Samir Kalmoni speaking at the ceremony
Papaye Fast Food has officially opened its new mega eco-tourism project christened ‘Papaye Recreational Village’ located at Konkonuru near Aburi in the Eastern Region.
The opening ceremony, which attracted a number of personalities such as ministers of state, chiefs, queen mothers, celebrities, and business executives among others to the recreational village, was also used to launch the 30th anniversary celebration of the company.
It witnessed cultural musical performances from some selected cultural groups, brass band performance as well as musical performances from some celebrated musicians.
The recreational village, which is located on a 130-acre site, is to serve as a relaxation and event centre, and help to promote tourism in the country.
It has facilities such as forest reserve, an event centre, zoo, children’s amusement park, sports complex, swimming pool, restaurant, and conference venue among others.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey, who graced the ceremony as guest of honour, commended Papaye for the project.
He indicated the government had put in place comprehensive measures to boost the tourism sector in Ghana.
He, however, urged organisations to emulate Papaye in its effort in promoting Ghana’s tourism industry.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Executive Chairman of Papaye Fast Foods, Samir Kalmoni, said the facility was one of the ecotourism hubs that the company had constructed to enhance the tourism industry in the country.
He revealed that the recreational centre started about 23 years ago with few workers but now has a workforce of about 61 without any external or international funding.
According to him, the recreational village can accommodate musical concerts, wedding reception, picnics, conventions, retreat, camping, sporting activities, and museum among others with packing space.
He revealed plans of constructing the road from the recreational village to Konkonuru to make it motorable.
The executive chairman however, appealed to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to help with the asphalting of the Kyankama to Konkonuru road.
“You must have seen the deplorable state of the road. It is worse during the rainy season. Tourism can be boosted through good road network,” he said.
By George Clifford Owusu