Jamaican Community Tourism Program Launches Pilot Site in Paga, Ghana

Paga, in Ghana's Kassena-Nankana West District, became the first African pilot location for the Royal Community Tourism Development Program on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. The initiative, led by the Jamaican-based Countrystyle Community Tourism Network, aims to transform communities with tourism potential into business and investment destinations.

The launch ceremony took place at Paga Town Park and was attended by a Jamaican delegation headed by Network Chairman Roy Page and senior architect Jason Stone, as well as traditional leaders, residents and members of the Paga Youth Movement.

Key components of the programme include the creation of identity centres and Traditional Truth Museums to showcase local history, culture and heritage. The "Know Thyself Africa‑Caribbean Initiative" will facilitate cultural and business exchanges between Paga and members of the African diaspora in the Caribbean, Europe and the Americas. About 100 Jamaicans are expected to visit Paga in 2027 to reconnect with African heritage and explore partnership opportunities.

Official support

The delegation paid homage to Paramount Chief Abdulai Jinapor II of the Buipe Traditional Area and met Upper East Regional Minister Akamugri Donatus Atanga, who pledged government support for the project. Officials from the Ghana Tourism Authority’s Upper East Regional Office, led by Joseph Appiagei, were also consulted.

Traditional authorities visited included Paga Pio Charles Awiah Awampaga II, Paramount Chief of the Paga Traditional Area, Bongo Naba Naba Baba Salifu Atamale Lemyaarum, and Navro‑Pio Pe Aneakwoa Balinia Adda Asagpaare II. The delegation toured local attractions such as the Pikworo Slave Camp, the two crocodile ponds (Chief Pond and Zenga Pond), the Ghana‑Burkina Faso border and the Upper East Regional Museum.

The launch marks a concerted effort to position Paga as a centre for heritage‑based tourism, diaspora engagement and community enterprise, with the broader goal of converting cultural identity and local attractions into sustainable economic opportunities for residents.