Pet Show & Food Fair Ends

Pet Show Ends
Dr. K. Bowi Darkwa, Executive Director of the La Veterinary Hospital, Saturday said the notion that pet keeping is mainly a pre-occupation of the wealthy is gradually being discarded.

He said that more people in Ghana keep showing interest in the rearing of pets, as they gain more knowledge about the benefits of keeping them.

Dr. Darkwa who was speaking to the Ghana News Agency at the end of a three-day pet show held in Accra, described the show as a success as far as patronage is concerned.

Dr. Darkwa who is also chairman of the organising committee of the show said one main problem that organisers faced was that of finance.

He expressed the hope that in future individuals and organisations would help with sponsorship, adding that publicity bears immense cost.

About 20 companies including a foreign one took part in the show, which was under the theme, "a good pet a friend forever."

A dog and equestrian display were held to mark the end of the show.

Pet owners whose animals excelled in various competitions held as part of the show received a number of awards and prizes.

The show was organised by Infocus Public Relations under the auspices of the Ghana Veterinary Medical Association.

Traditional Food Fair Ends in Kumasi

As part of efforts to make the tourism sector more viable, a two-day cook and art contest has been held by Trafix Catering Limited to upgrade the skills of traditional caterers popularly known as 'chop bar' operators.

The competition was also to introduce Ghanaian dishes to tourists, especially indigenous dishes that are being gradually forgotten.

The competition which drew over 40 chop bar operators was held at the cultural centre.

Speaking to competitors, a representative of the Ghana Tourist Board, Mr. Ekow Sampson said the tourism sector has realised that traditional foods can promote tourism to boost the economy.

He said so far, the benefits Ghana is receiving from tourism are minimal compared to other countries.

Mr. Sampson appealed to the Regional Minister Mr. S.K. Boafo to help tap the tourism potentials in the region.

The Director of the Centre for National Culture, Mr. Otchere was happy about the initiative taken by Trafix to unearth a new way of making the tourism sector more viable.

He called on hoteliers and restaurateurs to promote local dishes in order to sell the nation's culture abroad.

The Executive Director of Trafix Catering asked chop bars operators to make their surroundings attractive to appeal to tourists. She added that they should increase their cooking skills so that "positive change" will reflect in the chop bar industry.

Certificates, detergents and cooking utensils were later presented to participants.