Ghana has marked World Tourism Day 2025 with a vibrant celebration of the Some Tutuza Festival in the Volta Region, highlighting the role of culture and tourism in driving peace, unity, and economic growth. This year’s event was held under the global theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.”

The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, led the national commemoration at the Agbozume School Park, where a grand durbar brought together chiefs, government officials, and citizens from the Aflao, Some, and Klikor traditional areas.

“Every visitor who enters Ghana through Aflao first experiences the warmth, hospitality, and cultural richness of our people. We must showcase our community as a place of opportunity, unity, and peace,” the Minister said, underscoring the importance of investing in cultural festivals as vehicles for national pride and community development.

Delivering a message on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, who is currently attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Dr Goosie Tannoh, Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development, commended the people of Some for preserving their heritage while fostering peace.

“This festival is a living testimony to our ancestors’ generosity and our people’s courage to build a peaceful future,” Dr Tannoh remarked. He also drew attention to the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy Programme, explaining that it would support youth in the creative arts, agro-processing, and cooperative enterprises through improved infrastructure and innovation.

This year’s Some Tutuza Festival was observed under the theme “Consolidating Peace and Unity for Social, Cultural, and Economic Development.” The occasion combined traditional rites, cultural performances, and dialogue to promote the Volta Region’s rich heritage while reinforcing its role in Ghana’s tourism agenda.

Torgbuiga Adamah III, President of the Some Traditional Area, expressed gratitude to the government for its continued support. He particularly praised President Mahama for what he described as visionary leadership, and thanked the Tourism Minister for selecting the Volta Region to host this year’s national celebrations. Both were honoured by the people of Some in recognition of their contributions.

The celebration drew a number of dignitaries, including the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, directors of the Ministry of Tourism, agency heads, traditional leaders, and other distinguished personalities.

The Some Tutuza Festival, which commemorates the Some people’s historic migration from Keta, remains a cornerstone of cultural revival and community pride. It also provides economic opportunities through cultural tourism.

By merging World Tourism Day with the festival, organisers hope to amplify Ghana’s global cultural visibility, strengthen cross-cultural exchange, and further promote tourism-led development across the country.