The Member of Parliament for Cape Coast North, Dr. Kwamena Minta Nyarku, has voiced serious concern over what he terms ‘excessive hotel charges’ in the historic city ‘. He warned that these high prices could deter potential visitors, ultimately undermining efforts to establish Cape Coast as a premier tourism destination.
According to the MP, the rising cost of accommodation is becoming a decisive factor for tourists who might otherwise be eager to explore the city’s rich historical, cultural, and natural attractions.
Dr. Minta Nyarku made these remarks during the second edition of a forum and fundraising ceremony for Cape Coast’s eight-year development plan. The forum was held on Thursday, 13th August 2026, at the School of Graduate Studies Auditorium, University of Cape Coast.
At the event, he challenged the popular perception that the city is already fully developed as a tourism hub, arguing that Cape Coast must expand its offerings beyond the Cape Coast Castle and significantly enhance the overall visitor experience. He emphasized that a truly attractive destination must provide not only compelling sights but also affordable lodging, reliable security, efficient transportation, and quality entertainment.
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The MP’s concerns are particularly timely, as Cape Coast’s local economy depends heavily on tourism. The city’s historic landmarks most notably the Cape Coast Castle – draw visitors from across Ghana and abroad, sustaining a network of hotels, restaurants, tour operators, transport services, and small businesses. However, Dr. Nyarku believes that exorbitant accommodation fees risk eroding these economic benefits if tourists begin to view Cape Coast as an unaffordable destination.
In response to the issue, the mayor of Cape Coast, Hon. George Justice Arthur, assured participants that he would soon convene a meeting with hotel owners and managers. The discussion comes just weeks before the Oguaa Fetu Afahye festival, an annual cultural event that attracts thousands of attendees from home and abroad to celebrate the city’s rich heritage.
Separately, the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), Mr. Michael Harry Yamson, who served as the Special Guest of Honour at the forum, offered his perspective on the city’s long-term strategy. He stressed the need for the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly (CCMA) to establish viable businesses within its development plan to generate decent jobs for the unemployed youth. He further cautioned that the CCMA must implement effective levy systems to recoup funds from its proposed projects; otherwise, he warned, the investment would amount to a waste of allocated resources.
Source By DC Kwame Kwakye
