Kintampo Waterfalls: Tourism Minister Warns Land Grabbers to Stay Away

The Kintampo Waterfalls in the Bono East Region have come under renewed attention following a three-day familiarisation tour of the Bono and Bono East regions by the Minister for Tourism, Creative Arts and Culture, Dzifa Abla Gomashie.

The Minister, who visited the iconic tourist attraction on Monday, praised traditional authorities, municipal officials and community members for their efforts in preserving the natural environment.

Minister praises Kintampo Waterfalls

Expressing her admiration for the site, Minister Gomashie described the Kintampo Waterfalls as a national treasure and commended local stakeholders for protecting it.

“I commend Nananom, the Municipal authorities, and the good people of this community for their stewardship. To see this environment so well preserved is a testament to your dedication. You have done Ghana proud,” she said.

Located about four kilometres from Kintampo township, the waterfalls descend approximately 70 metres in three stages, making it one of Ghana’s notable and accessible waterfalls.

The attraction also features a canopy walkway that allows visitors to experience the surrounding forest from above while enjoying panoramic views of the landscape.

Strong warning to land grabbers

Despite her praise for the site’s preservation, the Minister issued a strong warning to individuals seeking to encroach on or develop parts of the protected area.

She cautioned prospective land grabbers and developers to stay away from the enclave, stressing that the government would take action to protect the site.

“Let me be clear to those who are dreaming of encroaching on this land: stay away before the government comes after you. This environment is a national treasure, and we will protect it at all costs,” she warned.

The warning forms part of the Minister’s broader efforts to protect Ghana’s tourism and heritage assets from unauthorised development and encroachment.

Earlier this month, she directed the removal of unauthorised structures around some of Ghana’s forts and castles, arguing that such developments could undermine the preservation of the country’s cultural heritage.

Call to tourists and investors

Minister Gomashie also encouraged Ghanaians, members of the diaspora and tourism-focused investors to explore the opportunities available in Kintampo.

Describing the area as the “centre of Ghana,” she said the town and its surrounding communities have several attractions capable of supporting tourism and local economic development.

“I urge all Ghanaians and those in the diaspora who have tourism at heart to come and see what Kintampo has to offer. This is the centre of Ghana, full of attractions. You must pay a visit,” she said.

Beyond the waterfalls, the Bono East Region boasts other attractions, including the canopy walkway, Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary and Digya National Park.

The Kintampo Waterfalls also offers opportunities for activities such as swimming, hiking and bird watching, making it an attractive stop for travellers moving between Kumasi and Tamale, as well as tourists heading towards Mole National Park.

Tourism as a driver of regional development

The Minister’s tour of the Bono and Bono East regions forms part of the Ministry’s wider assessment of tourism, cultural and creative arts sites across Ghana.

Her engagements with regional and local authorities are expected to inform efforts to improve tourism infrastructure, promote sustainable development and unlock the economic potential of attractions across the regions.

Source:myjoyonline