- Ministry of Tourism (Ghana)
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The Ministry of Tourism of Ghana is the government ministry responsible for the development and promotion of tourism related activities in the country.[1]
Contents
History
The ministry was created in 1993 to promote, develop and coordinate tourism related activities in the country.[2] In 2003, under the John Kufour administration the ministry's name was changed to the Ministry of Tourism and Modernization of the Capital city.[2] This was due to the expansion of the ministry's portfolio to include the development of Accra into a modern international capital city. The ministry had another name in change to the Ministry of Tourism and Diasporan Relations. In 2009, the John Atta Mills administration reverted the name of the ministry back to the Ministry of Tourism.[2] The ministry has thus had four name changes since its creation.
Functions of the Ministry
The ministry functions to develop and promote tourism and improve the capital city - Accra. These functions are aimed at optimising the socio-economic growth of the country through tourism related activities and the promotion of environmental impact for the benefit of deprived communities with tourist sites in the country.[1]
Minister of Tourism
The ministry is headed by the Minister of Tourism. The presidents appoints the sector minister who is then presented to Parliament for approval. Three ministers of tourism have served the ministry in the John Atta Mills administration.
Year Minister 2009 – 2010 Juliana Azumah-Mensah (MP) 2010 – 2011 Zita Okaikoi 2011 – present Akua Sena Dansua (MP)[3] Tourism statistics
In 2005, 446,000 tourists visited Ghana.[4] A fourth of the number were Africans from the Diaspora.[4] The World Economic Forum statistics in 2010 showed that Ghana was 108th out of 139 countries as world’s favourite tourism destinations.[5] The country had moved two places up from the 2009 rankings. In 2011, Forbes Magazine, published that Ghana was ranked the eleventh most friendly country in the world. The assertion was based on a survey in 2010 of a cross-section of travelers. Of all the African countries that were included in the survey Ghana ranked highest.[5] Tourism is the fourth highest earner of foreign exchange for the country.[5]
Major tourist sites under the ministry
- Kakum National park
- Mole National park
- Ankasa National park
- Cape Coast Castle
- Elmina Castle
- Manhyia Palace Museum
References
- ^ a b "Ministry of Tourism & Modernization of The Capital City". www.ghanaweb.com. http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/republic/ministry.profile.php?ID=33. Retrieved 31 May 2011.
- ^ a b c "History". www.touringghana.com. http://www.touringghana.com/mot.asp. Retrieved 31 May 2011.
- ^ "Ministry of Tourism". www.ghana.gov.gh. http://www.ghana.gov.gh/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=323:ministry-of-tourism-&catid=74:ministries&Itemid=224. Retrieved 31 May 2011.
- ^ a b "The Diaspora returns to Africa". www.finalcall.com. http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/article_2987.shtml. Retrieved 31 May 2011.
- ^ a b c "Forbes: Ghana is eleventh friendliest nation". www.vibeghana.com. http://vibeghana.com/2011/03/20/forbes-ghana-is-eleventh-friendliest-nation/. Retrieved 31 May 2011.
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Economy of GhanaCategories:- Ghana Ministries of State
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- Government agencies established in 1993
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