Ghana's newly named Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts must not allow the inclusion of "Culture" in its name to narrow the country's understanding of the vast opportunities within the tourism sector, spoken word artiste and arts advocate Oswald Okaitei has said.
According to him, while culture and creative arts are important components of tourism, Ghana's tourism potential extends far beyond them and includes social, educational, health and economic resources that could be developed to attract visitors and generate revenue.
Okaitei expressed concern that stakeholders could inadvertently adopt a limited view of tourism by focusing too heavily on the cultural and creative components suggested by the ministry's name. He said the inclusion of "Culture" should rather encourage a broader exploration of the many experiences, resources and opportunities Ghana possesses.
"The name 'Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts' must not restrict the vineyard of the country's tourism. The 'Culture' invites us to look beyond," he said.
