By Jones Anlimah
The vice-presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming December 7 general elections, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), has called for increased focus on the untapped potential of Ghana’s tourism sector to transform the country’s economy. Dr. Opoku Prempeh was speaking at the 66th Annual General Meeting of the Ghana Medical Association, held in Ho, in the Volta Region.
“God has blessed us with so many things,” Dr. Opoku Prempeh remarked, highlighting the country’s wealth of natural and historical attractions. He noted that Ghana is home to about 80% of all forts and castles in Africa, primarily situated along the West African coast. He suggested that these historical landmarks, along with other tourist sites, should be able to generate significant economic benefits for the country.
“The number of tourist sites in Ghana should be able to transform the economy of this country,” he said.
The NPP vice-presidential candidate referenced his recent visit to Damongo, where he toured the renowned Larabanga Mosque, the “Mystic Stone,” and the Mole National Park. He, however, expressed disappointment that these sites, with their rich cultural and ecological significance, are not attracting the volume of tourists they deserve. According to him hundreds of thousands of people should be visiting these attractions annually.
The vice-presidential hopeful called for a comprehensive shift towards tourism development to unlock the potential of the country’s attractions. Emphasizing that tourism could play a pivotal role in Ghana’s economic progress, Dr. Prempeh urged stakeholders to invest in infrastructure, marketing, and community engagement to elevate Ghana’s profile on the global tourism map.
The NPP’s focus on leveraging tourism aligns with a broader strategy to diversify Ghana’s economy beyond its traditional sectors.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s comments come with only a few weeks until the upcoming elections, with key issues such as economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development continuously dominating the various campaign trails.
