The Ahafo Regional Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Festus Boafah, has enjoined the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and other key stakeholders in tourism marketing and promotion to include sports in boosting tourism for economic and cultural development.
In an interview with JoyNews at Goaso in commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP), he urged the GTA to give leading roles to legends in the country’s sports (both retired and active) in tourism marketing and promotion.
The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP), observed on April 6, is an annual celebration of the power of sports to drive social change, community development, foster peace and understanding, bridging barriers, and transcending boundaries.
It was created by the United Nations General Assembly on August 23, 2013, and supported by the International Olympic Committee to raise awareness, celebrate success stories, strengthen partnerships, and advocate for solutions to critical challenges in sport.
Mr Bofah entreated the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to consciously develop lesser-known sports, including basketball, volleyball, hockey, badminton, tennis, golf, swimming, sprinting, boxing, wrestling, taekwondo, surfing, rowing, and diving, in addition to football, to ensure sports tourism for development.
According to him, state institutions must collaborate to organize regional and international sports events such as marathons, cycling, boxing, and golf, among others, to attract international visitors, boost the local economy, and enhance global visibility for the country.
The Regional Director highlighted the urgent need to develop special sporting assets such as scenic golf courses, hockey pitches, facilities for athletes, a football stadium, and water sports facilities, among others, to appeal to visitors and marketers.
He also urged authorities to combine sporting activities with accommodation, local tours, and cultural experiences to create attractive packages for tourists and holidaymakers.
Mr Bofah reiterated that “there is the need to use social media and digital platforms to showcase sports facilities and events, targeting sports enthusiasts around the world”.
The Regional Director highlighted the importance of integrating local culture and eco-friendly practices into sports tourism initiatives to attract travelers while benefiting local communities.
He emphasised the usefulness of creating sports museums around the various facilities across the country, which highlight the active roles, achievements, recognitions and history of Ghana’s sports heroes to attract local and international visitors.
Mr Bofah urged authorities to use this year’s theme, “Leveling the Playing Field: Sport for Social Inclusion”, to invest in growing sectors like electronic sports or adventure sports to attract youthful audiences and diversify patrons.
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