The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has disclosed that government has identified the potential of ecotourism to contribute significantly to the country’s revenue generation.
Speaking at the launch of the ecotourism handbook, Samuel Jinapor indicated that certain measures are being implemented by government to ensure that the huge potential of the sector is exploited to benefit the country.
According to the Lands Minister, ecotourism provides an effective economic incentive for conservation, protecting the ecosystem and biodiversity, as it generates income that contributes to the growth of the national economy.
“Indeed, in recent years, it has become a major boost to the economies of countries like Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Rwanda, and Zambia.”
Samuel Abu Jinapor
The Minister indicated that ecotourism contributed about US$4.2 billion to the Kenyan economy in 2020. In Ghana, Mr. Jinapor disclosed that although, the nation has not fully developed its ecotourism sector, it contributed about US$1.2 billion representing 5.5 percent of the country’s GDP in 2020.
The Lands Minister noted that this is a sign that with the right investments and policies, Ghana has the potential to develop this sector to contribute significantly to the economy.
Wildlife Resource Management Bill
Samuel Jinapor mentioned that government is commitment to conserve the ecosystem of the country. He cited the Wildlife Resource Management Bill as one of many moves made by the government to safeguard the ecosystem.
According to Honorable Jinapor, the bill when passed, will give the Forestry Commission more authority and legitimacy to protect and manage the Wildlife resources of the country.
“We have, thus, laid before Parliament a Wildlife Resources Management Bill to provide a new legal framework for the management of our wildlife resources when passed, which I am confident will be done soon in Parliament.”
Samuel Abu Jinapor
The bill, according to the Minister, will provide the Forestry Commission with a lot more authority to be able to manage effectively the national parks and resource reserves as well.
“It will also promote private sector participation and community engagements in wildlife management, and improve law enforcement in our protected areas.”
Samuel Abu Jinapor
The sector Minister indicated that government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, will remain committed to preserving Ghana’s natural ecosystem by developing it to contribute to the growth and development of the economy.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Forestry Commission, Mr. John Allotey, averred that ecotourism can help solve the country’s unemployment challenges and generate significant revenue for the state.
Mr. Allotey stated that the current drive being pursued by his outfit under the guidance of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources is to develop and promote ecotourism in the country.
According to him, the new direction embarked on by the Commission has seen it take special interest in the growth and nursing of special plants and animals.
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