Sea, sand and fun―that is what most tourists expect to get when they visit the beach slathered in sunblock with their heads buried in summer hats; but in Ghana, sanitation challenges make it a turn off.
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts (MoTAC) has therefore begun initiatives to deal with the menace and to ensure that Ghana’s coastal lines are appealing to all – visitors and locals alike.
According to the sector Minister, Tourism Ambassadors like Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as “Daddy Lumba” would be joining the ministry to fight the menace.
Taking her turn at the Meet-the-Press series held in Accra on Monday, the minister said: “Next month, as part of his ambassador of tourism deliverables, Daddy Lumba chose to fight against poor sanitation and is working on a “Say No To Defecation” campaign.”
With massive concerts in selected regions of the country, the ambassador hopes to conscientise Ghanaians on the need to keep the country clean as well attract investment.
“He is going to launch his car stickers and a host of campaign materials to help the ministry fight the menace of unsanitary behaviour at the beaches. It would be unveiled in February,” she revealed.
To make their efforts more resilient, Mrs Afeku said the ministry has also signed an agreement with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) to engage personnel as beach patrol officers.
“We will soon see young men and women patrolling the beaches under the tourism model to make sure that when tourists are seated and relaxed, they are not harassed.
“Social vices along the beaches would be policed by these young men and women. They will be trained in our hospitality school,” she stated.
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