Ghanaian explorer and author Princess Umul Hatiyya Ibrahim Mahama has embarked on a 60-day nationwide tour across Ghana in a tuk-tuk to promote tourism, showcase local communities, and raise funds to support deaf and blind schools across the country.

The initiative, dubbed ‘60-Day Drive Across Ghana on a Tuk-Tuk,’ seeks to position Ghana as a destination for meaningful tourism while drawing attention to the educational and infrastructure needs of children with disabilities.

The expedition, which began in Accra in May, will cover all 16 regions of Ghana, more than 100 communities, over 20 tourist attractions, and approximately 5,000 kilometres before its completion.

Speaking in Tamale during the Northern Regional leg of the journey, Princess Umul said the project was inspired by her extensive travels to more than 90 countries across five continents and her belief that Ghana’s greatest tourism asset is the warmth and hospitality of its people.

She said, that the initiative aims to promote domestic tourism, increase visibility for community-based tourism enterprises, encourage patronage of Made-in-Ghana products, and raise GH¢10 million over a five-year period to support infrastructure improvements in ten schools for deaf and blind children.

She said, apart from the leaking roofs, broken ceilings and infrastructure defects in Savelugu School for the Deaf, the school has also been invaded by bats, making the stench unbearable.

“The journey has not been easy, but the purpose behind it keeps us moving. We are appealing to individuals, institutions, and corporate organisations to support this initiative so that together we can improve educational opportunities for children with disabilities while promoting Ghana’s tourism potential,” she said.

She said, departing Accra on May 17, the team has travelled through parts of the Greater Accra, Eastern, Volta, Oti, Northern and Savannah regions, covering more than 2,035 kilometres.

Md. Hatiyya said, tourism sites visited include the James Town Lighthouse and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra, Lake Volta at Akwamufie, Mount Gemi at Amedzofe, Kyabobo National Park in the Oti Region, the Dambai Ferry Port, Bontanga Dam in the Northern Region, and the Salaga Slave Market Museum in the Savannah Region.

As part of the expedition, the team has also engaged traditional authorities, community leaders, local government officials and tourism stakeholders to discuss opportunities for strengthening tourism development and preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage.

Among the traditional leaders visited are the Kumbungu Naa, Yo Naa of Savelugu, Tibung Lana, Dalun Lana and Zangbalung Na.

Princess Hatiyya described visits to the Savelugu School for the Deaf and interactions with hearing-impaired adults in the northern Region said, was one of the most memorable moments of the journey so far.

She noted that the encounters had reinforced the importance of investing in facilities and opportunities for children and persons living with disabilities.

The expedition she said, has also attracted significant public attention, with residents, motorists and market traders expressing interest in the campaign and making donations towards its objectives.

According to Princess Hatiyya, the project will culminate in a documentary series and a 30-minute film highlighting Ghana’s tourism assets, cultural heritage, community stories and the experiences encountered during the journey.

The organisers expect the initiative to contribute to increased visibility for tourism destinations, stimulate interest in domestic travel, promote cultural preservation and encourage greater investment in tourism infrastructure and community development.

Princess Umul Hatiyya commended donors and supporters who have contributed to the initiative and appealed for additional support to help achieve its fundraising target for deaf and blind schools across the country.

She expressed confidence that the journey would not only showcase Ghana’s tourism potential but also inspire greater national support for children living with disabilities.

“We have witnessed extraordinary kindness and hospitality from Ghanaians throughout this journey. It confirms that Ghana has a unique story to tell the world, and we are proud to be sharing that story one community at a time,” she said.

From:  Geoffrey Buta, Tamale.