Barbara Oteng-Gyasi
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) is igniting the enthusiasm for massive participation in the 2019 World Tourism Day celebration, which is slated for September in Kumasi.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTA, Akwasi Agyemang, said this year’s commemoration will be unique as it coincides with the nation’s declaration and observation of the ‘Year of Return’, a development anticipated to bring into the country thousands of Africans in the Diaspora.
“It is exactly 400 years since the first black slave set foot in Virginia, United States (US), and we intend to bring all our brethren and stakeholders together for a historic interaction and communion,” he said.
Mr. Agyemang, who was addressing a ceremony to launch activities lined up for the day, indicated that the private sector was being involved actively for a successful celebration on the theme: ‘Tourism & Jobs, A Better Future For All’.
In line with the programme of activities, a grand exhibition will be mounted to demonstrate the tourism potentials of the various districts in the Ashanti Region.
The CEO hinted that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has established that one in 10 jobs globally is related to the tourism sector, and that the nation ought to continually invest in the sector to help create many jobs along the value chain.
The Ashanti Regional Manager of the GTA, Mr. Peter Achampong, disclosed that his office had begun an intensive education of managers and owners of tourist attraction sites, as well as hospitality facilities ahead of the celebration.
This is aimed at sensitising them to good practices in order to enhance the nation’s image and efficient service delivery.
He welcomed the government’s decision to allow Kumasi to host the historic event, hinting that as the ‘cultural capital’ of the nation, the programme will further boost tourism arrivals.
“Ashanti Region has the oldest museum – King Prempeh II Museum, the only natural lake in Ghana – Lake Bosomtwe, Manhyia Palace, a repository of cultural heritage, and many more interesting places to satisfy the curiosity of visitors,” he stated.
Nana Bobie Ansah, chief of Bonwire, a historic town noted for originating the designs and weaving of the indigenous Kente fabric, called on traditional authorities to support the historic event to ensure its success.