Tourism Ministry targets one million dollars in international receipts

November 10, 2009
He said Ghana was targeting the example of Senegal, which recently recorded one million dollars in the country's annual international receipts, in order to become the first largest foreign exchange earner in tourism for the country.

The convention, which is slated to take place at three locations in Ghana, is on the theme: "Keep on the Watch". About 2,000 foreign delegates are expected to throng the country from Europe and Africa.

The Deputy Minister said: "Since that time, the country has been recording one million foreign arrivals. Ghana has the potential to reach that target because we have about 29 of such castles in the country".

Concerning the impact of the influx of foreigners in the country, he said this "will increase tourist receipts that could improve the country's balance payment position and add to gross domestic product. There will also be the creation of opportunity for local investment in the tourism superstructure and services."

Mr Dan Obimpeh, News Service Coordinator for the Jehovah's Witnesses Convention, said the theme had been chosen for the convention in view of the nearness of what many prefer to call "the end of the world".

Mr Obimpeh said during the convention, an expected 40,000 Jehovah's Witnesses would meet at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium while 15,000 of them would converge at two other locations off the Spintex Road, a suburb of Accra.

Mr Obimpeh disclosed that international conventions were being organized throughout the world in 33 major cities located in 16 different countries including Ghana.

"We are confident that all of you here assembled will attend to share the spiritual meal that will be provided during the period. We assure you that the programme will be presented at no financial charge," he said.

Mr Danso-Mensah who is also a member of the National Planning Committee for the convention, called on all Ghanaians to exhibit the proverbial hospitality for the foreign delegates to leave with them a very positive impression about the country with its rich culture after the convention.

GNA