Eschew prostitution in CAN 2008-Hammond

Tarkwa, (W/R), Oct. 2, GNA - The Western Regional Manager of the Ghana Tourist Board, Mr Ebenezer Quaye Hammond, has advised women not to target the influx of visitors to the Ghana CAN 2008 to indulge in prostitution.

He said it would be unfortunate if CAN 2008 brings in its wake unwanted pregnancies, babies and HIV/AIDS positive cases. Mr. Hammond was addressing more than 300 participants who undertook a three-hour Walk dubbed "Fitness Walk" at Tarkwa in the Western Region on Monday to mark the Tourism Day celebrations.

He urged the general public to contribute towards the success of the event by comporting themselves well so that the expected visitors would not experience negative attitudes and take away bad impressions of the country and its people.

Mr Hammond said even though the theme of the Tourism Day celebration is, "Tourism Creates avenues or opening jobs to Women", prostitution falls outside the scope of the theme. He said GTB would soon launch a programme of CAN 2008 to embrace everybody towards ensuring the overall success of event.

Mr Hammond said GTB and Ghana Railways and other Mining companies would team up to promote tourism in Region. He said Ghana Railways have plan to convey interested tourists to mining areas to have a view of some old mines, since many people who travel often tend to not only seek pleasure but also broaden their horizon.

The Regional Manager regretted that all the stadiums in the country have been named after males and suggested that the new stadium at Essipong near Sekondi should be named after Rose Hart, one of the best national athletes who hails from the Region.

Mr Emmanuel Otoo, Chairman Wassa West Keep Fit Club in an address said fitness was essential to all and urged the general public to embark on exercises to make them stay healthy.

He said the Club lacks a place for their exercises and was therefore planning to build a mini sports complex and therefore appealed to financial institutions, mining companies and philanthropist to come to the aid of the club to achieve its aim.

Mr. Isaac Mensah of Senior Citizens Keep Fit Club advised the participants to shun laziness and abstain from over eating and continue exercising in other to prevent obesity.

Side attractions of the Walk included an exhibition of Taekwondo and cultural displays.