fugu Ambassador’
The tour culminated in a grand reception at Funsi, where Minister Gomashie officially unveiled Noella Wiyaala as the ‘Fugu Queen’ and Tourism Ambassador. The event featured vibrant traditional performances by the Kyansia Dance Group, with the minister briefly joining Wiyaala on the dance floor.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Minister Gomashie highlighted the economic significance of the traditional northern garment, Fugu. “Every thread woven into fugu tells a story, our story, and our resilience as a people,” she declared. “When we wear and promote Ghanaian products, we create jobs for our weavers, designers, traders, and all kinds of entrepreneurs. We stimulate the local industries and the local economy and preserve our cultural heritage for future generations.”
Wiyaala, visibly moved by the honor, expressed her gratitude for the minister’s visit. The ‘Lioness of Africa’ pledged her commitment to the role, assuring the nation, “I have accepted this title, this honour, and I will not disappoint you. I will make the whole of Ghana proud when I go out there.”
Community Pride and Future Aspirations
Community leaders expressed immense pride in the recognition. Mr. Ernest Nwadei, delivering the welcome address on behalf of the elders, stated, “Fugu is not merely a cloth. It is a symbol of identity, dignity, hard work, creativity, and heritage.” He used the occasion to invite the minister to launch a proposed Fugu Festival in Funsi in 2027.
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic performance by the Muliabe Women’s Group, depicting the art of fishing through dance and showcasing local Fugu craftsmanship. This event underscored the ministry’s vision to position the Upper West Region as a prime destination for arts, entertainment, and heritage tourism.
Future Outlook
The minister’s tour and the crowning of Wiyaala signal a renewed focus on leveraging cultural assets for economic development in the Upper West Region. The commitment to preserving historical sites and promoting traditional textiles like Fugu suggests a strategic approach to boosting tourism. The proposed Fugu Festival in Funsi could become a significant annual event, attracting visitors and generating revenue, further solidifying the region’s cultural identity on the national and international stage. The success of this initiative will depend on sustained investment in infrastructure, marketing, and community engagement to ensure the long-term viability of heritage tourism in the area.
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