Tourism
development
Tourism has become a
major global economic activity. In many countries it has overtake agriculture
and manufacturing. The diversification of Ghana’s economy in 1985 and the need
to shift focus from the over- reliance of the economy on the traditional
commodities brought the tourism sector into the frontline as a major economic
activity that has the potential of resuscitating the ailing economy. Ghana
offers a wide range of unique and exciting natural, cultural and historical
resources which are highly undeveloped but must be developed. As a traditional
export, tourism has the potential to become a powerful tool in pro-poor
development strategies. It has the ability to create jobs and wealth. This
potential can be realized if sound economic and social development strength of
tourism is effectively mobilized to create wealth and fight poverty in the
communities in particular and the country at large.
The positive impact of
tourism can be assessed in terms of foreign exchange earnings, employment and
income as well as a conservation of the biodiversity and also a catalytic tool
for the growth of other businesses. Indeed, the tourism sector in Ghana is
experiencing some significant growth since 1996 with tremendous positive impact
from the year 2000. The growth experienced re-emphases the government’s
commitment to the development of the tourism sector. This statement has been
re-echoed by President John Agyekum Kufuor in his 2005 sectional address to
parliament when he said, “tourism is a gold mine that must be tapped.” Tourism
in Ghana is indeed the untapped goldmine of the economy.
Even though about 80
percent of the tourism potentials of the country remains untapped it is the
fourth foreign exchange earner of the country after remittances from abroad,
Cocoa and Gold. However, the Ministry of Tourism and Diasporan Relations is the
least resourced. This has led to little publicity, poor marketing, sites are
not properly developed, no promotional materials, and hence, tourism is
relegated to the background. Looking at the fact that tourism is the fourth
foreign exchange earner in Ghana’s economy without any efforts, imagine what
will happen if it is given little push with funding and support.
Though the country is
blessed with pristine beaches stretching over 500 kilometers, these beaches are
left undeveloped while portions have been turned into places of conveniences.
Our habitual littering is also anathema to tourism development. How do we
expect tourists to repeat their visits if we are misusing our tourism assets?
We are renowned for our hospitality but when it comes to providing services we
are not up and doing. Tourism is a very competitive business as people demand
value for money if we wish to make the requisite gains then we should put our
house in order.
