MP for Atwima Nwabiagya North, Frank Yeboah

The Member of Parliament for Atwima Nwabiagya North, Frank Yeboah, is urging the government to revitalize the Barekese and Owabi dams, and the adjoining Wildlife Sanctuary to harness their vast eco-tourism potential.

According to the MP, developing these three sites could significantly improve the socio-economic prospects of the area.

He noted that despite their ecological and historical importance, these attractions suffer from low patronage due to inadequate infrastructure.

Yeboah’s appeal followed a parliamentary question he posed to the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture concerning plans to promote and rejuvenate tourism assets within the Atwima Nwabiagya North Municipality.

Responding on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, sector Minister, Abla Dzifa Gomashie acknowledged the tremendous potential of the Barekese and Owabi Dams, along with the Wildlife Sanctuary.

She revealed that the government, through the Ghana Tourism Authority, is undertaking strategic initiatives to promote and develop the sites.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to unlocking the tourism and economic value of Barekese and Owabi through infrastructure enhancement, targeted promotion, and inclusive community engagement, all aimed at job creation and environmental stewardship.

The Barekese Dam, located on the Ofin River, and the Owabi Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary are considered vital eco-tourism assets in the Ashanti Region.

The area, designated as a Ramsar site, is ecologically diverse and historically important.

The Barekese Dam, constructed between 1965 and 1969, currently supplies roughly 80% of the potable water to Kumasi and nearby areas.

The Owabi Dam, originally built in 1928 and upgraded in 1954, provides around 1.6 million gallons of water daily.

The Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary is home to 161 bird species, Mona monkeys, African civets, numerous butterfly species, and more, making it an ideal location for birdwatching, boating, and recreational fishing.

Madam Gomashie, who also serves as MP for Ketu South, stated that her ministry is working collaboratively with traditional leaders, the local assembly, Ghana Water Company Limited, and the Forestry Commission’s Wildlife Division to ensure sustainable management and shared ownership of the sites.

On infrastructure development, she noted that; “The Ministry, in partnership with the Ministry of Roads and Highways, will prioritize improvements to access roads leading to Barekese Dam, Owabi Dam, and the Wildlife Sanctuary. We will also work to rehabilitate and upgrade key visitor facilities, including tourist information centres, sanitary amenities, parking spaces, and nature trails.”

She announced plans to launch an extensive sensitization and marketing campaign using flyers, brochures, leaflets, and digital platforms to increase awareness and boost visitation.

The ministry also intends to introduce recreational infrastructure such as picnic areas, viewing platforms, and guided tour services to enrich the visitor experience and encourage repeat tourism.

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel

Ever heard of Nkofie, the legendary Kwahu cave believed to grant wishes? Join GhanaWeb's People & Places as they take you on an exclusive tour of this mystical site on GhanaWeb TV:

GA