Marine Drive Project: GTA, Ministers, and chiefs witness transformational progress

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), under the leadership of its CEO, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, conducted a high-profile inspection and tour of the ongoing Marine Drive Project in Accra.

The event brought together notable dignitaries, including Nii Kwabena Bonnie V, the Osu Alata Mantse; Hon. Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, Greater Accra Regional Minister; Hon. Andrew Egyapa Mercer, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture; and Mark Okraku Mantey, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.

Media chiefs of Osu and other key stakeholders also joined the tour to witness the progress of the landmark initiative.

A Moment of Pride for Osu

Nii Kwabena Bonnie V expressed his pride in the transformation taking place at the project site. "In the past, this area was in a deplorable state," he remarked. "Now, with the Marine Drive Project, we see remarkable progress. This makes us, as people of Osu, very proud."

He underscored the project’s potential to generate employment for locals while enhancing Osu’s reputation as a cornerstone of Ghana’s cultural heritage. "Osu is Ghana," he declared, affirming the community's integral role in the country’s progress. He assured that the Osu Traditional Council would continue to support and pray for the project's successful completion.

Government's Commitment to Tourism Development

Hon. Titus-Glover commended President Nana Akufo-Addo and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture for their steadfast dedication to the Marine Drive Project. He emphasized the initiative’s importance in redefining Ghana’s tourism landscape, creating economic opportunities, and positioning the nation as a global destination.

The Marine Drive Project: An Ambitious Vision

Launched by President Akufo-Addo, the Marine Drive Project is a US$1.2 billion Public-Private Partnership initiative. Spanning a 241-acre stretch along Accra’s coastline, the project is designed to revolutionize Ghana’s tourism industry, creating approximately 150,000 jobs while driving economic growth.

World-renowned Ghanaian architect Sir David Adjaye, along with his firm Messrs David Adjaye and Associates, conceptualized the project. It features a blend of cultural and modern elements, with a centerpiece theme park dedicated to Ghana’s founding fathers, the Big Six. The development will also include hotels, cultural villages, shopping malls, and recreational centers.

A Historic Vision Coming to Life

The origins of the Marine Drive Project date back to 1963 when Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, envisioned the transformation of Accra’s coastline into a vibrant economic and cultural hub. Decades of delays and unfulfilled promises by successive administrations followed until President Akufo-Addo revived and brought the vision to fruition.

Looking Ahead

Upon completion, the Marine Drive Project is expected to position Ghana as a leading tourism hub in Africa. It aligns with the government’s overarching strategy to transform the tourism, arts, and culture sectors. Stakeholders expressed optimism about the project’s ability to redefine Accra’s coastline, create vast economic opportunities, and elevate Ghana’s global tourism appeal.

This inspection underscored a renewed commitment to the project’s timely completion, with all involved parties eager to see it emerge as a landmark symbol of Ghana’s progress and innovation.