Tourism ministry prepares for 2006 eclipse

Accra, Sept. 12, GNA - An eclipse of the sun would be visible in Ghana, specifically in the Sekondi-Takoradi area on March 29, next year. The eclipse could be viewed from 0910 hours for three minutes, 27 seconds, experts have predicted.
An eclipse of the sun occurs when the moon passes in front of the sun.
Next year's eclipse is expected to begin at sunrise along the coast of Brazil before gradually moving to Africa. The experts believe next year's solar eclipse would be the best and the longest until 2009 and the most easily accessible in the next 10 years.
Mr Obetsebi-Lamptey, Minister of Tourism and Modernization of the Capital City, told the GNA that Africa was fortunate to be part of the expected eclipse.
"Ghana will be the best country to visit for the experience of a total eclipse of the sun, come 29th March, 2006".
The Minister urged stakeholders in the tourism industry to take full advantage of the occurrence and come up with good and competitive tour packages to attract tourists during the period. He said a committee had been set up to plan for the event in order to give visitors a "golden experience".
Mr Obetsebi-Lamptey expressed the hope that Ghanaians would show keen interest in the event. "I hope Ghanaians will not miss this golden opportunity to experience this rare natural phenomenon."