Nkroful, the birthplace of the first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, is to be developed into a major tourist destination, Mr Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Western Regional Minister announced on Monday.

Speaking during a courtesy call on him by Mr Balory Orlov, Russian Ambassador, on Monday, Mr Aidoo said the Nzema East District Assembly had been directed to submit proposals towards the project.

Mr Aidoo did not disclose details of the development package but it would be of benefits to the tourism industry.

He said the Western Region was the only region in the country producing bauxite, manganese and has large volumes of iron ore deposits.

Mr Aidoo said iron ore could be combined with bauxite to manufacture steel and that feasibility studies carried out indicated that iron ore and steel project could be viable in the region.

He said a dam could also be constructed to provide power for the project.

Mr Aidoo said the region had deposit of silica sand and limestone, which could be used to manufacture cement.

Large deposits of clay are available in the region and could be utilised to manufacture paints, bricks, tiles and ceramics.

Mr Aidoo said the region accounted for 45 per cent of the country's oil palm output but it was going to take advantage of the President's initiative on oil palm to encourage large-scale oil palm production.

He appealed on the Russian government to consider investing in these areas.

Mr Orlov said it was time a Ghana-Russia Chamber of commerce was established to enable businessmen from the two countries to explore trade and investment opportunities.

He said the Russian Embassy had been receiving enquiries from both Ghanaian and Russian businessmen about trade and investment opportunities.

Mr Orlov said Russian auto manufacturers were keen to have dealers of their products in the country.

He said Russia was developing a market economy that was no different from that of other European countries.

Mr Orlov said Russian Republics had the constitutional rights to establish economic links with regions in Ghana, adding that such links would be beneficial to the two countries.

At a meeting with representatives of the regional association of Ghana Industries and Chamber of Commerce, Mr Orlov announced that a Russian Parliamentary delegation would visit the country this year.

He said the delegation would be accompanied by a business delegation and urged the two associations to draw up proposals for the consideration of their Russian counterparts.

Mr James Kainyah, Chairman of the Western Regional Chamber of Commerce, said the Aboso Glass Factory, which was built by the Russians was now dormant.

He said the Russian and Ghanaian businessmen could team up to revive the factory.