Regional Director for the Ghana Tourism Authority, George Nkrumah Ansere has disclosed the decision of the authority to refurbish colonial forts and prisons in Ada to enhance tourism.
According to him, tourism forms an essential part of a country’s economic development hence efforts of making Ada a tourism hub will boost economic fortunes in the country and the West African sub-region.
He made mention of government’s partnership with the traditional leaders, stakeholders in the hospitality industry, chiefs and people of Ada to restore the community into a well refined tourism enclave for immense investments in the country’s economy.
‘’We have some forts, if you go close to the sea, although it is affected by erosion; as at now we have written to the district Assembly and we are collaborating with them to restore the forts. Next to it we have the naval base here in Ada we will do that one so that the name of the district is lifted high. The fort and prison need to be worked on therefore we are putting documents together to make sure we get everything about it so that we can work on it. There are a lot of stakeholders in the hotels who are also cooperating with us. If you have the accommodation, you need to get the traffic here. We also have a lot of tourism teams which we work with, the traditional council, very cooperative sometimes the enthusiasm is too much.’’
The regional Director also expressed hope that the outcome of the activity will lead to an improvement in livelihood of residents in the area and is affirmative that “with the will and planning, we will look for the funding.”
The District Chief Executive for Ada East, Sarah Pobee, in a welcome remark said Ada is one of the tourism attractions in Ghana with about eight tourism sites.
However she lamented that Ada’s achievements as a potential tourism enclave is at the bare minimum hence its selection as the host of this year’s World Tourism Day “will put us at the top.’’
This year, the Ghana Tourism Authority chose Ada as a designation to celebrate the 2023 World Tourism Day. Activities to commemorate the event included a tree planting exercise and exhibition, fun games, Regatta, a Grand Durbar and tours.
Major towns in the district are Ada Foah, Big Ada and Ada Kasseh with Ada Foah being its district capital.
The area has a huge tourism potential such as fishermen villages, marine turtles, sailing area around 36 island communities, the rich gastronomy, unique culture of Okorli, the Ada Estuary, the Asafotufiam festival of the chiefs and people of the Ada traditional area.