Discover Western Region: Minister launches book to promote tourism
Western Regional Minister Dr Kobby Okyere Darko Mensah on Tuesday 21st February launched his book “Discover Western Region” at the Raybow International Hotel in Takoradi.
“Discover Western Region “ is a book that chronicles the various tourist attractions that the region has to offer and is meant to fill the gap in the public understanding of the role of tourism.
Speaking during the book launch the Western Regional minister said in the quest to make the region the number one tourist destination in Ghana a 10-point plan has been formulated.
This includes the expansion of the masquerade festival into the Christmas City project, fixing roads to tourist sites, and renovation and upgrade of some tourist sites.
The minister also announced the signing of an MOU between the Western Region and the Canary Islands which will enable 20 students of the Takoradi Technical University to receive scholarships each year.
For his part, the Omanhene of Esikado Nana Kobena Nketsia IV said the Western Region is the quarry for the development of the rest of the country yet it is not doing well.
That notwithstanding, it’s the happiest region that one can find. He also commended the regional minister for finding time out of his busy schedule to put the book together.
Deputy Tourism Minister Mark Okraku Mantey said President Akufo Addo wants to make tourism the number one contributor to Ghana’s GDP and announced that Ghana is the leading tourist destination in West Africa.
He added that some successes have been chalked after the Year of Return and Beyond the Return initiatives.
He also commended the Regional Minister for coming out with a book that details the tourist attractions that the region has to offer and challenged other regional ministers to emulate it.
In attendance at the event were traditional leaders, Deputy Minister of Tourism Mark Okraku Mantey, individuals from the hospitality and tourism industries, and politicians among others.
The first 4 copies of the book were sold for 20,000 cedis.
Source: Rosaline Djan
