The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has officially opened the redeveloped Pikworo Heritage and Slave Camp in Nania near Paga, Upper East Region, to enhance tourism and support the local economy. The redevelopment includes new infrastructure such as a perimeter wall, summer huts, washrooms, and an administration block featuring a reception area, manager’s office, and a souvenir display room. Additional work, including fencing, a graveyard, and landscaping, is still to be completed.
This redevelopment is part of a broader effort to revitalize key tourist sites in Ghana, particularly those tied to the country’s slave trade history, with funding from the Tourism Development Fund. The goal is to preserve cultural heritage, attract more tourists, and stimulate local job creation and economic growth.
At the opening ceremony, Mr. Benjamin Anane, Deputy CEO of GTA, emphasized the importance of improving tourist site infrastructure to boost visitation and revenue generation. He noted that while Ghana is a leader in West African tourism, there is a target to move up to the top five tourist destinations in sub-Saharan Africa within the next five years.
Mr. Wisdom Ahadzi, the GTA Regional Director for Upper East, stressed the importance of community involvement in tourism development, while Mr. Gerard Ataogye, the District Chief Executive of Kassena-Nankana West, praised the investment for its potential to drive local economic growth. Local leaders, including Pe Asangchera Thomas Aluah of Kazigu, encouraged the public to visit the site to learn about its historical significance.
A five-member committee was established to oversee the operation of the Pikworo Slave and Heritage Camp.
