Paga to establish cultural tourism centre, targets Caribbean visitors from 2027

Paga in the Upper East Region is expected to host a modern physical and digital centre showcasing its culture and heritage, as the Countrystyle Community Tourism Network prepares to attract visitors from Jamaica, the wider Caribbean and the Rastafarian community from as early as March 2027.

The Jamaican tourism organisation has begun engaging residents on its Royal Community Tourism Programme, bringing together chiefs and elders, traders, women's groups, youth, other stakeholders and community members to discuss the initiative.

Based in Mandeville, Jamaica, the Countrystyle Community Tourism Network specialises in training communities in hospitality, entrepreneurship and tour design.

Its chairman, Roy Page, said arrangements were underway to bring tourists from Jamaica and other Caribbean countries to Paga by March 2027, creating opportunities to boost tourism in the community and Ghana as a whole ahead of the country's 70th anniversary celebrations.

He said the network's investment plans for the area would also cover agriculture and entertainment, alongside tourism.

Mr. Page explained that the proposed physical and digital centre would document Paga's history, culture and heritage, while training programmes in business and hospitality would equip young people with relevant skills.

He urged residents to take advantage of the opportunities the programme would offer once it became operational.

Centre to preserve Paga's cultural heritage

The network's African Ambassador, Dr. Tengol K. Kplemani, said the proposed Tourism Identity Centre would preserve and showcase traditional and cultural artefacts, as well as the heritage of the community.

He added that plans were also underway for recreational centres, a museum and other tourism facilities to strengthen Paga's appeal to visitors.

Dr. Kplemani said he selected Paga for the initiative because of the commitment of the Paga Youth Movement, which he described as a key force in community development and in bringing opportunities closer to residents.

"I told them that in Africa, every community belongs to a traditional setting, being a chief or king," he said.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Kplemani also highlighted the difference between talking and speaking, explaining that talking was about being heard, while speaking involved engaging listeners at a deeper, more conscientious level.

He said his part of the preparatory work had been completed and appealed to the people of Paga to support the initiative to ensure its successful implementation.

Regional tourism director highlights local attractions

The Upper East Regional Director of Tourism, Joseph Appiagyei, commended the people of Paga for their unity and hospitality, describing these qualities as important assets in attracting international visitors.

He also praised the Paga Youth Movement for its commitment to advancing development in the community.

Mr. Appiagyei highlighted several attractions in Paga, including the Pikworo Slave Camp, the Crocodile Pond and the Ghana-Burkina Faso border.

He also mentioned the Tono Irrigation Dam and the Tongo Hills as other tourist attractions in the Upper East Region.

The regional tourism director appealed to the Countrystyle Community Tourism Network to consider investing further in the area, arguing that tourism development could create employment opportunities for young people and generate business for residents.