The World Bank applauded the nation's efforts to prioritise tourism for economic development and noted that this would have an effect on the growth of small and medium-sized businesses, the creation of jobs, and the standard of living.
According to Pierre Laporte, the World Bank's Country Director for Ghana, the organization's $40 million contribution to the industry as part of a project for Ghana's tourism development was in keeping with such an endeavour.
On Tuesday, he gave a speech on the topic of "rethinking tourism for economic growth and job creation" during a Presidential Summit on Tourism held at the Peduase Presidential Lodge in the Eastern Region. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo ordered the two-day summit, which brought representatives from government ministries, agencies, and the business sector to come up with ideas for the nation's tourist industry.
Initiative
Despite the delayed start of the tourist development plan, according to Mr. Laporte, Dr. Ibrahim Awal, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, saw a remarkable acceleration in the project's execution.
"The bank stands ready to work with the government to further improve the huge tourism potential, including developing capacity and physical infrastructure," he continued.
According to Mr. Laporte, a number of shocks, like the COVID-19 epidemic, the crisis in Ukraine, rising food and energy costs, and other difficulties, have had a significant negative impact on the international economy recently.
Nevertheless, he said, "the bank highly commends the courageous initiatives of the Government of Ghana in managing the current crisis." IMF help for the nation, as well as support from other development partners like the World Bank, which was recently authorised, should pave the path for the restoration of the nation's macroeconomic sustainability, the addendum says.
The Country Director stated, "We stand resolute in supporting Ghana in this period of recovery in collaboration with other institutions such as the IMF."
Significance
Akwasi Agyeman, the Chief Executive of the Ghana Tourism Authority, described the summit as a historic occasion that brought together forward-thinking individuals and significant figures in the nation's drive for tourism advancement.
He thanked the president for his leadership and personal engagement, both of which have contributed to the industry's expansion and advancement.
"The President's steadfast dedication to promoting the country's distinctive cultural heritage and cultivating an inviting atmosphere for visitors has produced remarkable results. The "Year of Return" was one such noteworthy endeavour, Mr. Agyeman continued.
He also referenced a transformational effort in 2019 that encouraged individuals of African heritage from all over the world to visit the country so they could get in touch with their origins and learn about the rich history and culture of the country.
He said that in addition to putting Ghana on the map internationally, the broadcast inspired the creation of "A December in Ghana."
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