EU assists Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem District

Elmina, Dec. 14, GNA - The Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union in Ghana, Mr Filiberto Ceriani Sebregondi, on Wednesday handed over 1.5 million- euro cultural heritage and local development projects to the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem District at a ceremony in Elmina

The projects, which started three years ago under a European Union sponsorship, forms part of the Elmina 2015 development strategy. The projects are the rehabilitation of the upper terrace of George's Castle, Fort Coenraadsburg (St Jago), terracing of the hillsides and landscaping of Fort St Jago and the restoration of 14 historic houses in Elmina.

The rest are the establishment of a tourism reception and information centre, training of local tour guides and craftsmen as well as the setting up of an art and craft market.

Mr Sebregondi said the EU recognized the potentials and importance of cultural heritage in the local economic development of an area and it was for this reason that it funded the projects through its 9th European Development Fund.

He said the funding was part of a larger cooperation programme with Ghana which has brought to the country about 320 million euros between 2002 and 2006.

Sebregondi said the projects, apart from improving the living conditions of the people of Elmina, would help increase the town's tourism potential and also generate revenue and create jobs.

Dr Nduom gave the assurance that Benya Lagoon would be dredged. "The dredging comes with responsibilities. The time had come for you to begin to recognize the need to protect the lagoon." Mr Kwadwo Baah Wiredu, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, commended the EU for funding the projects in Elmina. He expressed concern in a speech read for him that forts and castles located along the coast of Ghana, with their potentials of creating employment, have not been fully tapped and asked that such facilities be restored to enhance tourism.

Mr Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, the Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, suggested the introduction of the study of tourism in school curriculum and that students should be encouraged to take up courses in it.

Mr George Frank Asmah, the District Chief Executive, appealed to the EU to assist the assembly to complete the rest of the projects under the 2015 project. He said owners of the 14 historic houses that have been rehabilitated have more than 300 million cedis for future renovation works.

Nana Kodwo Conduah VI, Omanhene of Edina Traditional Area, also commended the government of Ghana and EU for the projects and appealed to the EU to assist the assembly to construct more drains in the area.