As part of preparation towards this year’s “December in Ghana” events, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in partnership with ‘Beyond the Return’ Secretariat, and Ministry of National Security, has engaged event organisers to address security concerns during the events.
The engagement brought together key stakeholders to discuss the safety and security aspects of the upcoming events.
Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, said it was important to ensure a safe and secure environment for all events associated with “December in GH”, saying “in as much as these events must happen, they must happen in a safe and secure environment”.
Mr. Agyeman noted that the country was ready to receive tourists and vacationers for events, and urged event organisers and all stakeholders to collaborate with the authorities as well as the “Beyond the Return Secretariat” to ensure all activities were carried out safely.
He said the authority had engaged the Department of Urban Roads and the Motor Transport and Traffic Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service on how to ease traffic flow during the festive period.
Mr. Marvin Obeng Antwi, Administrator, Counter Terrorism Unit, Ministry of National Security, said event locations were soft spots and targets for criminals and terrorists due to the large number of patrons.
He said event organisers must be cautious and not overlook certain suspicious acts, adding that they must engage more security staff, provide multiple exits to events, access to parking spaces, and conduct thorough screening of event patrons.
Mr. Antwi noted the ministry and various stakeholders were working hard to ensure a conducive environment for businesses and event organisers to operate during the period, and urged them to also be ready to provide reliable information to the police, invest in security measures and cooperate with the security agencies.
GNA