The Member of Parliament for Atwima Nwabiagya North, Frank Yeboah, is urging the government to revamp the Barekese Dam, Owabi Dam, and the adjoining Wildlife Sanctuary to harness their immense eco-tourism potential.
According to the MP, the development of these three sites could significantly enhance the socio-economic fortunes of the area. He noted that despite their ecological and historical significance, the sites have seen low patronage over the years due to inadequate infrastructure.
Mr. Yeboah’s appeal follows a parliamentary question he posed to the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture regarding plans to revitalize and promote the tourist sites within the Atwima Nwabiagya North Municipality.
In response to the question on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, sector Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie acknowledged the significant potential of the Barekese and Owabi Dams, as well as the Wildlife Sanctuary. She disclosed that the government, through the Ghana Tourism Authority, is taking strategic steps to revitalize and promote the sites.
She reaffirmed government’s commitment to unlocking the tourism and economic potential of Barekese and Owabi through improved infrastructure, targeted promotion, and community engagement to drive job creation and environmental conservation.
The Barekese Dam, located on the Ofin River, along with the Owabi Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary, are key eco-tourism assets in the Ashanti Region. The area, designated as a Ramsar site, is ecologically rich and historically significant. Constructed between 1965 and 1969, the Barekese Dam supplies approximately 80% of potable water to Kumasi and its environs. The Owabi Dam, originally built in 1928 and upgraded in 1954, currently provides about 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 destination for birdwatching, boating, and recreational fishing.
The Minister indicated that her ministry is adopting a collaborative approach involving traditional authorities, local leaders, the Nwabiagya North Municipal Assembly, the Ghana Water Company Limited, and the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission. This approach aims to ensure shared ownership, sustainable management, and community participation in the upkeep of the sites.
On infrastructure development, Madam Gomashie, who also serves as MP for Ketu South, stated:
“The Ministry, in partnership with the Ministry of Roads and Highways, will prioritize improvements to access roads leading to the Barekese Dam, Owabi Dam, and the Wildlife Sanctuary.
Additionally, we will work to rehabilitate and upgrade basic visitor facilities, including tourist information centres, sanitary facilities, parking areas, and nature trails.”
She further announced plans to launch an extensive sensitization and marketing campaign using promotional materials such as flyers, brochures, leaflets, and digital platforms to raise awareness and boost visitation.
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture also plans to introduce recreational infrastructure, including picnic spots, viewing platforms, and guided tour services, to enhance the visitor experience and encourage repeat visits.
