Bongo: The Upper East Regional Office of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has marked this year’s World Tourism Day at the historic Bongo Caves and Rocks, showcasing the district’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event was held under the global theme: ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation’, and brought together traditional leaders, government officials, private sector players, students, youth groups, and tourism enthusiasts.
The Bongo Caves and Rocks are one of the numerous natural sceneries in the district, offering a sense of relaxation and comfort. Speaking at the ceremony to mark the event, the Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional Area, Naba Salifu Baba Atamale Lemyaarum, commended the GTA for choosing the caves and rocks as the venue for this year’s commemoration. He described the move as a significant acknowledgment of Bongo’s historical and cultural value and pledged his readiness to partner with stakeholders to advance tourism development in the district.
Mr. Wisdom Ahadzi, the Regional Director of the GTA, noted that the choice of Bongo reflected the Authority’s commitment to promoting lesser-known but culturally rich tourism sites in line with this year’s theme. He emphasized that the district abounds with untapped attractions that could raise its profile as a tourism destination and there was the urgent need for collective and deliberate efforts to promote the area.
Mr. Joseph Akaseke Abaa, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bongo, highlighted the economic potential of tourism, stressing its role in job creation and community development. He called for deliberate investment in tourism infrastructure and stronger marketing strategies to fully harness the district’s natural assets for sustainable development and economic empowerment.
As part of the commemoration, participants planted trees to symbolize sustainable growth and later embarked on a guided tour and hiking expedition around the caves and rock formations. The experience offered visitors a deeper appreciation of Bongo’s stunning landscape and heritage.
The celebration underscored a collective resolve by traditional leaders, local government, and the GTA to transform Bongo’s natural endowments into a driver of sustainable development and a magnet for both domestic and international tourists.