Poor packaging affecting tourism - Deputy Minister

Assin Praso (C/R), June 27, GNA - Mr Joe Baidoo-Ansah, the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, on Tuesday said poor packaging of natural resources and historical monuments were threats to tourism development in the country.

He said closer collaboration between the Ministry, District Assemblies, traditional authorities and the private sector was therefore needed to increase visitation revenues and generate more employment opportunities in the sector.

Mr Baidoo-Ansah said this at the inauguration of a reception facility for the Assin Praso Slave Trade Tourist Site in the Assin North District.

The 847-million cedi facility funded from the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Fund would host tourists who visit the site. The facility has an information centre, catering facilities and a mausoleum displayed with slave chains and artefacts associated with the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade in the early 19th century.

The Deputy Minister said it formed part of the government's effort to preserve the country's historical heritage and sites to make Ghana a gateway and homeland for Africans in the Diaspora.

He said the location of Assin Praso and the strategic transit role it played in the transportation of slaves from the northern part of the country through the Ashanti Region to Cape Coast and Elmina Castles could not be underestimated.

Mr Baidoo-Ansah advised the community to devise means to benefit from the tourists who come into the community and urged them to remain hospitable to them so that more tourists would visit the area.

Nana Owurodo Aseku X, Omanhene of Assin Jaikai and Assin Praso Traditional Area, said the site was not only noted for slave trade but was also associated with the Sangranti War in the early 20th century. He said the Ashanti legendary woman, Yaa Asantewaa, stayed at Assin Praso for two days before she proceeded to fight the British. Nana Owurodo Aseku said the originator of Boys' Scout and Girls' Guide, Lord Baiden Powell, also stayed in the same community and wrote his maiden book.