THE Upper West Regional Co-ordinating Council is to assist potential investors in the tourism industry in land acquisition for their projects, the Regional Minister, Ambrose Dery has stated.
Mr. Dery said the RCC would not only work closely with traditional rulers and land owners to assist investors to acquire land but has tasked district assemblies in the region to acquire land banks, which may freely be given out to strategic investors to reduce the burden of land acquisition and documentation.
The move forms part of a strategic plan of the RCC to address challenges facing the tourism industry to pave the way for socio-economic development of the region and the country as a whole.
The Regional Minister stated these when he addressed the 7th Regional Tourism Awards Nights here last Saturday.
Seven distinguished tourism establishments and individuals were presented with certificates and plaques for their meritorious services and contribution to the industry.
They are Controller Guest House, Wa, Guest House of the year, Abuyama Chopbar, Wa, Traditional Caterer of the year, Ideas Canteen, Lawra, restaurant of the year, Wechau Community Hippo Sanctuary, Visitor Attraction of the year, Mr. Abudu Yusif, Gwullo Traditional Bonesetters, Attraction Site Guide of the Year, Tonic Monic, Tumu, Drinking Bar of the Year and In-Service Training Centre, Wa, Budget Hotel of the Year.
Mr. Dery said there were enormous tourism potentials in the region namely the slave defence wall at Gwollu, the Slave market at Kassana, Dabili and Bu, Ferguson memorial tomb, the mystery footprint of Bayong at Ullo and the slave holocaust site at Duoie and urged the Ministry of Tourism and Diasporan Relations to collaborate with the RCC to uncover more historical facts that make the region the hub of the slave route activities.
Mr. Dery called on citizens of the region who are financially sound to invest in hotel accommodation to boost tourism.
“Our facilities are still rudimentary and we need to develop them to levels obtained in other parts of the country if we are to be competitive in this fast growing industry.
“I wish to appeal to all sons and daughters in the region who have the financial means to endeavour to invest in this vital area,” he told the people.
The Regional Manager of the Ghana Tourists Board, Mr. William Ayambire said it was projected that by the year 2010, tourists arrivals in Ghana would reach one million generating about 1.5 billion dollars and directly employing about 300,000 people nationwide .
Mr. Ayambire said the indicators clearly point to tourism as the industry of hope for the future of the country.
