By Hafsa Obeng
Accra, May 7, GNA – The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) is set to partner the Ga Traditional Council, led by its President, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, to elevate the celebration of this year’s Homowo Festival.
The partnership was announced following a courtesy call by the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the GTA, Mrs Maame Efua Houadjeto, and her team of directors on King Teiko Tsuru, who doubles as the Ga Mantse, at his Palace in Accra.
Mrs Houadjeto said the visit served as an official introduction of the GTA’s leadership to the traditional authority and a respectful gesture in line with their mandate under Legislative Instrument 817 (2011), which tasks the Authority with the promotion of Ghana’s tourism.
“Since assuming office, it is important for me to come in person, together with my directors, to greet the Ga Mantse, seek his blessings, and open channels of collaboration,” she said.
The CEO said many of the key tourist activities took place on the Ga Traditional land and it was appropriate to work with the custodians of those cultural assets to make the celebration grand.
Mrs Houadjeto said the area under the Ga Mantse’s jurisdiction held a significant number of key tourist attractions, from historical forts and castles to the monkey sanctuary and more.
“These sites are vital assets in the promotion of Ghana’s tourism industry,” she said, and expressed the importance to engage with the traditional authorities, share their vision and seek ways of working together to elevate tourism to new heights.
“We are here to formally present ourselves to you and look forward to your wisdom and support in ensuring that our efforts are both impactful and respectful of tradition,” she said.
The CEO pledged the GTA’s full support to enhance the festival’s organisation and visibility.
King Teiko Tsuru, on his part, highlighted the significance of the upcoming Homowo Festival and the need to partner with the GTA to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Ga people.
That would ensure a better appreciation of the festival by both domestic and international tourists to take the celebration to an even greater global level.
He said although Homowo had always had international recognition, especially through the Gas in the Diaspora, there was the need to enhance its relevance by aligning it with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Two, which is, Eradicating Hunger.
“We aim to use this year’s Homowo Festival as a platform to raise awareness and actively contribute to the eradication of hunger in Ghana, particularly in marginalised communities where poverty is on the rise,” he said.
The Ga Mantse said the Greater Accra Region was blessed with immense tourism potential, such as the beaches, monkey sanctuary, and historic forts and castles, and with proper refurbishment and strategic promotion, they could become key revenue drivers for the local economy.
To strengthen collaboration and ensure sustained engagement, the Ga Mantse said an office space would be provided for the GTA within the Palace and appealed to the Authority to delegate a liaison officer for the office for constant communication.
He congratulated the CEO on her appointment and prayed for God’s blessing and protection in her endeavours.
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