Lack of facilities hindering tourism devt - Obetsebi Lamptey

Accra, Jan. 24, GNA - Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, Minister designate for the Ministry of Tourism and Modernisation of the Capital City, on Monday said the lack of facilities, poor infrastructure, high hotel and airfares were some factors hindering the rapid development of the tourism sector.

He said the Ministry was introducing various measures including charter flight operations to bring down the cost of airfares to attract tourists into the country.

Mr Obetsebi-Lamptey was answering questions from the Appointments Committee of Parliament when he took his turn to be vetted. He said the EREDED Hotel in the Eastern Region was to be developed so that it would serve as a training facility to help the tourism industry.

On the development of domestic tourism, he said awareness creation was ongoing to make more Ghanaians take interest in the sector. Mr Obetsebi-Lamptey said there were plans to modernise the capital city and make it a "mega Accra"

He said this in answer to a question from Mr. Michael Teye Nyaunu, NDC-Lower Manya Krobo as to what had been modernised since he, Mr Obestebi Lamptey took over the Ministry.

The Minster-designate said a stakeholders meeting had been held to settle on a plan to develop the city.

He said there were plans to spread the administration of Accra through the introduction of sub-metro chief executives to get more people involved in the management of the city.

According to him, the Bukom Square in the Ga Mashie area was to be re-developed as part of the modernisation process.

Earlier, answering some questions related to his former position as Chief of Staff, Mr Obestebi-Lamptey denied an allegation that his company was ever awarded a contract for the renovation of the Osu Castle.

He also said denied another allegations that he assisted the Mormon Church in Ghana to secure a land and put up a church building through his assistance in exchange for the payment of Mr Obetsebi Lamptey's daughter's schooling outside.