A delegation from the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, along with its agencies, including the National Tourist Board and Monument and Relics Commission, led by the Minister, Mrs. Nabeela Farida Tunis, embarked on a visit to Kabala, located in the Koinadugu District. During their visit, they explored the eco-tourism site at Wara Wara Mountain and the cultural village of Yagala.
The primary objective of the two-day visit was to extend the Tourism for All Campaign to the district and to showcase its touristic attractions and cultural diversity. Additionally, the delegation aimed to establish partnerships for the development and promotion of attraction sites, and arrangements were made for the training of tour guides in the district.
Before visiting Wara Wara Mountain and Yagala village, the Minister and her team paid a courtesy call to Paramount Chief Alie BallaSama Marah III of Sembeh and Paramount Chief Kondowlay Mansaray III of Gbawara Wara Wara Yagala Chiefdom. The chiefs warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed their excitement about the development of touristic and cultural products in Koinadugu and Falaba districts. They highlighted the value and richness of local touristic attractions such as Bintumani Mountain, Lake Sonfon, and the Wara Wara Yagala Cave, urging the Ministry to leverage these advantages to promote their attractions.
During their visit to the eco-tourism site of Wara Wara Mountain, the Minister confirmed its unique landscape and suitability for adventure and agro-tourism. At Yagala village, the team experienced the rich cultural diversity through exhibitions and performances showcasing different traditional marriages and cultural shows. A highlight of the cultural show was the enthusiasm and willingness of the people to share their culture, including the significance of the old Yagala Limba Slave Resistance Refuge.
In her remarks, Minister Tunis thanked the people of Yagala village for their exceptional exhibition and performance of their rich culture. She assured them of future visits to promote their diverse cultural talents and encouraged them to continue showcasing their culture as a means of not only bringing joy to people but also showcasing Sierra Leonean cultural heritage. She emphasized the importance of protecting local attractions to attract more visitors interested in learning about their cultures. The Minister also pledged to engage in further activities to integrate the touristic and cultural products of the district into tourist packages.
The delegation included the Permanent Secretary, Edward Kwame Yankson, the Deputy Director of Tourism, Idrissa Bangura, the Founder of Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Bala Amarasekaran, and staff from the Ministry and its agencies.
MTCA Communications
