The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in commemoration of World Tourism Day addressed the chiefs and locals of the Ada township on September 27, 2023 to redefine the direction of tourism and its ability to drive economic development, preserve and promote culture, heritage and provide Ghana with an opportunity to stabilize the economy.
The Grand Durbar which was organized in Agorkpo by the Ghana Tourism Authority and the chieftaincy of Ada gathered locals to be brought to speed on the initiatives taken by the authority to promote tourism in Ghana.
According to Ada East District chief executive, Sarah Dugbakie Pobee, the commemoration was made to align with the theme for this year’s World Tourism Celebration, ‘Tourism and Green Investments; Investing in People, Planet and Prosperity’ by engaging in the planting of approximately a thousand mango seedlings at the town to enrich Ghana with more greenery and most importantly join the battle against climate change in Ghana.
Ada declared as Tourism Development Enclave in 2019 by the Ghana Tourism Authority was re-affirmed by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey who represented Dr. Ibrahim Awal, Ghana’s representative at the World Tourism Day Celebration in Saudi Arabia. He said, “It was not by accident that Ada was selected to celebrate this year’s world Tourism Day. The Ada Traditional area is endowed with with natural attractions which range from beautiful palm-lined beaches, estuary islands, marine turtles, the meeting point of the Volta River and the Atlantic Ocean, water sports from speed boats to sailing , canoeing, surfing and and many more; all these are potential tourism resources which we can collectively develop through public and and private sector partnerships.”
Other dignitaries that graced the occasion were, Nene Agudey Obitchere III Mankralo of Ada as Chairperson of the function, Board Chairman of Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Seth Adjei-Baah, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Akwesi Agyeman, Deputy Chief Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Ekow Sampson, Chief Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. John Yao Agbeko, Vice President of the Ghana Tourism Federation, Dr. Kwesi Eyison, Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. George Nkrumah Ansere and Assistant Director, Gifty Alidu, Youth Tourism Ambassador and President of the Tourism Society of Ghana (TOSOGHA)President of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA), Mrs. Alisa Osei-Asamoah, President of the Ghana Progressive Hotels Association, Rev. Gyeeda Asandoh, President of the Ghana Hotels Association, Dr. Edward Ackah – Nyamike Junior, Miss Tourism Ghana Beauty Queens and Chaperon,accompanied by Directors and Staff of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ghana Tourism Authority and all members of the Ada Chieftaincy board.
The three-day celebration of World Tourism Day commenced with philanthropic acts of the group to engage in a tree planting exercise, an interesting showdown of competitive fun games at the McDan Sports Complex between several agencies under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and other corporate entities within the Ada enclave. This was followed by a thrilling regatta at the Volta River Estuary and an insightful tour of the Nkyimkyim Museum, Ada.
World Tourism Day is celebrated globally on September 27 every year. This year’s World Tourism Day celebration was hosted in Saudi Arabia in the city of Riyahd. The United Nations World Tourism Organization and The Ghana Tourism Authority celebrate World Tourism Day under the theme, ‘Tourism and Green Investments’; Investing In People, Planet and Prosperity. This highlights the symbiotic relationship between tourism, the environment, the planet Earth and the sector as a vehicle to promote the development of the country and sustainable growth for the people through traditional and indigenous innovative investments.