President J.A. Kufuor has explained that his decision to create the Ministry of Tourism and Modernisation of the Capital City is intended to focus special attention on the development of the capital city as an international showpiece.
He said Accra is the gateway to the country, which also prides itself as the gateway to West Africa, for which reason the city should be developed to a level befitting its status.
President Kufuor made the remarks when a delegation led by Nii Owula Kpakpa Blofonyo II, Ga Akwashong Mantse, called on him at the Castle yesterday to inform him of the death of Nii Teiku Akotia Oworsika III, the Asere Manste.
Nii Oworsika, 73, known in private life as Seth Nii Ayiboa Hammond, died on September 22, last year. The late chief will be buried tomorrow April 5, in Accra.
President Kufuor said the government took the decision to create the ministry because of the very special position of Accra. “We mean the best for Accra,” he said. He expressed the hope that with time people will appreciate the essence of the ministry.
He expressed the government’s condolences to the bereaved family and gave the assurance that the government will be represented at the burial.
Nii Bloflonyo said the late chief was a retired civil servant who served the country with dedication.