The Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Forestry Commission, Mr. Timothy Ataboadey Awontiirim, made the call in Accra on Tuesday at the opening of activities to mark World Tourism Day. He emphasized that increased patronage would help showcase Ghana's natural attractions to the rest of the world. Mr. Awontiirim encouraged Ghanaians to take a greater interest in the country's reserves and promote them to others.
Mr. Awontiirim highlighted that Ghana's tourist sites are comparable to, if not better than, those in other countries. He urged Ghanaians across the country and in the diaspora to encourage people to visit Ghana's tourist attractions. By doing so, he believes that Ghana can generate economic value while preserving its natural resources for future generations.
The Forestry Commission's World Tourism Day celebration is being held under the global theme, "Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism," with the local sub-theme, "From Protected Areas to Smart Destinations." As part of the program, the Commission is organizing a Smart Eco-Tourism Hackathon to develop artificial intelligence and software solutions for Ghana's parks and reserves.
The solutions developed through the hackathon are expected to improve visitor management, provide immersive digital access, and support data-driven anti-poaching efforts. An Eco-Tourism Innovation Exhibition is also being held to showcase technologies, including virtual reality trail previews, drone-assisted canopy monitoring, and contactless hospitality systems.
Mr. Awontiirim stressed that technology should complement Ghana's natural attractions rather than replace them. He argued that tourism provides a more sustainable economic opportunity than relying heavily on natural resources such as gold and cocoa. According to him, tourism is a green investment that will stand the test of time.
The Forestry Commission's efforts to promote Ghana's tourist sites are timely, given the country's rich natural resources and cultural heritage. By leveraging technology and promoting domestic tourism, Ghana can unlock the economic potential of its tourism sector. This, in turn, can create jobs and stimulate local economies.
As Ghana joins the rest of the world to celebrate World Tourism Day, the Forestry Commission's call to action is a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting the country's natural attractions. By working together, Ghanaians can help showcase the country's beauty to the world while generating economic benefits for local communities.
Key points
- The Forestry Commission of Ghana is promoting the country's tourist sites to generate economic value and preserve natural resources.
- The Commission is using digital technology to make Ghana's tourist attractions more accessible to global audiences.
- Tourism is considered a sustainable economic opportunity for Ghana, providing an alternative to relying on natural resources like gold and cocoa.
