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TOUGHA embarks on thrilling exploration of Greater Accra Region in final nationwide tour
The Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) concluded its nationwide tour with a grand finale in the Greater Accra Region from July 1-3.
This three-day event marked the culmination of TOUGHA’s extensive exploration of Ghana’s diverse regions, showcasing the beauty and potential of the country’s capital region.
From Krokrobite to Dodowa, Ada and Prampram, the tour highlighted some of the most captivating sites and attractions in Greater Accra.
This final leg of the journey was designed to be the most memorable, featuring a mix of engaging activities and opportunities for tour operators to familiarize themselves with local tourism products and business connections.
Day One: Krokrobite and Shai Hills
The tour kicked off with visits to several hospitality establishments in the Krokrobite area. President Alisa Osei-Asamoah noted that these visits are crucial for them to understand the current state of the hospitality industry and to make informed recommendations for improvements.
“The beach-front facilities in Krokrobite offer immense potential for boosting our tourism sector and we are concerned not just with the facilities, but the condition of the roads that lead to these facilities. It is our hope that government will fix the roads that are currently in very deplorable state and negatively affectiing the business of hospitality and tourism establishments here,”she said.
The group then visited the Shai Hills Resource Reserve, where they observed diverse wildlife and toured the Museum of Nature and Cultural Heritage.
The day concluded with a visit to the Chenku Waterfall in Dodowa, offering a lush and idyllic environment for relaxation and exploration.
“Chenku Waterfall is one of those hidden treasures that we believe can attract a significant number of tourists with the right promotion and infrastructure,” Mrs. Osei-Asamoah said.
Day Two: Ada Adventures
The second day was filled with exciting activities, beginning with a delightful cruise on the Volta River to Ada Island Zoo (Crocodile Island), where tour operators observed local wildlife. The Volta River cruise and the Ada Island Zoo provide a perfect combination of natural beauty and wildlife, which is a major draw for eco-tourism enthusiasts.
The journey continued to Konkpo Panya (Big Ada), renowned for its clam mining and processing activities and vibrant marketplace. A stop at Alorkpem Island provided first-hand insights into the islanders’ mat weaving craftsmanship.
The TOUGHA President said,“Witnessing the craftsmanship of the islanders at Alorkpem was truly inspiring. Their dedication to preserving traditional skills is commendable.”
The Nkyinkyim Museum offered a poignant tour with its sculpted heads of enslaved Africans, bold murals of Pan-African movement figures, and other symbolic art pieces.
According to Mrs. Osei-Asamoah “The Nkyinkyim Museum is a powerful reminder of our history and the resilience of our people. It is an essential stop for anyone interested in understanding our cultural heritage.”
In keeping with TOUGHA’s tradition, the day included a donation to the Brigitte and Bobby Sherman Children’s Foundation. Osei-Asamoah stated, “Giving back to the community has always been a core value of TOUGHA. We are committed to supporting initiatives that uplift and empower our people.”
Day Three: Prampram and the African Ancestral Wall
The final day of the tour featured a visit to the African Ancestral Wall in Prampram. The wall, adorned with murals of Pan-African and Black Emancipation Champions, served as a fitting end to the nationwide tour that began in 2021.
The African Ancestral Wall is a profound tribute to the heroes of the Pan-African and Black Emancipation movements. It is a site that evokes pride and reflection.
Reflecting on the tour, President Alisa Osei-Asamoah expressed gratitude to all who participated and supported the initiative. “On behalf of TOUGHA, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has been part of this journey. Our sponsors, the Ghana Tourism Authority, and most importantly, our enthusiastic TOUGHA executives and members, have shown immense commitment. Their participation has been pivotal in making our domestic tourism promotion agenda extremely fruitful.”
She added, “This grand finale in the Greater Accra Region is a testament to the rich and diverse experiences our country has to offer. We are excited about the future of Ghana’s tourism industry and remain dedicated to promoting our nation as a premier travel destination.”
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Traders, ‘Okada’ riders take over Circle pavement
• Korle-Bu CEO with staff of Nivaansh MediQas
Activities of traders and drug addicts are contributing to make the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange (Circle) area very uncomfortable and unsafe for commuters.
Day in and out, pedestrians are ‘ejected’ from the pavement created for their safety as traders preferred to sell their wares on that space.
That hinders the free movement of the pedestrians.
The small space left for the pedestrians are also shared with ‘Okada’ riders.
As if these woes are not enough for a commuter on a single day, they also have to navigate carefully to avoid clashes with drug addicts and the mentally challenged.
These people have turned the pavements into their places of abode, covering every inch of space with their wares.
Our photographer, Lizzy Okai, captures some of the unfriendly scenes the authorities must try and deal with to restore sanity to the area.
By Lizzy Okai
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NDC outlines demands before committing to Peace Pact
The National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has set forth specific conditions that the party insists must be met before considering signing the Peace Pact advocated by the National Peace Council in anticipation of the December 7 elections.
Mr. Nketia expressed scepticism about the effectiveness of past Peace Pacts, highlighting that they had not achieved their intended outcomes, particularly referencing the 2020 elections, during which eight NDC members were allegedly killed by national security operatives without accountability.
During an August 20 meeting with the National Peace Council at the NDC headquarters, Mr. Nketia detailed the certain conditions for the NDC’s participation in the Peace Pact.
The NDC is demanding that the recommendations from the investigation into the violence during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election be fully implemented.
They also want those responsible for election-related violence in the last election to be prosecuted, stressing the importance of justice and prevention.
The party is calling for accountability regarding irregularities in the printing of ballot papers and insists that visible measures be taken to prevent such issues from happening again.
They are also pushing for a thorough investigation into the missing IT equipment from the Electoral Commission’s (EC) warehouse, expressing concerns about the integrity of the EC’s systems and the potential bias of its staff.
Furthermore, the NDC is urging the President to publicly commit to respecting the results of the 2024 elections. Lastly, the party insists that the Peace Pact should be signed by key figures, including the Inspector General of Police, the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, and the National Security Coordinator, before they will consider signing it themselves.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
