Tourism Minister inspects burnt Dodi Princess

Ms. Akua Sena Dansua, Minister of Tourism, has expressed government’s commitment to facilitate projects and programmes to boost the tourism industry.

She said the ministry would collaborate with foreign investors to invest massively in the tourism industry which lacks support from corporate Ghana.

Ms. Akua Sena Dansua made this known during her visit to Akosombo to inspect the extent of damage caused by fire to the Dodi Princess, a multipurpose ferry.

The Dodi Princess which was the most popular cruise ferry among local and foreign tourists was burnt beyond recognition on May 4.

According to the Ghana National Fire Service, the fire started from the kitchen of the cruise vessel and quickly spread to other parts ravaging a greater part of it. The cooks were believed to have abandoned the boat without putting out the fire completely.

Ms. Dansua expressed disappointment about the incident and reiterated government’s commitment to collaborate with the Volta River Authority (VRA) to replace the Ferry.

Mr. Kweku Awotwe, Chief Executive Officer of VRA, said his outfit was working out ways to refurbish the Dodi Princess.

He said although the fire damaged some parts of the boat, the engine was intact to fit into any refurbishment plan.

According to him, the VRA has ordered a mini-Dodi to replace the burnt one as authorities look for ways to repair the damaged boat.

He said a bigger one which would take about six months to construct was being considered by the Authority.

Mr. Kweku Awotwe said VRA was also putting in place pragmatic measures to ensure that such incidence does not re-occur.**