Ghana fast-tracks Accra Marine Drive project with technical committee inauguration

The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has inaugurated a Technical Committee to oversee the implementation of the Accra Marine Drive Tourism Investment Project, reaffirming the government’s commitment to revitalising one of Ghana’s most significant urban and tourism initiatives.

The inauguration, held at the Ministry in Accra, marks a renewed push to advance the long-delayed project, which aims to transform the Accra waterfront into a world-class tourism, leisure and commercial hub.

In her address, Gomashie acknowledged that the project had faced considerable setbacks over the years due to planning and administrative challenges. However, she noted that under the leadership of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, the project has regained momentum and is now progressing steadily, describing the inauguration of the Technical Committee as a critical step toward fast-tracking implementation, stressing the need for efficiency, collaboration and strict adherence to legal and regulatory frameworks.

“You have a crucial task over the next 18 to 24 months to ensure that processes are expedited, bureaucratic bottlenecks are addressed, and all stakeholders work together to achieve the objectives of the project,” she stated.

The Minister further emphasised that the successful execution of the Marine Drive Project would significantly boost tourism, create jobs and contribute to economic growth, while enhancing Ghana’s cultural and creative arts sector.

Gomashie also highlighted the importance of inter-ministerial and inter-agency collaboration, noting that the committee’s work would be instrumental in ensuring coordinated decision-making and effective project delivery, urging members to uphold professionalism, integrity and confidentiality in the discharge of their duties.

The Technical Committee, chaired by the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Yussif Issaka Jajah, comprises representatives from key ministries, departments, agencies and private sector stakeholders, including the Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana Tourism Development Company, Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Lands Commission, utility service providers and project consultants.

Its mandate includes providing technical guidance, facilitating inter-agency collaboration, resolving bottlenecks and ensuring that the project is delivered on time, within budget and in line with national development priorities.

The committee will operate for an initial period of 18 to 24 months, subject to extension.

Responding on behalf of the committee, Jajah expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in the members and assured the Minister of their commitment to delivering on the project’s mandate.

“We will adhere to the terms of reference and work diligently to ensure that the timelines, objectives and targets of the Marine Drive Project are achieved,” he said, while calling for strong cooperation among members to guarantee success.

The Accra Marine Drive Tourism Investment Project is a flagship government initiative designed to attract private investment, upgrade infrastructure and stimulate economic activity along the capital’s coastline.

The inauguration of the Technical Committee signals a renewed national effort to bring the long-anticipated project to fruition, with stakeholders expressing optimism about its potential to transform Accra’s coastal landscape and drive sustainable development.