Major Boost For Tourism, World Bank And Gov’t To Spend 350m Ghc To Revamp The Sector

The Minister of Tourism Hon Awal Mohammed has announced that there is a programme being pursued by the government of Ghana with the support of the World Bank to reposition the Tourism Industry to help the economy blossom. The minister revealed this when he met the Press at the Minister’s briefing at the Information ministry in Accra. The minister indicated that plans are in the offing to modernise the tourism industry to make it more attractive boost the national economy in the country. This is in line with government’s determination to make the sector earn the position of a veritable tool for economic growth and transformation. This will certainly transcend into jobs creation ,wealth creation and opportunities for citizens in national development. The minister disclosed that the World Bank research denotes that 2 out of every 10 jobs in every country is found in the tourism sector. He told the journalists that the sector has employed over 680,000 people permanently in Ghana and the sector is set to employ about 150,000 evey year till 2025 when the industry will give Ghana over 3 billion dollars. “Currently we are the third highest income earner after Cocoa and Gold but our intention is to be the first by 2025 through foreign and domestic tourism business “. He said domestic ftourism grew to 60 % as against 51 % last year after Covid downward growth whiles foreign tourism grew up by 51% from 49 % last year. He expects next year’s growth to inch up now that we are gradually disentangling ourselves from the claws of covid 19. According to the minister, Ghana is considered the best country for tourism than all West African countries as a result of our stable democracy, good governance, good sites , good human relations, etc For instance about 65 % of the edifices and castles for slave trade are all found in the country that boost heritage tourism. Besides Ghana as the hub of AFCFTA is also an added advantage . This will enable the country enhance it’s position as a venue for meetings,conferences and events in the country. Again Ghana is located in the middle of the globe and with it’s political stability is considered as the best destination for tourist investment. These among others are the motivating factors for the government to retrofit the tourism industry to reap economic benefits to grow the economy and the country. For instance Accra Musuem that was closed down for 6 years was rehabilitated at the cost of 1.5 million Ghc . From June that it was reopened, it has generated 350,000 Ghc ,so others with face lifts can give the country more money. He disclosed again that the Kwame Nkrumah Musuleum is under rehabilitation and will be opened to tourists in March 2023. The minister indicated that there is an impending program dubbed December Gh. that will expect over 1.5m foreign and local tourists to participate. He indicated that all the hotels for that programme have fully booked ahead of the event.

Source:Nana Poku /johnawuniktv@gmail.com