Art, culture and heritage are tools of creativity, skills and talent that can generate wealth and prosperity, said Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, Minister of Arts, Tourism and Culture.
He stated this at the groundbreaking ceremony for the rehabilitation and modernization of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park (KNMP) in Accra.
He said the current state of the park required its closure for thorough repairs and modernization in order to increase income.
He expressed excitement that the government had allocated US $ 3 million for repair work, which is expected to be completed in nine months.
The minister said the renovations funded by the World Bank Tourism Development Project will include the presidential library, new training center, restaurant, VVIP lounge, artistic freedom wall, music and light fountain.
According to the minister, the park will create about 50 more direct jobs when completed.
“The reconstructed park will feature Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana, and other founders of the country, Edward Akufo-Add, Arco Ajay, Obesebi Lamptei, William Ofori Atta, and JB Danqua. I praise you, “he said.
Dr. Awal further embodies the Pan-African Triangle Center, which consists of KNMP, the WEB DU Boa Center for Pan-Africanism, and the George Padmore Library, and Ghana as a major center for Pan-Africanism and diaspora research. He said it would solidify his position.
“All these developments will help boost domestic and international tourism and improve Ghana’s reputation as an investment and trade destination,” he said.
The minister said tourism, art and culture can make a significant contribution to the country’s development and job creation.
“The struggle for Ghana’s independence, which Dr. Nkrumah and other founding fathers gave their lives to, needs to be complemented by long-term economic development that creates access to Ghanaian education, health care and decent work. was.”
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park is said to have witnessed an average of 98,000 visitors annually before COVID-19, and after rehabilitation, the ministry predicts that it will accept 400,000 visitors each year.
The Minister urged all participants throughout the tourism value chain to take customer-centric action, noting that the customer-centric approach needs to be improved to grow the business.
“Satisfied visitors will not only return home, but also recommend their destinations to others, both domestically and internationally,” he said.
Annual revenue from gold and cocoa was less than US $ 4 billion, but if the attractions are properly sold and packaged, annual revenue from the tourism and creative industries could exceed US $ 4 billion, he said. Said.
“Along with this, the province will soon undertake the restoration and modernization of other tourism and heritage assets, including the Cape Coast and Elmina Castle, More Park, Shy Hills and Kacum Park, in strengthening these iconic locations. Let’s do it, “he said.
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