The Trade Commissioner of the Republic of Vanuatu to Ghana, Ambassador Prof. Hugh Aryee, has said his country has decided to use Ghana as a tourism hub from which to launch into West Africa and the continent in general.
He said Vanuatu is a huge tourist attraction for people from Europe and the Americas and therefore holds the sector in high esteem at about 7% of GDP, from which Ghana and West Africa can immensely benefit.
He said the President and people of the island nation have seen and heard of the exploits of the peace and good governance Ghana is espousing in African and world affairs, and they are very gratified to be bilaterally conjoined to the destiny of Ghana.
The Minister of Tourism, Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Awal, expressed his immense joy at the courtesy call and enjoined the new Commissioner to expedite his plans for the year so as to fit into those of his ministry for easy collaboration and an early takeoff.
He said plans are far advanced to hold the West African Tourism Forum with headquarters in Accra and extended a hand of invitation to his contemporary in Vanuatu to use it as an opportunity to familiarize himself with Ghana and West Africa.
He said Ghana is gearing herself up for an increasing influx of people from the Diaspora into the country, with the facelifts of some heritage and tourist sites as well as hospitality infrastructure to withstand the expected homecoming fiesta.
Dr. Awal and Prof. Aryee discussed a wide range of issues that border on the culture and arts of the people of Vanuatu and hoped the two countries would integrate well in all areas and find this new relationship mutually beneficial to both countries and their people.
The Trade Commissioner was accompanied by the executives of the commission.
Source: oyerepafmonline.com/Kwaku Ansah
