Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has reiterated government’s plans to give Ghana’s tourism sector a major boost, saying the industry is important to the Akufo-Addo-led administration.
Speaking at the opening of the World Tourism Forum’s maiden African summit held in Accra, he said, “When we think about tourism and leisure, our minds automatically go to certain countries like the Seychelles, Mauritius and the others; our goal is to make Ghana a preferred tourism destination.”
Dr Bawumia was grateful that the maiden African Summit was held in Ghana. According to him, the vote of confidence from the world tourism forum is very important to Ghana because “it is in line with Ghana’s objective to position itself as a tourism hub on the continent.”
He spoke of revamping and the expansion of the country’s international airport as one of the major moves to boost Ghana’s image in the area of tourism.
The vice president also mentioned that the marine drive project would give tourists several miles of beautiful beach front attractions when completed.
The Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Catherine Afeku, who warmly welcomed the speakers and all participants at the event, prayed for the utmost success of the summit.
“Tourism promotes global peace and security, where there is tourism, friendships easily develop and it removes all hate because of the multi-cultural understanding,” she indicated.
Madam Afeku added, “Ghana was chosen to host the maiden edition of the summit because of its stability and strong respect for democratic values. Ghana is a role model for all of Africa and a beacon of hope for the whole continent.”
The World Tourism Forum is a global tourism event held in different parts of the world to further boost global tourism. It has had events in the past in Turkey, Dubai and Russia.
The summit will have speakers from all walks of life, including eminent British politician, Rt Hon John Whitaker Straw, award-winning musician Sarkodie and a host of other important personalities in the sector.
By Akpene Darko-Cobbina