Oboaman Bofotia Boa-Amponsem II, Krontihene of Sunyani has urged the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) to partner Traditional Authorities to promote festivals and other cultural events in the country.
Oboaman Boa-Amponsem made the suggestion during the Brong-Ahafo Regional tourism awards ceremony last Saturday, in Sunyani|, which adjudged Sunyani-based Eusbett Hotel as the Best 3-Star hotel in the Region.
Other award winners were Glamossay Hotel, Abesim, Best 2-Star hotel, Viglosam Lodge at Wenchi, Best 1-Star hotel, Geogio Hotel at Techiman won the Newcomer award, Mikesap Hotel at Nkoranza, Best Budget hotel.
Other award winners were Restaurants of the year Grade Three and Two, Mandela in Sunyani and Wooden Tower in Kenyase Number two respectively, Paradise Pub in Sunyani ,Drinking bar of the year whilst Lykod’s Kitchen at Kotokrom, Sunyani, emerged the Traditional Caterer of the year.
Oboaman Boa-Amponsem noted that festivals and other traditional cultural events organized by Traditional Authorities were sometimes perceived by some Ghanaians as “fetish or devilish”, saying that, it is a wrong perceptions, as even churches like the Roman Catholic and the Seventh Day Adventist have their own peculiar traditions.
He cited an event like final funeral rites of a late King or a prominent Chief in the society ‘’is a very good tourist attraction” to attract both local and foreign tourists, suggesting that, the GTA could collaborate with Traditional Authorities to exploit all such sources of internally revenue generation for the economic advantage of the nation.
Oboaman Boa-Amponsem entreated the GTA, particularly in Brong-Ahafo, to collaborate with the Traditional Authorities through vigorous educational campaigns to educate the citizenry on the economic potentials of festivals and traditional cultural practices.
Mr. Justice Samuel Adjei, Deputy Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister advised tourism plant operators to employ trained, knowledgeable and skilful personnel to ensure delivery of quality services and increased productivity.
Mr. Charles Obeng, Regional Manager of GTA explained that the criteria for selection of winners covered adherence to quality customer service, workplace safety standards, positive image/first impressions, cleanliness, fulfillment of statutory regulations, excellent cuisine, descent facilities, conformity to laid-down classification standards and corporate social responsibility.
Mr. Sam Bennet, Managing Director of Eusbett Hotel on behalf of the award winners said the award scheme marked a critical motivation for them to provide even better services and assured the GTA that “we in the Brong-Ahafo Region are keen in improving standards in the tourism industry.”
