Tourism Ministry was God-Sent - Jake

JAKE Obetsebi-Lamptey, a Presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has said his stint as Minister of Tourism and Diasporan Relations was God-sent since it made him realise Ghana’s opportunity to use tourism as a major pillar for its economic growth.

He stated that tourism today, is the second largest industry in the world, which employs the most people and it is still growing, stressing that it is the major foreign exchange earner of more than 60 countries.

“Tourism creates jobs at all levels. From shoe shine boys and porters, through receptionists, tour guides, accountants, managers, and the like, tourism also creates micro and small enterprises. Tourism will create jobs, jobs, jobs. Attractive jobs; productive jobs”, he said.

Mr. Obetsebi-Lamptey, who spoke to the Times about his vision for Ghana, said Ghana has tremendous competitive advantage in cultural, heritage, historical, eco, food, health, education, conference, leisure and adventure tourism all of which could generate economic benefits for the country.

“Also, we are only six hours from Northern Europe, the largest generating market (and in the same zone), and 10 hours from the Eastern coast of America, where we have 40 million African-Americans who spend US$40 billion a year on travel and tourism and who would spend some money of that in Ghana”, he indicated.

Mr. Obetsebi-Lamptey said in 2006, Ghana had export revenues of US$900 million from tourism; while Malaysia had US$36 billion from tourism alone and added that with the right policies in place Ghana should be able to earn about a third of Malaysia’s revenue in 10 years.

“If we target it, we can achieve about a third of Malaysia’s figures within 10 years and radically transform our nation and make it more prosperous. And thanks to God I now know as much about the policies we need to implement the development of tourism as anybody in Ghana”, he said.

He added that since tourism is a private sector-led activity and having worked for over 30 years in the private sector before coming into government, he is in a better position to harness the investment potential of the country.

“I worked in the productive private sector, employing at one time, more than 300 people. I know how to market Ghana and her investment potential. I am well qualified to become President and the lead sales person for Ghana Incorporated”, he said.

Mr. Obetsebi-Lamptey therefore urged members of the NPP, especially delegates to the December 22 extra-ordinary congress to make an informed choice of voting for him to be the flag bearer of the party, saying that they should look at what he has been able to achieve throughout his working life in building teams for the benefits of organisations.

“Building a team means encouraging people to grow. I grow wealth and I will grow the wealth of Ghana”, he said.