Tourism ministry cautions motorists on partial solar eclipse

The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Arts has cautioned the motoring public to be mindful of road safety regulations and be cautious on the road as Ghana experiences a partial eclipse of the sun on Sunday, November 3.

It has urged motorists who would want to watch the phenomenon to park and do so, adding that those with shades should share its usage with others.

In a release signed by the Public Relations Officer of the ministry, Prince Boakye Boateng, members of the public were reminded not to forget to wear their eyeshades when watching the phenomenon.

On November 3, 2013, Ghana and parts of West Africa will experience a partial solar eclipse.

According to a member of the African Astronomical Society, Professor Emmanuel Amamoo-Otchere, the rare natural phenomenon will happen at 1.22 p.m.

Prof. Amamoo Otchere said 'There will be partial darkness similar to dusk, and the eclipse will be seen in Eastern America, sliding to West Africa and finally dissipating in Africa.'

Darkness
In Ghana, people along the coast, from Half Assini to Aflao, will experience a wave of darkness in the skyline of duration of a minute or two.

Prof. Amamoo-Otchere said inland, the phenomenon would be experienced in the northern parts of the country as far as Burkina Faso.

The Tourism ministry advised all to go about their activities that day without any hindrance.

It also suggested to tourism and hospitality service providers such as hotels and restaurants to organise traditional drumming and dancing programmes to entertain tourists.

It urged all to extend the proverbial Ghanaian hospitality to tourists who would be in the country to experience the rare phenomenon.

Daily Graphic/Ghana