We Also Have A Tourism Site Madam Minister (Mframabuom Caves – Kwamang)
Tourism has now taken its rightful position as a major contributor to national economic development. In this 21st century tourism is rendered as a serious service to tourists. The tourism sector contributes foreign exchange earnings to the economy of Ghana.
Today, services are the fastest growing part of world trade and account for the largest share of Gross Domestic Product in most countries. In 2011, Ghana raked-in US$ 2.19 billion from the tourism sector whiles in 2012; Ghana's tourism sector raked-in US$ 1.7 billion from the tourism sector and provided employment for 359,000 people. I was extremely happy with the tourism ministry, only to know that the good people of Kwamang in the Sekyere Central district of Ghana have being relegated to the unknown in terms of tourism.
This revelation came about as I sat surfing the internet for information, I came across the vision statement of the Ministry of Tourism 'To support and promote the achievement of the overall vision of the Government of Ghana aimed at achieving a per capital income of US$1000 by 2015 through the realization of the sector's full potential in contributing to economic wealth creation, employment generation, poverty reduction, environment conservation, as well as national and international cohesion'. A very good vision indeed! I therefore decided to check for the tourism site of my town, 'Mframabuom' Caves-Kwamang.
No specific information for me. How can the ministry of tourism be at its potential when a natural preserve like ours has being left to the onus of the local people? I therefore wish to draw the attention of the Minister of Tourism and the ministry as a whole to kindly turn their eyes to develop and promote the 'Mframabuom' Caves-Kwamang, to enable the people of Kwamang and its environs to also benefit from the enormous benefits of tourism in Ghana. The 'Mframabuom' Caves in Kwamang is one of the untapped natural tourism attractions sites in Ghana. It has a very rich history that is available and told to tourist when they visit the cave.
I know The Ashanti Region in general is a great area in which to explore cultural and unspoilt natural attractions like palaces, museums, forts, lakes, wildlife, parks, rock formations, craft villages, caves and a host of other heritages. However, as a native of the land I believe the 'Mframabuom' Caves deserve a critical development and promotion. An asset which otherwise would have been of potential benefit to people by way of employment creation and improvement in the standard of living is unnoticed. There is therefore the need to reverse this unfortunate trend to save the 'Mframabuom' Caves-Kwamang and the tourism industry.
As we know, the Ashanti Region is a kingdom of gold, history and culture that occupies the central portion of modern Ghana and serves as the hub of the ancient kingdom of the Asante, and still the heartland for all Asante. So tourists will have the opportunity to visit other sites that are closer to Kwamang. Ghana was ranked the 11th friendliest country in the world according to a survey in 2010. Another survey in 2010 showed that Ghana was 108th out of 139 countries as world's favourite tourism destinations.
Similarly, Ghana was ranked as the 17th most stable country and 58th most peaceful country in the world. I therefore appeal to the minister of tourism to take a look at the 'Mframabuom' Caves at Kwamang in the Sekyere Central district of Ghana. The good people of Kwamang and its environs are very friendly, hospitable and very accommodating. They are ready to go beyond the normal Ghanaian hospitality to sustain and make the place attractive to tourists.
The 'Mframabuom' Caves is a realm for portraying the rich and artistic heritage of Kwamang and the Ashanti people and Ghana as a whole. I am also of the firm assertion that the 'Mframabuom' Caves have the potential of creating a number of jobs for the people. Educationally, the caves have been and continue to be an educational research facility for students and researchers engaging in field trips, excursions and using the site for case studies.
I am kindly inviting all tourists visiting Ghana and the land of the Golden Stool to take a trip to the 'Mframabuom' Caves-Kwamang, which is 55km from Kumasi to look at a well adored green topography and scenic and hilly mountains that leads to the caves.I also beseech corporate Ghana, the District Assembly and other stakeholders to join hands to develop the tourism potentials of 'Mframabuom' Caves in Kwamang. We have a beautiful, bright, clear and sunny weather that provides ideal conditions for visitors to experience the exciting and colourful world of Ghana.Finally, the people of Kwamang don't want the potentials of the 'Mframabuom' Caves to remain latent in as much as wanting to contribute to making Ghana the beacon of Africa.
Nana Effah Twumasi Ampofo
Email: bernardeffah@gmail.com