Ghana: Home to 30 ecological sites

‘Traditionally sacred and scientifically puzzling’ may sound a simple expression but is a very loaded and an apt description of Lake Bosomtwe in the Ashanti Region.
Shrouded in lots of traditional tales, legends and myths, the lake and its ecology are sources of wonderful scientific mysteries. Most baffling is how a circular lake, ringed by steep hills of between 300 metres and 420 metres high could have formed; especially as it neither lets in or out its water.

Such expressions and taglines will henceforth run through most tourist facilities in the country, starting with slogans for regions. The slogans will encapsulate the strength of the region as a running theme.

The move is part of the new 15-year National Tourism Development Plan (2013-2027) which is expected to enhance the contribution of the tourism sector to national and local economic development.

Tourism currently contributes 4.5 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

With the help of a non-governmental organisation, the Ghana Tourism Authority has started branding the Western Region, with the tagline “West Coast, Best Coast”.

Besides man-made tourist attraction sites such as resorts, forts and some historical relics, Ghana’s 10 regions are home to 30 ecotourism sites.

Ecotourism relates to sites that are naturally developed such as conservation parks and gardens, mysterious caves and natural occurrences; beaches; animal sanctuaries, shrines, waterfalls and cultural heritage sites.

Ecological sites are important because the local communities own and manage them. It is one sure way of boosting rural economies through tourism and a faster way of reducing poverty.

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts says it has engaged the Tourvest Investment Group of South Africa and secured their interest to invest in the ecologies of Mole and Kakum National Parks, as well as sites in the Shai Hills.

Here are the taglines for the 10 Regions of Ghana and their ecological endowments.

1. Greater Accra Region - The Gateway to tourism.

2. Western Region - West Coast, Best Coast

3. Eastern Region -

4. Central Region- The Heartbeat of Ghana’s Tourism

5. Volta Region - Region of Landscapes and Cultural Diversity

6. Ashanti Region - The Cradle of the Nation’s Cultures

7. Brong Ahafo Region - The Centre of Ghana and Monkey Sanctuary

8. Northern Region -The land of safaris

9. Upper West   - The Hippo Sanctuary and the land of the tomb of Dr Limann

10. Upper East - The crocodile pond.

By Samuel Doe Ablordeppey/Graphic Business/Ghana