Kumasi, July 18, GNA - Mr Emmanuel Asamoah Owusu-Ansah, Ashanti Regional Minister, has said the 50th anniversary of Ghana's independence should be used to showcase the rich culture of the people to encourage large numbers to participate in the activities as well as attract tourists.

He noted that it was in the light of this that the National Planning Committee had decided that Regional Planning Committees be established in all the 10 regions to ensure the success of the anniversary.

Mr Owusu-Ansah was speaking at the inauguration of the Ashanti Regional 50th Anniversary Celebration Planning Committee in Kumasi on Tuesday.

He asked the people to pursue the 50th anniversary process of the country with enthusiasm and religious zeal to bring to the fore the rich cultural heritage through durbars, artefacts; souvenirs and expertise in the arts to show to the rest of the world.

Mr Owusu-Ansah urged the Committee to identify tourists' sites and also to encourage District Assemblies to earmark potential sites for the establishment of Jubilee Parks for the celebration. The Regional Minister asked the Committee to carryout a survey on the current state of all major venues to be used for the celebration and to prepare estimates for their repairs and maintenance to bring them up to standard.

The more than 30-member Committee is under the chairmanship of the Regional Minister with Nana Adu Gyamfi II, Adontenhene of Kumasi, as the Vice Chairman.

The members include: Madam Patricia Appiagyei, Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive; Dr Lord Gyamfi-Fenteng, Asante Akim South District Chief Executive and the Right Reverend Daniel Yinkah Safo, Bishop of the Kumasi Anglican Diocese.