Mark Okraku Mantey
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has launched this year’s Ghana “Tourism Month” with the call on Ghanaians to patronise festivals and events as they strengthen the sense of community belongingness and connect people.
Mr. Ekow Sampson, Deputy Chief Executive, Operations, GTA said festivals were expressive ways to celebrate glorious heritage, culture and tradition.
He mentioned that celebrating the month of September as “Tourism Month” in Ghana was geared towards encouraging the patronage of prominent festivals, events, tourist sites and attractions in the country.
He said the month was within the period where there were significant festivals and events, including the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s World Tourism Day celebration, which falls on September 27.
On his part, Mr. Mark Okraku Mantey, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said it was important for Ghanaians to explore and know more about both their immediate and distant environment by visiting tourist sites and participating in events and festivals across the country.
“In this month of tourism, step out, have fun, take pictures and share on your various social media handles and ultimately ease the stress by having a change of environment,” he said.
Some of the activities lined up for the celebration include Boborbo Mfantsi Amansi festival from September 8 to 16, the Kundum festival from September 14 to 15, Miss Tourism Ghana on September 15, the Ohum festival on September 18, Change of Guard on September 20, Wormanne African Wear Festival, Fly Paragliding Festival and Yenko Kwahu from September 21 to 24, Taste of Kwahu, and health walk among others.