The Volta and Oti Regional Director of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Alexander Nketia, has called for attention to various festivals in the country to rake in investments.
According to him, draw crowds including prospective investors, thus, traditional leaders and various local assemblies should not leave anything to chance during these festivities.
He stressed that these investments when secured can contribute to the economic growth of the country.
Mr Nketia made these statements when speaking on JoyNews’ The Probe on Sunday.
“We ought to begin to see how we can leverage more on these festivals to create additional investments in our localities. Most of these festivals are organised by the local planning committees. But which member of the Committee can add value to what is happening at the local level. And at what time do we bring in our programme for the event.
“But it is bringing in people, most of them are people who are looking out for investment opportunities. We need to repackage these festivals and the other investment opportunities that exist within these areas so that we can market them even post-festival,” he told EMefa Apawu.
Outlining measures that could be taken to leverage festivals, Mr Nketia said an exhibition center should be mounted at durbars.
He also added that government representatives must be included in the planning committee of these festivals.
Their role, the GTA Director explained will be to focus on the economic benefit the traditional area will have should it leverage its festivals.
Festivals have resurfaced into the limelight following the colourful celebration of the Hogbetsotso Za by the Anlo State on Saturday.
The event which is to commemorate the escape from Notsie in Togo to their present destination saw dignitaries including the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, Kwahumahene and the Ga Mantse.
