As part of efforts towards bolstering the nation's tourism sector, Mr. Akwasi Agyemang, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, held a meeting with Mr. OB Amoah, the Minister of State for the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development (MLGDRD), on December 13, 2022. The focus of the meeting was the proposal for the redevelopment of the iconic Aburi Botanical Gardens situated in the Eastern Region.
The rejuvenation initiative stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2020 between the Ministry and the Department of Parks and Gardens, with the primary objective of revitalizing the Aburi Botanical Gardens. During the meeting, Mr. Agyemang revealed that the Ghana Tourism Authority had received requests from private entities expressing interest in partnering with the Authority under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework to ensure the successful execution of the project.
Recognizing the potential for increased tourism revenue for the country, the CEO emphasized the need for collaboration and consultation with the Ministry to align the project with the best practices for rehabilitation and revenue generation.
Mr. OB Amoah, in response, stressed the importance of adhering to the guidelines set by the Public Private Partnership acts to mitigate potential challenges during the project's execution. He urged the Ghana Tourism Authority to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the existing infrastructure at the Aburi Botanical Gardens before engaging further with private entities.
Acknowledging the project's positive impact, Mr. OB Amoah expressed his confidence that this endeavor marks the beginning of greater things for the country. He affirmed that the Ministry is committed to ensuring that the redevelopment project aligns seamlessly with established regulations.
Mr. Agyemang expressed gratitude for the Minister's valuable feedback and assured him that the Ghana Tourism Authority would return with a comprehensive report to present to the Ministry. This collaborative effort reflects the government's commitment to harnessing the full potential of its natural and cultural assets for the benefit of the nation's tourism industry.