Tourism attracts $50m private investment

…to improve infrastructure at selected sites

By Selorm GBORBIDZI, Accra

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with South African Tourism Development Company, GUMA Group and the Tourvest Integrated Tourism Group, to invest $50 million into the Ghanaian tourism sector.

Under the agreement, the GUMA Group will invest in the infrastructure of selected tourist sites like the Kakum National Park, the Shai Hills Resource Reserve, and the Mole National Park.

At the Kakum National Park, it will develop an eco-lodge to provide tourists with overnight accommodation at two identified sites (Mfuom and Antwikwao), plus tree top houses, mobile tented camps, and picnic sites.

At the Shai Hills Resource Reserve,  it will upgrade the current tented camp into a luxury facility with rooms, a restaurant and develop a Cultural Village

It will also establish a restaurant offering meals to visitors.

While at the Mole National Park, it is set to develop 2 of the new sites to provide accommodation and restaurant services, among other product opportunities associated with the chosen sites.

In addition, GUMA will also open and operate the second gate at the Ducie Camp.

Speaking after the signing ceremony yesterday, Dr Awal indicated that this deal is part of government’s plan to make Ghana the number one tourism destination on the continent.

This will see about 2 million tourists visiting the country annually by 2026.

He said, “investments will make Ghana the leader not just in West Africa, but Africa.”

He explained that the investments from GUMA group will not only be channeled towards infrastructure development, but personnel training in service delivery.

He noted that these investments will not just be limited to Accra, but will be spread out to at least five other regions.

Chairman of the GUMA Group, Robert Gumede, praised the Tourism Ministry for keeping his word in bringing an investor in the form of the GUMA Group to partner government in the development of the tourism sector.

“This is exactly what the Minister promised yesterday, when he said that he will bring investors into the country.”

You have all the attractions that should bring in tourists. Both local and in-bound tourists.”

We are signing a very important agreement where we are partnering with yourself in bringing significant investment into the country,” he stated.

He expressed his excitement at the opportunity to come in and also bring in more investors from South Africa, under the Tourvest Umbrella.

He assured that their aim is not to dominate, but to partner local players to develop tourism in the country.