The Bosomtwe District Assembly in the Ashanti region has identified developments in road and housing infrastructure as critical factors in the drive to maximize the full economic and tourism potentials of the Lake Bosomtwe. Foreign and domestic tourists are increasingly being attracted to the only natural lake in Ghana, which is affectionately acclaimed the ‘Sea of Ashanti’. It indeed feels good and pleasant to be at the banks of the lake, especially on a warm afternoon – to enjoy the soothing breeze, the whistling of the birds and the greenery that abound around the calm water; where man and his natural surroundings come into a harmonious allure. Travelling from the Ashanti regional capital, Kumasi, to the lakeside itself is fun – the exciting scenes of rural living, the beckon to taste palmwine en-route to the lake town of Abono and the politeness of the youth of the area to educate you about their history, the history behind the Lake Bosomtwe; often tapering into the mystery of a hunter and a missing antelope. Recreational activities for holidaymakers and visitors to the lakeside include swimming, lake cruise, musical jamboree and most recently horse cum canoe ride, which is under a private-sector initiative. A number of hotels and resorts have also sprung up, offering diverse services to patrons. The Republic Day Lake Festival has also been instituted by the Ghana Tourist Board, in collaboration with the Bosomtwe District Assembly and the Multimedia Group, to boost the tourism and socio-economic potentials of the area. The maiden edition on July 1, 2011 attracted thousands of residents in the Ashanti region and beyond to join in the fun at the lakeside. Highlife artistes, Kofi B, KK Fosu and Kofi Nti thrilled holidaymakers with their exciting live band performances. The event has been described as a huge success by organizers and patrons. See photos from the event