Prof. Alex Boakye Asiedu of the Department of Geography and Resource Development and Principal of the University of Ghana Accra City Campus has delivered an Inaugural Lecture on the topic, “Not Just Visiting – Towards Leveraging Tourism for Enhanced National Development in Ghana”.
The Inaugural Lecture, which is the second for the 2014/ 2015 Academic year was chaired by Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey.
Professor Asiedu noted that Ghana has a viable and significant tourism potential but is hindered by several factors which need to be tackled by reducing some of the potential growth inhibitions so as to leverage the industry towards enhanced national development.
He indicated that the implementation of the Structural Adjustment and Economic Recovery (SAP/ERP) reforms under the direction of the Bretton Woods Institutions in the 1980s, among other things, sought to open African economies to globalization and diversify traditional export bases, including the promotion of tourism. As a result of this continued growth and expansion into new and exotic destinations and its associated diversification in product offerings, tourism has become one of the largest and fastest growing economic sectors in the world.
Prof. Asiedu said despite the tourism industry`s contribution to national growth and prosperity, few African countries have until recently embraced it as an option for resolving their numerous development challenges. He said the tourism industry in Ghana has witnessed considerable growth, averaging over 6% per year in tourist arrivals and receipts since the 1990s.
On what the country can do to leverage tourism for enhanced national development, Prof. Asiedu suggested that tourism education and training should be upgraded to provide not only theoretical education, but practical training, especially apprentiship. He further suggested that expanded public sector infrastructural development be pursued to ensure that the country has good roads, reliable electricity, potable water, good health facilities and sanitation. These essential facilities, he noted, are public sector driven and it is therefore the responsibility of the national government to upgrade and expand them to ensure the comfort of the tourist. He also stressed on the need for stakeholders to design ways of ensuring that the cost in visiting Ghana is reduced, as visa acquisition, air fares and accommodation are higher for Ghana as compared to other destinations in Africa such as Senegal, Cote d`Ivoire, Gambia, Kenya, Namibia and South Africa.
Vice- Chancellor Prof. Aryeetey thanked Prof. Asiedu for sharing his knowledge on the Tourism sector and how it can contribute to national development. He noted that the Lecture highlighted the fact that effective planning is essential to the development of the Tourism sector. He added that the Lecture exposed the importance of not only the natural attractions of the country but the man made ones like the Great Hall and Balme Library of the University of Ghana. Prof. Aryeetey stressed on the need to focus on potential tourists sites.
The Registrar of the University of Ghana, Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia gave brief introductory remarks, before the Lecture. She underlined the relevance of inaugural lectures in an academic setting like the University of Ghana.
The Lecture was attended by Prof. John Gyapong, Pro-Vice-Chancellor in charge of Research Innovation and Development, Prof. S. Kwame Offei, Pro-Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic and Student Affairs, some Provosts, Deans, and Directors, members of the University community and the general public. Presentations were made to Prof. Asiedu by the College of Humanities, Accra City campus, Department of Geography and Akuafo Hall.
As a prelude to Prof. Asiedu’s inaugural lecture, a weeklong exhibition on his works was held at the Balme Library. The exhibition centered on his research in the areas of Tourism and Hospitability, Urban Housing, Migration and Economic development in Ghana.
Left: Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aryeetey assisting Prof. Asiedu to cut a ribbon to open the exhibition Right: Prof. Asiedu conducting Officials and other guests round the exhibition of his works
UG Officials in a group photograph with Prof. Asiedu before the Lecture
Presentations to Prof. Asiedu:
Left: A presentation from the Department of Geography
Right: A presentation from Accra City Campus
Left: A presentation from the College of Humanities
Right: A presentation from Akuafo Hall
Presentations from Grace Presbyterian Church, West Legon
Prof. Asiedu in a pose with his wife and children
