Ghana’s efforts to diversify its tourism offerings could receive a significant boost following discussions initiated between the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF), the Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited (GTDC) and the Geoscience Education Research Group of the Department of Earth Science, University of Ghana.
The initiative seeks to establish a coordinated framework through which Ghana’s geological heritage can contribute to tourism diversification, employment creation, science education, environmental conservation and inclusive community development.
A memorandum of intent reached after the tripartite discussions held at the University of Ghana, Legon, on Monday said the meeting explored how Ghana’s exceptional geological landscapes could be developed into attractive, educational and sustainable tourism destinations.
The memorandum was signed by Seth Ocran, President of GHATOF, umbrella body of tourism’s private sector, Prof. Kobby Mensah, Chief Executive of GTDC, which is the development and investment wing of tourism in Ghana, and Prof. Yvonne Sena Akosua Loh, of the Department of Earth Science.
The discussions also covered three complementary initiatives required to support the development of a sustainable National Geotourism Sector: preparation of a National Atlas and Digital Inventory of Geological Heritage Sites, a Community Geo-Guide Training Programme and the establishment of a National Geoscience Interpretive Centre in Accra.
Present was Enimil Ashon, a Communications Specialist.
Geotourism
On behalf of the Geoscience Education Research Group, Prof. Loh made a presentation on a proposed National Geotourism Development Programme.
She regretted that beyond being internationally recognised for its cultural festivals, castles, forts, beaches, national parks and historical connections with the African diaspora, “Ghana has not explored its extensive geological heritage that remains largely undocumented, inadequately interpreted and underpromoted as part of the national tourism experience.”
Among such geological attractions are mountains, escarpments, waterfalls, caves, ancient rock formations, mineralised landscapes, former mining areas and sites that provide evidence of major events in the Earth’s history.
“These sites are not merely scenic landscapes,” she said. “They are natural archives that tell the story of how Ghana’s land, mineral resources, water systems and ecosystems developed over millions, and, in some cases, billions of years.”
Lake Bosomtwi
She said central to the proposal is the development of Lake Bosomtwi as Ghana’s flagship geotourism, geoeducation and cultural heritage destination.
Located in the Ashanti Region, Lake Bosomtwi occupies a meteorite impact crater formed approximately 1.7 million years ago.
The crater is about 10.5 kilometres in diameter and is recognised internationally for its outstanding geological importance.
Prof Loh said this rare combination of geological significance, biodiversity, cultural heritage and community life made Lake Bosomtwi one of Ghana’s most compelling but insufficiently developed tourism assets.
“Lake Bosomtwi is not only a beautiful lake.
It is evidence of an extraordinary event in the history of the Earth, a sacred cultural landscape and a living laboratory for science, education and environmental conservation.
Developing it responsibly will allow Ghana to protect this heritage while creating jobs, strengthening local businesses and giving both Ghanaian and international visitors an experience that cannot easily be found elsewhere.”
GHATOF cooperation
The GHATOF President, Seth Ocran, welcomed the initiative, promising full cooperation by the private sector.
“When this initiative becomes a tourist product, it is GHATOF’s tour operators that will programme and implement the calendar of tours. It is our tour guides that will plan and conduct the tours, and it is our forex bureaux that will ensure the necessary liquidity flow to guarantee that Ghana’s economy is the ultimate winner”.
For his part, the GTDC boss called for a quick take-off, even if on a small scale, cautioning that “Waiting for the big money, elaborate architectural structures and one hundred per cent all hands on deck will lead to loss of momentum.”
