Government to develop Osu into marine drive enclave – Minister

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts is to develop Osu into marine drive enclave to meet international standards for tourist attraction.

The Ministry is championing the development of the coastline from Osu to down-town Accra into a tourist resort to position the community as an attractive destination for tourism, job creation and income generation for the youth.

The project seeks to link Osu to Abokobi in the Ga East District on a heritage trails as the two towns share a common and interesting heritage of the Basel Missionary activities and traditions.

Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Sector Minister announced this on Thursday at the inauguration of a 13- member Osu Tourism Development Committee as part of preparation for the Greater Accra Regional World Tourism Day which falls on September 27.

This year’s World Tourism Day is on the theme:“ Tourism for All, Promoting Universal Accessibility.”

The Committee would work with other sub-committees to execute activities relating to the establishment of some tourism infrastructure, sanitation, safety and security, community awareness creation, local and international marketing and promotion of Osu.

The Committee would facilitate the training of target groups including tour guides, craftsmen, caterers and accommodation providers.

She said tourism is the fastest growing industries of the world which contribute significantly to global and local economies.

The industry is also a major contributor to the sustainable development of the world’s resources as it helps to conserve and preserve historical, cultural and natural heritage and reduce poverty in the deprived communities.

Nii Okwei Kinka Dowuona VI, the Osu Mantse said it is critical to promote cultural heritage tourism, which is the best option in promoting unity in the community and economic development.

He said the Osu Traditional Council would from next year rebrand their festival to promote their heritage by initiating a week of restoration during, which the Osu township would be cleaned and painted by the community members.

The Chief has appealed to government to declare Osu as a heritage zone and be added to the World Heritage list.

He urged government to release the Osu Castle to the traditional council and the Ministry for it to use as a tourist site and to help train tourist guides and curators to tell the story of the slave trade.

Source: GNA