Accra, March 16, GNA - Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, Minister of Tourism and Modernisation of the Capital City has thrown a challenge to Ghanaians abroad to spearhead the tourism renaissance in Ghana on account of the immense benefits the nation stands to gain from the industry.

"Ghana's tourism if maximised, is the most sustainable way to enhance the country's image, create jobs, generate wealth, alleviate poverty and provide foreign exchange to regenerate the economy," he said.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Information on Monday said the Minister threw the challenge when he lunched "Going places with Ghana Airways" a brochure by the national airline at the on-going ITB Fair in Berlin.

He said for far too long, Ghana with its huge potential had remained "Africa's best tourism secret."
Mr Obetsebi-Lamptey described Ghana as a "bird watcher's paradise, an eco-tourism haven, a cultural delight, a heritage lover's passion and an adventurer's dream."
He said: "Constraints by budgetary reason in a very competitive environment featuring more endowed and resourceful countries, however, Ghana needs the sacrifices of its nationals aboard to complement the efforts of government and the private sector to promote the country as a preferred tourism destination in Africa."
Meanwhile, the ITB Fair, the biggest show in the tourism industry entered its fourth day on Monday with excitement and brisk business, as hitherto unknown destinations and oil rich countries had acquired huge and lavish stands and were putting up attractive packages to promote their countries as tourism destinations, the statement added.