Chiefs brainstorm on how to promote tourism

Kumasi, May 20, GNA - A project evolved by the government and aimed at enticing more Africans in the Diaspora to contribute to the development of Africa is to be inaugurated in Accra in July.

The project, dubbed "Joseph Project", will not only create conditions for attracting more Africans in the Diaspora to invest in Africa but will also source funds and partners to help preserve tourism sites and improve opportunities existing in the system.

Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, the Minister of Tourism and Modernisation of the Capital City, said this at an emergency meeting of the National House of Chiefs (NHC) in Kumasi on Friday.

The meeting was to create a platform for the Minister to introduce the chiefs to his ministry's programme of action for promotion of tourism and to seek their co-operation in implementation of such programmes in their areas of jurisdiction.

He said under the ''Joseph Project'' a variety of land and home ownership schemes will be instituted for the benefit of Africans in the Diaspora.

"These schemes will range from symbolic plots, real ownership but of a very small piece of real estate, time apartments and land for private development."

Mr Obetsebi-Lamptey said without the active involvement of chiefs it will be difficult getting the ''Joseph Project'' through and appealed to chiefs to be more flexible when it comes to allocation of plots of land to Africans in Diaspora.

Odeneho Gyapong Ababio II, President of the NHC, advised chiefs against allowing festivals and durbars to be used for political activities and propaganda works.

He said durbars should be judiciously used to showcase the rich culture, values and practices of the people while also enlightening the youth about their history.