The Ghana Tourism Authority together with collaborators from the Klottey Korley Assembly and the Osu Traditional Council have commissioned the first phase of the Accra Leisure and Recreational Park (Geese Park).
The ceremony was graced by officials of the tourism sector including the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture , Andrew Egyapa Mercer, the Board Chairman, Seth Adjei Baah, The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, and board members and staff of GTA.
The Tourism Minister in an address to attendees described the commissioning of the park as a significant milestone which has been achieved by Ghana’s Tourism sector. He noted that the Ghana Tourism Authority within the past 8 years has played a significant role in enhancing tourism in Ghana under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Akwasi Agyeman. “This momentous occasion marks a significant stride in our efforts to enhance Ghana’s tourism landscape and create vibrant spaces for recreation and leisure.”
Mr. Akwasi Agyeman indicated that the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) envisioned tourism in Ghana as a way to exhibit Ghana’s rich culture and its ability to tell the story of Ghana’s history while at it. He indicated that GTA collaborated with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture along with other bodies to undertake redevelopment projects including the Kwame Nkrumah Museum, The Nationalism Park, and the Geese Park.
“Tourism thrives on spaces and over the years we have realized that a lot of visitors coming to Ghana, about 80% come through the Kotoka airport some for business tourism and some for events but there were not enough spaces that they could visit and understand the culture, the heritage and what we have to offer,” he said.
Representatives of the Osu Traditional council expressed their appreciation to the Ministry of Tourism and all other bodies that came together to make the initiative possible. They indicated that this facility along with the others in the Osu community will not only bring in revenue but give the town recognition in Ghana and beyond.
The Accra Leisure and Recreational Park include state-of-the-arts facilities like a snack shop, a restaurant, an event center, a children’s playground, a zoo, and also a skating park.
The Accra Leisure and Recreational Park (Geese Park), will be connected to the Asomdwoee Park in Osu and will count as part of tourist sites in the Osu enclave.
By: Kobina Baidoo
