Alexander Akwasi Acquah urges assemblies to develop tourist sites for revenue

Alexander Akwasi Acquah, the Ranking Member of the Committee on Local Government and Rural Development, has urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to invest in local tourist attractions to strengthen their revenue bases. Speaking during a public hearing in Parliament, the Akyem Oda MP emphasized that assemblies must strategically utilize their financial allocations for income-generating projects rather than relying solely on central government funding.

During the hearing, Acquah pointed to specific sites with untapped economic potential, such as the tomb of former President Dr. Hilla Limann in the Sissala West District. He argued that the development and promotion of such historical and cultural landmarks could provide a steady stream of Internally Generated Funds (IGF), helping districts achieve greater financial independence and sustainability.

In response to the MP's suggestions, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Sissala West acknowledged the potential for tourism to boost the local economy but cited limited resources as a primary challenge. However, the DCE noted that the assembly is currently in discussions with private developers to explore investment opportunities and partnerships that could bring these tourism projects to fruition.

The call for tourism-led development reflects a broader push within Parliament for MMDAs to become more innovative in their revenue collection strategies. By prioritizing the enhancement of local assets, assemblies are encouraged to move away from a culture of dependency on the District Assemblies Common Fund and instead focus on sustainable economic growth through the preservation and commercialization of national heritage sites.