Creation of new tourist sites can boost domestic tourism – Okraku-Mantey

Minister-designate for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, says the ministry is engaging investors both locally and internationally to invest in creating more tourist sites across the country.

Speaking during his vetting by Parliament’s Appointment Committee, he explained that the creation of new tourist sites in the country could aid in encouraging Ghanaians to travel, which will, in turn, boost domestic tourism.

Naming some of the areas that can be explored, Mr Okraku-Mantey said, “at the moment, the home of ex-President Rawlings, Dr Kwame Nkrumah and others venues qualify to be tourist sites.”

“Kasapreko Company Limited, Accra Brewery Limited, all of these qualify to be tourist sites depending on how ready we are to sell our story.”

The former President of the Creative Arts Council explained that the ministry will continue to engage with experts on making the homes of some of Ghana’s famous leaders a place of attraction.

Through these sites, he stated that Ghanaians and other tourists can learn more about the stories Ghana has to tell.

“Where I come from Akropong Akuapem, we can create a museum because one small town had produced three leaders in this country. We have Akufo-Addo’s father, General Akufo, and then President Akufo-Addo, so we can have a presidential museum sort of on the mountains,” Mr Okraku-Mantey said.

In the meantime, he urged Ghanaians to make conscious efforts to travel to their hometown, old schools, among others, to help boost domestic tourism.

Mr Okraku-Mantey explained that with these travels, drivers can make some money, hotels can also cash in, sellers, among others.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Tourism Authority has launched an ‘Experience Ghana, Share Ghana’ campaign to boost domestic tourism.

The campaign is expected to encourage the general public to travel and experience Ghana through our attractions, food, clothing, music and dance.

GTA revealed that through the Experience Ghana, Share Ghana campaign, “the public will have the opportunity to experience Ghana with discounted tour packages and a chance to win prizes by sharing the activities they engage in through postings on all social media platforms.”

The 18-month campaign has been packed with activities including ‘Travel Share and Win’ where people are expected to travel anywhere in Ghana, share their photos and videos on social media to get a chance to win prizes.