Great Land of Gold
Already recognized as one of the great kingdoms in Bilad el-Sudan by the ninth century, modern Ghana is considered one of the more stable countries in West Africa since its transition to multi-party democracy in 1992. Formerly known as the Gold Coast, it is still famous for gold & cocoa. More recently oil forms the cornerstone of Ghana’s economy and has helped fuel an economic boom.
By Her Excellency Samata Gifty Bukari, Consul-General to the UAE, Republic of Ghana
The vision of Ghana under the able leadership of HE President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo is to create prosperity and equal opportunities for all in a stable, united and safe country.
On the Path of Rapid Progress
The focus areas of development in Ghana include Agriculture with a flagship programme of planting for food and jobs. This is to ensure food security. We have also adopted the approach of one district one factory. These factories shall process various products, therefore creating employment for the teaming youth in Ghana. Education for all: Basic education in Ghana public schools is free. The President has expanded the Free education to cover Senior High School. This is to ensure that all children get educated in order to produce the right type of Human Resource for nation’s development by training them in Science and Technology. Health and Sanitation is another focus area of development.
Tourism Opportunities
Tourism is an important sector of the economy. Then, infrastructure development plays an important role, that is road, rail, sea and air. Energy also contributes to national development. Finally, good governance, respect for human rights and security are emphasized. Ghana generally has several tourist attractions. The main tourist attractions in Ghana include the following: National Parks, Safaris, Ostriches, Walkways, Castles and Forts to tell the history of slave trade, water falls, lakes, Lagoons and natural beaches, Abudu gardens, monkey sanctuary, Museums, mountains, volcanoes. crocodile ponds, Zoos, Mining sites, river bodies, etc. Our tradition and culture is also quite rich, including our dressing and the food we eat. Importantly, the people of Ghana are very hospitable. Ghana also has excellent air and sea connections to the rest of the world.
Tourism, has become a global and highly competitive socio-economic and environmental activity in both developed and developing countries. In Ghana, it is the fastest growing industry that stimulates other sectors in the national economy, such as agriculture, transport, manufacturing, real estates, industries and others. It is an important vehicle that can be harnessed by developing countries to speed up their drive towards socio-economic transformation. The industry is labour-intensive and supports diverse and versatile labour markets, offering small-scale employment opportunities, such as Travel and Tours, Accommodation Food & Beverage, Transportation, Attractions, Craft Villages, Events & Conferences, and many more, which help to promote gender equity. Tourism has been known to diversify economies, create jobs, generate revenue for governments and stimulate businesses. Aviation plays a central role in supporting tourism. In Africa, an estimated 5.8% people are employed by influx of overseas visitors, most of whom arrive in the region by air, and contributed $46 billion to GDP in African economies in 2014. The importance of strategic air links cannot be understated; business, leisure, and tourism all require reliable, affordable, frequent connections to key destinations in order to flourish and grow.
Investment Opportunities Related to Tourism
The increasing number of tourists and the evolving profile of today’s traveler demand a host of new tourism offerings and infrastructure projects. A wide spectrum of investment opportunities arise out of Ghana’s long-term tourism plans. Marine Drive Project Development involves super structures and infrastructure at the beach front in Accra. It seeks to plan and develop the entire parcel of land, stretching from the Osu Klottey lagoon (behind the Christiansburg Castle) to the Accra community centre, covering an area of 215.7 acres. Marine Drive Plan: It plans to decongest the city centre of nonconforming uses and re-instate a new land use structure befitting the capital city; Intensify the use of land to be consistent with the high values of land and also counteract the apparent scarcity of land in Accra; and Create an environment to attract high levels of investment in the city centre. It is also re-zoning the stretch of land into a tourism enclave to build Hotel Resorts, Craft village, Golf course, Restaurants, Coastal reclamation, Christianborg castle, etc.
My Efforts towards Cordial Relations
As Consul General of Ghana, I shall work hard to strengthen bilateral relations between the UAE, and all other nations worldwide. Market Ghana in business and investment is working closely with Ghana investment Promotion Council and other Chambers of Commence. It’s my duty to attend seminars and forums in order to learn as well as share best practices with other countries, and showcase the heritage of Ghana through collaboration with the Sharjah Heritage Institute. I am working towardss creating an attractive and conducive business environment to attract Foreign Direct Investment. Finally I shall love to see Ghana becoming the gateway to West Africa as well as moving beyond Aid.
