The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Nadowli-Kaleo District, Madam Mary Haruna, accompanied the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts on a working visit across parts of the Upper West Region to assess the condition and tourism potential of key heritage and cultural sites in the region.
The minister’s visit formed part of government efforts to obtain first-hand information on the numerous tourist attractions in the region, identify ways of developing them, and explore lesser-known sites that could be promoted to boost tourism and economic growth.
As part of the tour, the minister, together with Madam Mary Haruna and other officials, visited the famous “Jirapa Dubai” in Jirapa, the historic Gwollu Slave Defence Wall, and the final resting place of former President Dr Hilla Limann in the Sissala West District.
The visit later climaxed in Funsi, the capital of the Wa East District, where internationally acclaimed Ghanaian musician Wiyala was officially crowned the National Ambassador of Fugu during a colourful ceremony held in honour of the minister.
The event attracted chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, government officials and residents, who gathered in large numbers to witness the historic occasion. The people of Funsi put their rich cultural heritage on full display through traditional dances, drumming and other cultural performances that drew admiration from the minister and guests present.
Chiefs and elders of Funsi expressed profound appreciation to the government and the minister for recognising the outstanding contributions of Wiyala in promoting Ghana’s image both locally and internationally through music and culture. They assured the government that the celebrated musician would continue to make the nation proud on the global stage.
Receiving the honour, Wiyala thanked the government and the ministry for acknowledging her efforts and pledged to continue projecting Ghana positively before the international community.
According to her, promoting Ghanaian culture through music, fashion and performance would help attract more tourists to the country and deepen global appreciation for Ghana’s hospitality and cultural identity.
The minister, in her remarks, congratulated Wiyala for accepting the responsibility to serve as an ambassador of Ghanaian culture and heritage. She praised the musician for consistently showcasing the Ghana flag and traditional Ghanaian attire during her performances across the world.
The minister explained that the appointment aligns with the government’s policy encouraging citizens to wear Fugu every Wednesday as a means of promoting Ghanaian identity, culture and heritage.
Interestingly, Wiyala shares family ties with Madam Mary Haruna, as the musician’s mother hails from Kaleo, specifically from the Emoula clan to which the Nadowli-Kaleo DCE proudly belongs.
The visit is expected to strengthen efforts aimed at developing tourism in the Upper West Region while also promoting Ghana’s rich cultural traditions through music, fashion and heritage preservation.
The Trial News
Jebuni Benjamin Mensah
May 18, 2026 11:53 amThat was sterling display of our cultural heritage. Congratulations to Wiyaala