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Tour Operators Union of Ghana wraps up 15th nationwide tour with “Journey to the West”
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The Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) has concluded its 15th nationwide tour, dubbed, “Journey to the West,” aimed at unravelling the hidden gems of Ghana’s Western Region.
From March 20 to 23, members embarked on a voyage of exploration, discovering the region’s rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes.
The journey commenced with visits to historic landmarks such as Fort Batenstein and Fort San Antonio De Axim, where participants delved into Ghana’s colonial past while soaking in the coastal charm of the region.
Day two unfolded with immersive encounters at Nzulezu Village, where the operators engaged with local communities residing on stilts, gaining insights into their traditional way of life.
Exploring Fort Appolonia provided a glimpse into the architectural legacy of colonial rule, adding layers of historical context to the excursion.
In adherence to TOUGHA’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Mrs. Alisa Osei-Asamoah led a charitable initiative, donating essential items and funds to the Nzema Manle Child and Vulnerable Care Centre at Awiebo, underscoring the union’s dedication to supporting local communities.
The tour culminated in Takoradi, the regional capital, with a poignant visit to Nkroful, the birthplace of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Amidst reflections on Nkrumah’s legacy, participants were treated to a dinner hosted by the Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, fostering dialogue on the region’s tourism prospects.
In his interaction with the operators, the Minister commended them for taking the initiative to visit the region as he touted the area as a leading domestic tourism haven.
He assured them of working closely with TOUGHA to promote and sell the Western Region’s diverse tourism offerings, maintaining that not only is it true that “the best comes from the West,” but “the best is in the West.”
“This tour marks another milestone in our ongoing mission to showcase Ghana’s diverse tourism offerings,” Mrs. Alisa Osei-Asamoah, President of TOUGHA said.
She added, “With each excursion, we strive to unearth unique experiences while fostering domestic tourism and enriching the itineraries we offer to our clients.”
Commenting on the tour’s significance, Mrs. Alisa Osei-Asamoah remarked, “Our visit to the Western Region has been both enlightening and inspiring. We leave with a renewed appreciation for Ghana’s cultural heritage and a commitment to crafting unforgettable experiences for travellers seeking to explore this captivating region.”
Joining TOUGHA were representatives of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) who were key partners of the four-day tour. They included Deputy CEO – Operations, Ekow Sampson, Naa Ashiorkor Otoo, Public Private Partnership Secretariat, Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi, Deputy Director, Domestic Marketing.
Mr. Ekow Sampson commended TOUGHA for embracing the Authority’s “See Ghana, Share Ghana” campaign to advance the domestic tourism agenda.
As TOUGHA members return from their “Journey to the West,” anticipation builds for the unveiling of enticing travel packages that showcase the Western Region’s treasures, inviting adventurers to embark on their odyssey through Ghana’s cultural and tourism heartland.
African leaders have been urged to strengthen political commitment and domestic investment to end preventable maternal deaths and AIDS by 2030.
The call comes as African health ministers and policymakers meet in Accra to deliberate on health financing, health security and universal health coverage across the continent.
Mr Edouard Bizimana, Burundi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation, made the call on Tuesday at the opening of the African Union’s (AU) 25th Extraordinary Summit on Health in Accra.
He said Africa needed increased domestic investment to build resilient health systems as it continued to grapple with infectious diseases and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Mr Bizimana, who is also Chairperson of the AU Executive Council, said although Africa accounted for nearly 17 per cent of the world’s population, it bore 24 per cent of the global disease burden while having less than three per cent of the global health workforce and only one per cent of global health expenditure.
“Despite maternal mortality declining by nearly 40 per cent since 2000, Africa still accounts for about 70 per cent of maternal deaths globally, while almost two-thirds of people living with HIV reside on the continent,” he said.
Mr Bizimana said the growing burden of NCDs was placing additional pressure on already stretched health systems.
“These figures are not merely statistics. They represent painful human realities, preventable losses and unacceptable inequalities, they remind us that health is not an expense it is a strategic investment and a prerequisite for our sovereignty and development. “he said.
Mr Bizimana said recent global health emergencies had exposed Africa’s vulnerability and underscored the need to expand local production of medicines and vaccines, strengthen the health workforce and improve emergency preparedness.
“Our citizens expect resilient health systems where every mother can give birth safely, every child has access to essential healthcare and every African enjoys quality health services regardless of where they live,” he said.
The two-day summit, being held ahead of the 20th Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, has brought together health ministers, policymakers and health stakeholders to identify solutions to Africa’s health financing and security challenges.
Madam Florence Samizi, Tanzania’s Deputy Health Minister, called for stronger collaboration among AU Member States to accelerate progress towards universal health coverage.
The summit is being held on the theme: “Advancing Justice, Equality and Universal Health Coverage: Ending AIDS, Tuberculosis, Improving Maternal Health, Addressing Endemic Non-Communicable and Neglected Tropical Diseases in Africa.”
The meeting is expected to adopt the Accra Declaration, a roadmap to strengthen Africa’s health systems and advance health sovereignty by 2030. -GNA
Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Department of Political Science, Dr. Joshua Jebuntie Zaato says the imprisonment of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, will have little meaning unless it leads to a broader crackdown on illegal mining.
In a post on his Facebook page on the July 21, 2026, Dr. Zaato said the judgment should mark the beginning of efforts to completely eradicate galamsey and hold all those involved accountable, regardless of their political affiliation.
He said the country must work towards restoring polluted rivers, protecting forests and ensuring that people implicated in illegal mining activities are prosecuted.
According to him, those the President has publicly acknowledged to be involved in galamsey should face prosecution.
He called for the prosecution of district chief executives (DCEs), members of Parliament (MPs) and senior political party officials who have been accused of engaging in or supporting illegal mining.
Dr. Zaato further urged the government to take decisive action to end the destruction of the country’s forests caused by galamsey.
He maintained that the imprisonment of Chairman Wontumi would only have a lasting impact if it results in a comprehensive and impartial fight against illegal mining across the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
