Brong Ahafo makes 300 million cedis from tourism annually

Nchiraa (B/A), Sept. 23, GNA - Brong-Ahafo Region bags a minimum of 300 million cedis annually as proceeds from its tourist sites and has employed 4,650 persons in various capacities at listed tourist points. Mr Francis Tapena, Acting Regional Manager of Ghana Tourist Board, announced this at a durbar of chiefs and people of Nchiraa in the Wenchi District as part of activities marking this year's celebration of World Tourism Day.

The Nchiraa Falls in the District was chosen as the venue for the regional celebration under the theme: "Tourism Enriches". The celebration was aimed at wooing Ghanaians to undertake domestic tourism and highlighting the great potentials of tourism as a catalyst for national growth and wealth creation.

Giving statistics and a summary on tourist sites, accommodation, catering, entertainment and travel service establishments in the Region, Mr Tapena said the number of tourism units in the region had increased from 115 to 155 and hotels and guest houses from 101 to 136.

Mr Tapena urged the inhabitants to maintain law and order to attract more tourists to the waterfalls, "since the promotion of tourism cannot thrive without an atmosphere of peace and stability". He called on the people to undertake monthly clean-up exercises and cautioned the youth against indulging in immoral lifestyles with tourists to avoid contracting HIV/AIDS.

The Acting Regional Manager said the construction of the railings at the Falls was estimated at 1.7 billion cedis, adding other facilities including the information, reception and exhibition centres would be built later at the site.

Madam Bintu Farizana Ibrahim, District Chief Executive for Wenchi, said the District abounds in many tourism potentials and promised that the Assembly would work hard to put the District on the country's tourism map.

"There are forest reserves and seven other tourist attraction sites", she said and gave the assurance that she would ensure the construction of the railings and a staircase along the path leading to the falls site.

Nana Tabiri Kweku, Chief of Nchiraa, urged the government to facilitate the provision of the necessary facilities at the site to enable it to generate revenue for the development of the town. He urged parents to take advantage of the capitation grant and enrol their children in school.

Mr Tapena and the DCE planted tree seedlings at selected points at the falls site to commemorate the day. 23 Sept. 06