Cape Coast lacks tourism essentials — MP Ragga urges shift in development focus

Cape Coast North MP, Dr. Kwamena Minta Nyarku, also known as Ragga, has challenged the widely held view that Cape Coast is a tourism hub, arguing that beyond the Cape Coast Castle, the city lacks attractions to justify the label.

Speaking at the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly’s Medium-Term Development Plan stakeholder engagement on June 16, 2025, he said the city must "tailor its development blueprint to truly become a tourism hub."

He criticised the lack of nightlife, noting, "There is no nightlife in Cape Coast. After 10 pm, the city becomes inactive with almost everyone in their rooms. What are they doing there?" According to him, this drives away tourists rather than retaining them.

Dr. Nyarku also condemned the poor street lighting, especially during power outages, and expressed frustration over the temporary lighting improvements made only when government officials visit. "Anytime any government official is visiting Cape Coast, the malfunctioning streetlights suddenly work. How the assembly manages to achieve this is unclear," he remarked.

He further questioned the tangible outcomes of the Oguaa Fetu Afahye festival. "Can anyone identify a school project, factory, or edifice constructed as a result of the festival within the last 5 years?" he asked.

Touching on education, the MP decried poor infrastructure in basic schools, saying many pupils still lack basic furniture and computer access. "If indeed we want Cape Coast to be the educational hub, all our schools should be top-notch to attract pupils from everywhere," he stressed.

Ragga concluded by urging stakeholders to think boldly about Cape Coast’s future. "What future do you envisage for your kids in Cape Coast within the next few years? That future starts today and the development of the plan," he said.