Kintampo Waterfalls closed down indefinitely

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture have in consultation with the Brong Ahafo Regional Security Council (Regsec), ordered the indefinite closure of the Kintampo Waterfalls. 

A statement issued after officials of the Ministry, the Director General of NADMO, CEO and officials of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and Regsec had toured the site with the Vice President, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, said the closure is to enable thorough security and safety checks on the facility.

The statement called on the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) to embark on a comprehensive safety audit of all major tourist attractions in the Country. 

The Ministry has also hinted it will fast track its representation to parliament for the passage of a Legislative Instrument to enable the GTA regulate and certify these tourist attractions. 

The statement commended officials of the District Assembly, the medical staff of the Kintampo General Hospital, officials of the Police, Army, Fire Service, Regsec and the Youth of Kintampo for their swift response to the disaster. 

Earlier in the day, the Vice President in the company of the Regional Minister, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Minister of the Interior, Minister of National Security and officials of the Kintampo Municipal  Assembly, GTA , NADMO and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts visited injured victims in hospital and bereaved families in Kintampo and Wenchi.

The team followed up with a solemn gathering of the Board, staff and entire students of the Wenchi Methodist High School where 14 students lost their lives in the accident.