A statement by Bismark Botchwey, a renowned blogger, and development communication executive, has reignited a critical conversation about development priorities in Ghana’s Central Region.

Bismark Botchwey ~ Founder/CEO – SintimMedia

The founder and CEO of Sintim Media, in his assertion that “Hon. A Plus’ Gomoa Easter Carnival initiative will serve as an eye-opener to Members of Parliament who underestimate the value of investing in creative arts, culture, and tourism”, could not be more timely.

At a period when traditional sources of revenue such as agriculture and government subventions face increasing strain, the creative economy presents a largely untapped goldmine for constituencies across the 23 parliamentary areas in the Central Region. From Cape Coast Castle to Elmina Castle, the region is already endowed with globally recognized heritage assets. Yet, beyond these landmarks, there exists an expansive cultural landscape waiting to be developed, packaged, and monetized.

Hon. A Plus’ Gomoa Easter Carnival is not merely a festive gathering; it is a strategic economic intervention. Well-organized carnivals across the world from Brazil’s Rio Carnival to Trinidad and Tobago’s annual festivities generate millions of dollars in tourism receipts, create thousands of temporary and permanent jobs, and stimulate local economies.

The Gomoa initiative by Hon. Kwame Asare Obeng, MP for Gomoa Central has the potential to replicate this success on a regional scale if properly supported and institutionalized.

Considering the economic ripple effects. A single, well-promoted cultural festival can drive demand in hospitality, transport, fashion, food services, and media production. Local hotels in Gomoa and surrounding districts could experience full occupancy during the Easter period. Food vendors, artisans, costume designers, event planners, photographers, and digital content creators all stand to benefit. This is the ecosystem of the creative economy one that thrives on collaboration and multiplies income streams.

Members of Parliament in all 23 constituencies  in the central region must begin to view culture not as a mere tradition but as capital. For instance, the strategic marketing and modernization of our local festivals can be repositioned as international tourist attractions. By investing in infrastructure, roads, event spaces, sanitation, and digital promotion, MPs can turn these festivals into annual economic hubs.

Furthermore, the creative arts sector offers significant opportunities for youth employment. Establishing community-based creative hubs equipped with studios for music, film, and digital production can empower young people to develop marketable skills. Partnerships with private investors and international cultural organizations can also attract funding and expertise into the region.

Tourism-linked investments are equally critical. Developing eco-tourism sites such as Kakum National Park into more immersive experiences with canopy walk expansions, guided cultural tours, and digital storytelling can increase visitor spending and length of stay. When tourists stay longer, they spend more, and that directly translates into local economic growth.

The private sector is already watching. Investors are more likely to commit capital to regions that demonstrate a clear vision and policy support for tourism and the creative arts. MPs, as the primary development advocates for their constituencies, must therefore lead in creating enabling environments through policy advocacy, budget allocation, and stakeholder engagement.

Bismark Botchwey’s statement is not just commentary; it is a call to action. The Gomoa Easter Carnival should serve as a blueprint a pilot project that proves what is possible when culture meets strategy. If embraced across the Central Region, such initiatives could redefine local economies, reduce unemployment, and position the region as a leading cultural and tourism destination in West Africa.

The time has come for a paradigm shift. Creative arts, culture, and tourism are no longer peripheral sectors they are central to sustainable economic development. The question is no longer whether MPs should invest in them, but how quickly they can act to unlock their full potential.

source: Sintim Media