By Roger A. AGANA
Cape Coast, renowned for its rich history and stunning coastline, is a jewel in Ghana’s tourism sector. The city attracts thousands of tourists annually, largely driven by its historic landmarks, such as the Cape Coast and Elmina Castles.
The potential for economic growth here is immense and thrilling, promising a future of prosperity and development for the Cape Coast.
Despite its prominence, Cape Coast is in urgent need of a crucial element of a thriving modern tourist hub: a large shopping mall. This is not just a matter of convenience but a palpable demand that needs to be addressed immediately.
The absence of such an establishment is a significant gap in the city’s current infrastructure that cannot be ignored. Such an investment would elevate the city’s status, providing convenience to visitors and locals alike and positioning Cape Coast as a must-visit destination.
Untapped potential
Cape Coast is a cultural and historical cornerstone in Ghana. It is home to some of the most important relics of African history, notably linked to the transatlantic slave trade.
These heritage sites make Cape Coast a focal point for tourism, especially for diasporans and tourists interested in African history.
Every year, thousands of visitors visit the city to explore its castles and participate in major cultural events like the Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival (PANAFEST), which celebrates African resilience and heritage.
However, while Cape Coast draws many tourists, the need for more commercial infrastructure to support these visitors’ needs is undeniable.
The absence of such facilities is a clear gap that must be filled, making the case for a major shopping mall even more compelling. A major shopping mall would serve tourists and the locals, offering various services, including retail, dining, and entertainment. This would fill a significant gap in the city’s current infrastructure.
Boost the local economy
Investment in a large shopping mall would generate jobs and boost local businesses, creating a more vibrant and prosperous economy for Cape Coast.
This is a promising step towards a brighter future for the city. Shopping malls are not just places to shop—they are social and cultural centres where people meet, interact, and spend leisure time.
For Cape Coast, which already has a rich tourism base, introducing such a facility would complement its existing attractions and significantly boost local businesses, from small retailers to food vendors.
Mark Okraku Mantey, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, has pointed out that Cape Coast, located in the Central Region, needs more versatile attractions to complement its existing tourist sites.
He has called for strategic investments to benefit tourists and locals, driving more economic activity into the region. “We cannot ignore the potential for tourism and commerce to work hand in hand,” said Okraku Mantey during a recent tourism summit.
Moreover, Osabarimba Kwesi Arthur II, the Omanhen of Oguaa Traditional Area, emphasised the need for investments in the region. Despite its historical significance, He expressed frustration over Cape Coast’s underdevelopment.
“The time has come for us to move forward,” said Osabarimba Arthur. He believes that Cape Coast, often hailed as Ghana’s education and culture cradle, should also be a beacon of economic growth.
Sustainable tourism
Introducing a mall in Cape Coast would also align with sustainable tourism goals. The idea is to attract tourists and ensure their presence positively impacts the local economy while promoting responsible tourism practices and minimising environmental impact.
Tourists arriving on the Cape Coast often desire better shopping and leisure options. Currently, most have to travel to Accra for more comprehensive shopping experiences. By creating a world-class shopping mall on the Cape Coast, investors would help anchor more tourism dollars in the city.
This perspective is echoed by Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, who has been a vocal advocate for leveraging tourism as a driver for regional development.
“We need to show the world that Cape Coast is more than just a historical destination; it’s a city ready for business,” said Agyeman during the launch of the Year of Return initiative.
Tourism and commerce
Internationally, tourism experts and business leaders have long acknowledged the need to blend tourism with commerce.
Johnathan Tisch, a global leader in the tourism industry, once said, “Tourism is a powerful force for economic growth.”
For Cape Coast, which already enjoys a rich influx of visitors, adding commercial hubs like shopping malls could enhance its appeal, making it a desirable destination for travellers seeking cultural experiences and modern conveniences.
Additionally, Richard Quest, CNN’s leading business travel correspondent, has often remarked on the importance of infrastructure in tourism development.
He once noted, “A city without its basic commercial infrastructure is like a book without pages.” For Cape Coast, introducing a shopping mall would provide pages to its story and create new chapters for its future.
Opportunity for investors
The combination of Cape Coast’s thriving tourism sector and untapped commercial potential presents a unique opportunity for investors.
Given the city’s growing tourism and the support from government officials, traditional leaders, and tourism experts, the return on investment could be substantial.
As Ghana continues to develop economically, regions like Cape Coast will increasingly play acentral role in the country’s growth story. With the backing of government officials, traditional leaders, and tourism experts, the call for more regional investment is louder than ever.
Their strong support and endorsement of this project underscore its legitimacy and potential to benefit the local community and economy significantly.
In conclusion, Cape Coast is ripe for development. Its historical significance and the growing number of tourists make it the perfect location for a major shopping mall.
Such an investment would enrich the lives of locals, enhance the tourist experience, and contribute to the city’s long-term economic stability, aligning with Cape Coast’s strategic plan for economic development. The time has come for Cape Coast to become a cultural landmark and a commercial hub.
