Minister calls for promotion of tourism

Tafi-Atome (V/R), Sept 28, GNA - Ms Akua Sena Dansua, the Minister of Tourism, has said promoting tourism was a multi-sector venture that needed greater support beyond the government. She appealed to corporate Ghana, private sector, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, traditional authorities and communities to partner with her ministry to realize the full potential of the sector. Ms Dansua said this at the United Nations World and National Tourism Day celebration at Tafi-Atome in the Hohoe Municipality under the theme, "Tourism-Linking Cultures." The event was attended by people from all walks of life including Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Parliamentary Select Committee members and Directors of Ministries.

She said the promulgation of the new Tourism Law ACT 817 of 2011 and the establishment of the Tourism Development Fund had given impetus for the sustainable development of the sector. Ms Dansua, the Member of Parliament of North Dayi, said the Ministry ha= d embarked upon innovative products with collaboration from partners dubbed "Ambassadorial Tours", 93Travel Ghana Project" and 93Catch Them You= ng." It is aimed at showcasing tourist potentials to prospective investors, identifiable groups and school children to appreciate their heritage. She said the sector contributed 1.8 billion dollars to the economy, representing 6.2 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), creating about 219,000 direct or indirect jobs in 2010. Ms Dansua said tourism could promote national unity, cohesion, development and understanding.

Mr Alexander Asum-Ahensah, the Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture, said the Ministry was prioritizing the visibility of the creative industry, developing museums and heritage industry as part of its five-year strategic plan towards boosting the tourism sector.

He appealed to local producers and manufacturers in the creative industry to work at value addition, quality finishing and packaging of end-products and works to shore up Ghanaian confidence in their products. Mr Asum-Ahensah called for deeper collaboration between his Ministry and Tourism to safeguard tourist sites and revitalize the country's cultu= re, tradition and heritage.

Mr John Tia Akologo, the Minister of Information, said the country was better positioned to join countries that earn huge revenue from the sector. This could be achieved when new approaches and innovation were introduced into the sector. "This country has what it takes to make tourism another beacon of ho= pe in our economic drive=85and efforts must be made to sustain the gains being chalked in the industry."

Mr Joseph Amenowode, the Volta Regional Minister, said the region remained the most diverse tourist destination in the country and that hosting the UNWTO at Tafi-Atome marked the beginning of harnessing of its potentials to reap full economic benefits. He appealed to Municipal and District Assemblies to strike partnership with private and corporate institutions to promote the growth of the sector.

He said the government was working to improve roads and expand electricity to tourism sites and gave the assurance that the Kpando-Aveti-Atome-Alakpeti road would be completed soon. Mr Aquinas Quansah, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, said the Ministry would assist Metropolitan, Municipal and District assemblies to create the enabling atmosphere including clean environment which tourism would trive. He called on stakeholders to stand firm against negative foreign influences and adulteration of the country's tradition and cultures as we= ll as address stereotypes emanating from the backlash of negative tourism. Dr (Mrs) Margaret Kweku, Hohoe Municipal Chief Executive, said the Municipality, regarded as a hub of tourism, was poised in developing its potentials to attract both domestic and foreign tourists for economic benefits. TogbeDabra V, Dufia of Tafi-Atome, said appealed to the government to extend basic amenities to the community.