Tourism sector catalyst for social progress — GTA Ashanti
The Ashanti Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Fredrick Adjei-Rudolph, has described the tourism sector as a catalyst for social progress for everyone’s benefit.
“The tourism sector is more than an economic sector, as it is key towards delivering education, employment and creating new opportunities for all,” he stressed.
Mr Adjei-Rudolph was speaking during an event to commemorate this year’s World Tourism Day celebration at the Bahankra Waterfalls in the Sekyere Kumawu District last Saturday.
The event, which attracted chiefs and elders, as well as members of the general public, and was held on the theme: “Tourism and social transformation”, was aimed at putting a spotlight on the newly discovered Bahankra Waterfalls towards its eventual development to boost local tourism.
As part of the event, some dignitaries planted some trees to commemorate the day.
September 27 has been set aside annually to promote the significant role of tourism in fostering cultural understanding, peace and socio-economic development, while also raising awareness about sustainable and ethical tourism practices.
All-inclusive approach
To unlock the full benefits of tourism, Mr Adjei-Rudolph said a deliberate and inclusive approach by all key stakeholders was essential, one that prioritises sustainability, resilience, and social collaboration.
Quoting from a report by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), he said between the last quarter of 2022 and the first half of 2023, Ghana gained over GH¢15.4m through tourism, and that GH¢2m out of the total amount coming into the district due to tourism would be a game-changer.
Therefore, he threw a challenge to the district assembly to take immediate steps to construct a receptive facility at the waterfalls, adding, “We want to see the access route to the waterfalls being enhanced through the creation of steps”.
He also said the main road leading to the waterfalls needed re-engineering to make the waterfalls easily accessible to visitors and tourists, adding that once these interventions were done, they would enhance the development of the site.
Tool
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Sekyere Kumawu District, Kwasi Amankwa, said tourism was not just leisure but a tool for sustainable development, job creation, cultural preservation and community transformation.
“By developing the sites and improving tourism infrastructure, we can attract investment, create employment for our youth and generate revenue that will contribute significantly to both local and national development,” he said.
He said the district assembly was committed to working closely with the chiefs and other relevant stakeholders to improve road access, enhance facilities and promote the district as a tourism hub.
The Nseniehene, Nana Obeng Darko, who chaired the event, pledged to work closely with the district assembly and the GTA towards the development of the tourism potential in the area for the benefit of the people.
He stated that aside from cocoa, timber and other products that generate foreign exchange for the nation, it was important for the country to improve its tourism sector so that it could generate a lot of revenue there as well.
Writer’s email:
