Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, Western Regional Minister has called on stakeholders to come on board in developing some of the region’s tourist sites and uplifting most of the edifices to boost tourism and create jobs, while maintaining peace and security in the communities so as to attract tourists.
Citing the residence of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President as one of such edifices, he noted that tourism has been a key economic driver that generates earnings, creates jobs and stimulates other sectors of the economy and that the Western Region was highly versed in the tourism sector.
He pointed out that the Region can boast of a number of tourist sites which includes the Monkey Hill in Takoradi, Bisa Abrewa Museum at Sekondi Kotompo, Forts and Castles, the serene beaches at the various districts and the hospitable hotels.
He opined that the Government regards tourism as one of the economic pillars for growth, job creation and diplomacy, and is therefore committed to measures that will stimulate economic growth and job creation and enhancing the reputation of the country’s tourism industry.
He also disclosed that infrastructure investments have been earmarked to support the sector as well as significant funding made to the sector through investments in infrastructure and skills development.
Mr Darko-Mensah who made the call at the commissioning of the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB) office at Fort Orange in Sekondi said museums and monuments bring memories of our cultural and historical values as people in that the GMMB since its establishment has helped the country in perceiving culture and the truth of the historical stories for generations.
He urged the staff of the newly opened office to work tirelessly to promote a cordial relationship with clients and promote local attractors, and also pledged the support of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) to the work of the office to achieve success and to benefit and improve the lot of the people in the Region and Ghana as a whole.
Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area who chaired the occasion said the Forts and Castles formed an integral part of the history of the region while the dungeons signify the wealth which attracted the whites to the region.
Nana Nketsia V, who is also the former Chair of the GMMB noted that the nation’s heritage could only be preserved when such edifices were properly maintained with the requisite funding to the GMMB to collect more of these historical artefacts, information and craft to remind the younger generation of where Ghana had travelled from the pre-colonial era through to colonisation and independence and the need for sacrifice and selflessness to enhance the growth of the nation.
Mr Ivor Agyeman Dua, Executive Director of the GMMB affirmed that the Western Region was not only rich in political history but also architectural across the Atlantic, depicting peculiar stories about the Region that must be guarded for the future and therefore called on traditional leaders in the region to submit artefacts for education.
