The Western Regional Minister Dr Kobby Okyere Darko Mensah last Tuesday 21st February launched his book “Discover Western Region”, a book that reveals and shows the various tourist attractions the region has and to help the public understand the role of tourism.
Speaking during the book launch at Raybow Hotel in takoradi, Mr Okyere Darko disclosed that in the quest to make the region the number one tourist destination in Ghana a 10-point plan has been drawn which includes the expansion of the masquerade festival into the Christmas City project, fixing roads to tourist sites, renovation and upgrade of some tourist sites.
He also took the opportunity to announce the signing of an MOU between the Western Region and the Canary Islands which will enable 20 students of the Takoradi Technical University(TTU) receive scholarships each year.
In attendance were traditional leaders which includes the Omanhene of Esikado Nana Kobena Nketsia IV, Deputy Minister of Tourism Mark Okraku Mantey, individuals from the hospitality and tourism industries, and politicians among others.
The first 4 copies of the book were sold for 20,000 cedis and saw the Director of Focus one Distribution Mrs Evelyn Adu-Mante pick one.
However the Deputy Tourism Minister Mark Okraku Mantey has commended the Regional Minister Dr Kobina Okyere Darko Mensah for coming out with a book that details the tourist attractions that the region has to offer and challenged other regional ministers to emulate it.
He disclosed that President Akufo Addo wants to make tourism the number one contributor to Ghana’s GDP and announced that Ghana is the leading tourist destination in West Africa.
According to him some successes have been chalked after the Year of Return and Beyond the Return initiatives.
Meanwhile the Omanhene of Esikado Nana Kobena Nketsia IV added that the Western Region is the quarry for the development of the rest of the country yet it is not doing well.
He also commended the regional minister for finding time out of his busy schedule to put the book together.
Author-Matilda Timmy Youpele
