Accra, Nov. 10, GNA - The Ministry of Tourism is currently working to hit one-million dollar target as annual foreign exchange earnings for the tourism, Mr Kwabena Acheampong, Deputy Minister of Tourism, said on Tuesday. He said Ghana was targeting the example of Senegal, which recently recorded one million dollars in the country's annual international receipts, in order to become the first largest foreign exchange earner in tourism for the country.

Mr Acheampong was speaking at the media launch of the four-day International Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses religious organisation which comes off on December 3 to 6 this year in Accra. The convention, which is slated to take place at three locations in Ghana, is on the theme: "Keep on the Watch". About 2,000 foreign delegates are expected to throng the country from Europe and Africa. Mr Acheampong said Senegal reached its major tourism boost when a former American President, Bill Clinton visited an island where one of Senegalese monumental castle is located a few years ago.

The Deputy Minister said: "Since that time, the country has been recording one million foreign arrivals. Ghana has the potential to reach that target because we have about 29 of such castles in the country". Mr Acheampong said the tourism sector was excited of the fact that Ghana had been chosen as the host for the convention and added that expenditure that will be incurred by the delegates would have multiplier effect in the local communities.

Concerning the impact of the influx of foreigners in the country, he said this "will increase tourist receipts that could improve the country's balance payment position and add to gross domestic product. There will also be the creation of opportunity for local investment in the tourism superstructure and services."

Mr Acheampong said there was the need for the tourism sector to make vigorous efforts embrace religious tourism in order to rake in the needed revenue for socio-economic development in the country. Mr Dan Obimpeh, News Service Coordinator for the Jehovah's Witnesses Convention, said the theme had been chosen for the convention in view of the nearness of what many prefer to call "the end of the world". "Jehovah's Witnesses take these words of Jesus Christ found in the Bible at Mark 13:35, very seriously. Their outlook is that of serious students of the bible who are concerned about its comments regarding the future of the world," he said.

Mr Obimpeh said during the convention, an expected 40,000 Jehovah's Witnesses would meet at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium while 15,000 of them would converge at two other locations off the Spintex Road, a suburb of Accra.

He explained that there would be 37 other conventions in 23 cities including Kumasi and Takoradi. Mr Obimpeh disclosed that international conventions were being organized throughout the world in 33 major cities located in 16 different countries including Ghana.

Mr Ebenezer Akyea, Convention Overseer, invited the media and the general public to attend all four sessions of the convention to "enjoy a rich interchange of spiritual encouragement."

"We are confident that all of you here assembled will attend to share the spiritual meal that will be provided during the period. We assure you that the programme will be presented at no financial charge," he said. Mr Solomon Danso-Mensah, General Manager of Econex Locale Tours Limited, the official company handling the tourism, transport and meals for the delegates for the convention, gave the assurance that steps had been put in place to ensure the security and comfort of all convention delegates. Mr Danso-Mensah who is also a member of the National Planning Committee for the convention, called on all Ghanaians to exhibit the proverbial hospitality for the foreign delegates to leave with them a very positive impression about the country with its rich culture after the convention. The National Planning Committee for the Convention personnel from the Bureau of National Investigation (BNI), Ministry of Tourism (MOT), National Sports Council (NSC), Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and operators in the transport and tourism sector.