By Michael Kofi Kenetey
The Divisional Chief of Manya Aklomuase of the Manya Krobo Traditional Area, Nene Okpatakpla Sasraku, has called on the Municipal and District Assemblies, MDAs, the Members of Parliament, and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to work hand in hand with traditional authorities as well as businesses and communities to develop and market festivals effectively to promote development.
Nene Okpatakpla Sasraku also encouraged all to create a warm, welcoming, and safe environment for tourists to ensure that their experiences during their visits are memorable.
He was speaking at Manya Kpongunor during the Annual Ngmayem Festival Mini Durbar of the people of the Manya Aklomuase Division of the Manya Krobo Traditional Area in the Eastern Region.
Speaking on the theme: “From Tradition to Tourism: Leveraging Festivals to Promote Tourism”, Nene Okpatakpla Sasraku mentioned that tradition, culture, and heritage are the bedrock of every community, and there is a need to leverage them to promote tourism and development in the country.
Nene Okpatakpla Sasraku further mentioned that festivals are the living testimonies of rich culture, heritage, and traditions, and they serve as a bridge between the past and the present. He noted that it is very pertinent for everyone to recognise the pivotal role played by traditional authorities in promoting tourism and development in the country.
The Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Chief Executive, Simon Kweku Tetteh, called on the people to remain united to promote development in the area, adding that divisiveness and disunity hinder development. Mr. Kweku Tetteh assured the people that the government is putting things in order to rehabilitate the Somanya to Kpong Junction road.
He mentioned that the government through the assembly, is rehabilitating the Atua Government Hospital Road, which will be completed in a few months.