Dzifa Gomashie, the Tourism Minister, Culture and Creative Arts, has ordered the immediate removal of unauthorised structures around Ghana’s forts and castles.
She warned that continued encroachment threatens the preservation of the country’s cultural heritage.
According to Dzifa Gomashie, some heritage sites are facing severe pressure from illegal developments, including areas intended to serve as historic monuments.
The Tourism Minister disclosed that efforts to remove the structures must go hand in hand with sustained engagement with communities living at heritage sites, adding that residents are more likely to support preservation efforts when they understand the historical and cultural significance,
Speaking at a symposium on the Korea-Ghana Heritage Project in Accra, Dzifa Gomashie stated, “Often, we leave out the engagement with the community. And so they don’t see the importance of why our, for example, call for the demolition of illegal structures around the forts and castles”.
“If I show you pictures of the encroachment on the buffer for the forts and castles, you will join me in doing Aluta,” she said.
She argued that protecting Ghana’s heritage sites could not be left to government alone.
In related news, Abla Dzifa Gomashie has revealed that Ghana has generated an estimated $4.34 billion from 1.3 million international tourists in 2025.
According to the Tourism Minister, the tourism, culture and creative arts sector recorded growth across several key areas.
She disclosed that Ghana recorded 1,303,962 international tourist arrivals in 2025, up from 1,288,804 arrivals recorded in 2024.
Abla Dzifa Gomashie made this known at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, August 10.
She revealed that the increase in international arrivals translated into significant revenue for the country, which generated $4.34 billion in tourism.
She further provided performance of Ghana’s major tourist attractions, listing Ghana’s 10 most visited sites collectively attracted 1,377,588 visitors in 2025.
Ghana’s leading tourist sites were the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Kakum National Park, Bunso Arboretum Eco Park, Cape Coast Castle, Manhyia Palace, Kumasi Zoo, Accra Zoo, Elmina Castle, Shai Hills Resource Reserve and the Agri-Botanical Garden.
She, however, revealed that only three of the 10 attractions are directly under the Ministry of Tourism while the others are managed through different institutions.
The Tourism Minister also provided an update on efforts to support Ghana’s creative industries.
According to her, a proposed fund for the creative arts was expected to stimulate production, improve the quality of creative content and create jobs, while also strengthening Ghana’s intellectual property position in both local and international markets.
“The fund is anticipated to catalyse production activity, improve content quality, create jobs, strengthen Ghana’s intellectual property for both domestic and international markets,” she stated.
She further disclosed that work was ongoing to finalise the modalities for putting the fund into operation, with the Attorney-General’s Ministry involved in the process.
Abla Dzifa Gomashie also outlined measures being taken to improve the facility and its contribution to the country’s tourism, culture and creative arts industries.
“We have successfully crafted a strategic plan from 2026 to 2030 to guide the running of the National Theatre of Ghana and ensure its optimal contribution to the tourism, culture, and creative arts industry,” she said.
@ghnow_ Black Stars goalkeeper Benjamin Asare has confirmed receiving the cash reward promised by media personality Kevin Taylor for keeping a clean sheet during the World Cup. He expressed appreciation for the gesture. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ The Ghana Police Service says it has foiled an attempted robbery at GCB Bank in Labone, Accra. Two suspects were shot dead while another was arrested during the operation on 13 August 2026. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
