By Samuel SAM
The Savannah Region recorded a surge in tourism in 2024, boosting economic activities and creating jobs.
The rehabilitation of Mole National Park facilities, the Larabanga Mosque, the Mystery Stone, the Salaga Slave Market and its wells, coupled with the region’s peace and serene environment, have made these sites more attractive to tourists and investors.
According to data from the Savannah Regional Office of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), the region welcomed 23,900 tourists in 2024, an increase of 5,740 from the 18,160 recorded in 2023.
The statistics further revealed notable improvements in visitor numbers at key sites. For instance, the Mognori Eco-Village recorded 530 tourists in 2024, comprising 200 locals and 330 foreigners, compared to 650 visitors in 2023, including 250 locals and 400 foreigners.
The Larabanga Mosque recorded 610 visitors in 2024, up from 480 in 2023, with the number of local tourists increasing from 230 to 300 and foreign visitors rising from 250 to 310.
The GTA’s analysis also showed that since 2020, the region has experienced a steady increase in both tourists and investors, boosting domestic tourism and preserving cultural heritage.
The recently inaugurated Salaga Tourism Sites and the improved road network have enhanced accessibility to key attractions, including the Mole Park, Larabanga Mosque and the Mystery Stone. Roads leading to these attractions have been tarred, making them more motorable and appealing to visitors.
Park officials attribute the growing interest to strict protection of forest reserves, awareness campaigns and the provision of alternative livelihoods for residents near the park. These efforts have reduced wildlife poaching, providing tourists with exciting experiences of seeing protected animals.
Former Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, noted: “The rehabilitation of the Salaga Slave Market and Heritage Site is more than a remembrance of the past; it acknowledges the role slavery played in shaping our world today”.
Residents have expressed gratitude to the management of Mole Park and the GTA for their efforts in preserving and protecting the region’s tourist sites. These efforts have significantly boosted local businesses, including artisans, transport operators and the hospitality sector.
Savannah Regional Marketing Officer for GTA, Kennis Ateere, highlighted the authority’s collaboration with traditional authorities, government agencies and private organisations to enhance domestic tourism and cultural heritage.
“The 2024 emancipation commissioning of the Salaga Market and Heritage Site has significantly boosted tourism in Salaga. Similarly, Damongo has benefitted from increased tourism to the park, Mystery Stone and Larabanga Mosque, promoting Ghana’s rich heritage, history and pan-Africanism,” he said.
He added that the accommodation sector has been the primary beneficiary, with most visitors staying for more than a day. Efforts are underway to build the capacity of smock weavers and other artisans to produce quality products that will further promote the sector.
Mr. Ateere called on investors to collaborate with the GTA to build on existing sites and identify new potential attractions to create more job opportunities and reduce unemployment in the region.
