Six presidents from the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) were in Accra recently to discuss developments in Mali and how to find a solution to the problem, which is threatening the peace and stability of that country.
Following months of street protests against the former Malian President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, the military intervened and removed him from power.
The ECOWAS leadership disagreed with the action of the military, and insisted that the country be returned to civilian rule. This is what led to the special meeting of the ECOWAS leaders in Accra.
The meeting was held at the Presidential Lodge in Peduase, on the Akwapim Range, which was built by Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
The facility itself was abandoned for many years until former President John Kufuor decided to renovate it. Since then, most meetings involving the Presidency have been shifted to the august location.
In fact, the Aburi/Akwapim Mountains have become popular because of this presidential edifice sited at the place. As a result, a number of both foreign and domestic tourists troop to the mountains almost on a daily basis, because of its panoramic view of Accra.
Unfortunately, this panoramic view, which is the hallmark of the Aburi Mountains, is gradually been destroyed as a result of illegal structures being mounted or erected on the slopes, ostensibly for commercial purposes.
Previously, cars driving up the mountain can stop at one of the three or so lay-bys and have a panoramic view of Accra. Having an aerial view of Accra, especially during the night, is a joy for any first-time visitor to Accra.
As we have earlier alluded to, this nice tourist attraction is gradually being destroyed. Now it is impossible to have a clear view of the national capital from the mountains when driving from Accra to Aburi, because of the structures that have been erected.
The Chronicle is very surprised that the Akwapim North Municipal Assembly and the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture have not seen anything wrong with the development going on in the area.
Mrs Barbara Oteng Gyasi, Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture, put the total revenue from tourist arrivals in the year 2019 at US$3.312 billion. In all, 1.13 million foreign tourists visited the country.
She announced early this year the allocation of US$4 million towards the development of tourism sites, alongside US$5 million for tourism enterprise support.
Also, a survey conducted by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) showed that each tourist spent not less than US$2,931 on accommodation, car rental services, food and attendance of entertainment events or concerts during the ‘Year of Return’.
We have listed the above figures to demonstrate the immense contribution of tourism to our economy, and the need to protect the sector.
What is going on at the Aburi Mountains is very nauseating, and the earlier something is done about it, the better it will be for the entire country.
The post Editorial: Why block panoramic view of Accra from Aburi Mountain? appeared first on The Chronicle Online.
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