The Dutch Government on Thursday announced its intentions to develop the Elmina Castle, Fort and Port into a viable commercial centre to accelerate the development of tourism in the Central Region.

The port forms the core centre of development in the area to alleviate poverty and which must be exploited and utilised, Mr Arie C. A. van der Wiel, The Royal Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana said during a working visit to the Ministry of Tourism and Modernisation of the Capital City.

He also acknowledged the potential and viable tourism spots in the country yet to be identified and urged the Minister to work out modalities to exploit and attract investor for their development.

Mr van der Wiel said grand architectural design for the development of the Elmina Harbour into a modern city port, and other Dutch financial assistance to Elmina and its surrounding towns would be announced at this years Abate Festival.

Mr Jake Obestebi-Lamptey announced government's plan to develop Elmina into an Artisan Village.

He appealed to the Ambassador to assist other communities that had cultural and traditional linkages with the Dutch to develop such centres into historical monuments for posterity.