The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Akwasi Agyeman, has intimated that Ghana must boost its tourism and local economy through the upcoming 65th Independence celebration.
Speaking on the move of the 65th Independence celebration to Cape Coast this year, he averred that the boost must be ensured because Cape Coast is the “hub of tourism” in the country.
“The best and the most visited sites can be identified there. We have Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle, Kakum, Hans Cottage and Assin Manso river site. They are all there and we must ensure activities go on there.”
Akwasi Agyeman
Mr. Akwasi Agyeman indicated that the GTA has also had engagement with the hospitality industry on how to boost the local economy through the Independence celebrations.
“Dignitaries, foreigners, media personnel and other people will all come and we have to arrange for them to be catered for in that regard.”
Akwasi Agyeman
The GTA CEO lauded the idea by the President to move the Independence Day celebration from one region to another every year. He asserted that it is one decision that has helped place domestic tourism of Ghana on the global map.
Touching on preparations towards the 65th Independence celebrations, Mr. Agyeman indicated that the people of Cape Coast are poised for it and are working earnestly towards it with some activities prior to the actual day.
“The people of Cape Coast are very ready for this year’s independence day celebrations. They started with the health walk and then some clean up.”
Akwasi Agyeman
Tourism industry has improved
Touching on the tourism industry’s progress so far, Mr. Agyeman disclosed that in recent times, after the emergence of COVID-19, there has been an improvement.
“Looking at the effort we have put into domestic tourism, tourism has really progressed.”
Akwasi Agyeman
The progress, Mr. Agyeman indicated, can be accounted for in terms of the figures of visitors the Authority has received from the various tourist sites across the country.
“Ghanaians have also been appreciative of the drive to progress the tourism industry and that also accounts for the improvement and progress of the industry.”
Akwasi Agyeman
Touching on infrustructural development to help improve certain tourist sites, Mr. Agyeman stated that work is ongoing. He averred that most of the infrustructural works are for upgrade purposes.
“If you go to Aburi as we speak, works are ongoing. It is same for Golu, Gushegu, Afiatome. There’s also the Yaa Asantewaa Museum and Kente Museum.”
Akwasi Agyeman
Mr. Agyeman disclosed that there are upcoming greenfield projects to identify certain areas of interest and assess if any tourist site can be developed there. According to him, tourism is gradually moving from site seeing to a more of a cultural experience by tourists and steps are being taken to ensure more exploration at the various tourist sites.
“People want to experience the destinations. So, if it’s Cape Coast the person wants to go to, the person just doesn’t want to go see the place and return. They want to experience the local culture, food and night life in the locality the tourist site is situated.”
Akwasi Agyeman
Mr. Agyeman disclosed that steps have been taken, where there are several organized activities, to help boost tourist activities every month.
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