Mrs Zita Okaikoi, Minister of Tourism, has cut the sod for the commencement of a tourist receptive facility at Agotime-Kpetoe in the Adaklu Ayigbe District of the Volta Region.The facility, which will cost about GH¢900,000, will comprise an information area, toilet facilities, eating area, souvenir shops, museum, reading rooms and parking area. It will also have a land bank or areas zoned for private sector investment for accommodation, catering facilities and business centres. Mrs Okaikoi said the construction of the tourist receptive facility opened a new chapter for tourism development at Kpetoe and its environs. She noted that the facility would not only fill a gap in the provision of information to travellers and tourists to Kpetoe but also stimulate both local and foreign interests in the local economy. Mrs Okaikoi also said the project would create direct jobs for the youth in areas such as construction, through to the operational stages. The minister tasked the Ghana Tourist Development Company to take the lead in the management process of the facility and subsequently promote investment and employment opportunities for the local people. “This activity has to be carried out in partnership with the District Assembly and the traditional authorities, as well as other stakeholders in order to enhance the decision making process in terms of facilitation of investments.” Mrs Okaikoi said tourism could be used to alleviate poverty through the creation of livelihood opportunities for the unemployed, as well as encourage growth in other economic sectors such as agriculture, transport and ‘Kente’ weaving. The minister directed the contractors, consultants and Department of Rural Housing to expedite work on the construction of the facility and complete it within 32 weeks as stipulated in the contract agreement. She appealed to the community, particularly the District Assembly, to make tourism development in the entire District a priority in its development agenda. Mr Joseph Amenowode, Volta Regional Minister, expressed the hope that when the facility was completed, it would serve its intended purpose as a receptive facility where the interaction and reception would be friendly. He urged the people of the region to sustain and extend their warm traditional hospitality to all visitors who would visit the tourist attractions. Mr Amenowode invited all citizens of the region and others outside to the next Volta Trade and Investment Fair at Ho from November 22 to December 5. Nene Nuer Keteku III, Konor of Agotime Traditional Area, commended the government for the facility and expressed the hope that it would be maintained and managed well.Source: Tourism Ministry