LAGOS – Chief Okatachi Nana, the President of Ghana has said that if tourism potential in Nigeria, Ghana and entire Africa are well-harnessed, it can lead to economic growth of the continent.s
Nama stated this over the weekend in Lagos, during the opening ceremony of the 20th Akwaaba Africa Travel Market.
Speaking as the Royal Father of the Day, Nana who is the President of Association of Chiefs in Ghana, regretted that Africa was yet to fully understand the potential of tourism and its effect on economic development.
According to him, if well-nurtured, tourism could grow the economy, drive visitors to Africa, especially Nigeria and Ghana and further polish the image of the continent to the outside world.
Besides, Nana who is also the former President of Ghana Tourism Federation and Board Member of the Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture, insisted that Nigeria and Ghana were not enemies as alleged in some quarters, saying that the two countries were brothers and sisters united in many fronts.
He said: “Tourism is the key drive for economic growth worldwide. If we do it well, trust me, Nigeria, Ghana and of course Africa, would become the best economic drive in the world. Africa would graduate; we have started it here with the Akwaaba Africa Travel Market.
“On the issue of Ghana and Nigeria, some people would think we are enemies, rather, we are the best of brothers and sisters. Ghana and Nigerians, we are not enemies, whosoever says we are enemies doesn’t know what he’s saying.
“As we are here, let’s take advantage of connecting and networking. For an event like this to bring Africans together, is an amazing one; it’s all about networking and connecting. And I am so proud to be a part of this today.”
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Earlier, Mr. Ikechi Uko, the Convener of Akwaaba Africa Market, said that it took zeal and determination to sustain the annual event in the last 20 years.
He also commended the management of Eko Hotel for supporting the programme since inception, emphasising that the management expanded the vision of the programme to what it is today.
“I don’t take the originality of this event; I was doing something different, but Eko Hotel encouraged me to do what you are seeing now. When we had the first edition in 2004, 80 per cent of the costs were written off by Eko Hotel, but it took me six months to go and study how to do an exhibition event. I studied a lot of events in Europe; I did a detailed job.
“Then, I’m happy that we have been supported by a lot of people and that support has brought us to where we are today. It has already been 20 years; 20 years, in Ghana, Uganda, Lagos, Cross Rivers, Eko Hotel and everywhere.”
Uko promised that its three annual events; AviaCargo, Wonders of Nigeria and Akwaaba would be held simultaneously in one location in 2025.
According to him, this was necessary in a bid to further expand the horizon of the events, boost connectivity, stressing that Nigeria was ripe for tourism.
“This is the time to bring the Nigerian travel business with the global travel business.
“Before now, we separated them because we thought Nigeria didn’t really know what to do, but today, I want to congratulate Nigeria that you have come of age and you are ready to play in the big league,” he said.
