The Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) has successfully concluded an enthralling four-day tour of Ghana’s Eastern Region, adding another milestone to their mission of promoting domestic tourism. From July 1 to 4, TOUGHA explored various attractions and cultural sites, immersing themselves in the rich heritage of the region.
With this tour, TOUGHA has now visited 14 out of the 16 regions of Ghana, demonstrating their commitment to driving the domestic tourism agenda. The tour provided an invaluable opportunity for members of the union to personally witness the diverse tour sites and attractions, enabling them to create enticing packages for their clients.
The first day of the #JourneytotheEast began with the touring party venturing into the scenic Kwahu area. At the peak of Mountain Odweanoma in Atibie, the group marvelled at the take-off site of the renowned Kwahu Paragliding Festival, which offered a breathtaking view of the Kwahu Ridge. Continuing their exploration, the group then visited Tafo, where they were introduced to the sacred and magnificent Bruku Rock—the most revered deity for the Kwahu people.
Abetifi became the next stop on the itinerary, where the group toured the historic Ramseyer Presbyterian Church, the first church established by the Basel Mission in the area. Additionally, they visited the Abetifi Stone Age Park, which pays homage to the lifestyle of the Kwahu people during the Stone Age. The park’s dedication to environmental sustainability and innovative use of recycled wastewater left a lasting impression on the touring party.
As part of their tradition of giving back to the less privileged in tourism communities, TOUGHA, led by President Mrs. Alisa Osei-Asamoah, generously donated clothing items and an undisclosed amount of cash to the Bless the Children International Home in Abetifi.
On the second day, the tour continued to the Bunso Eco Park, where the group engaged in thrilling activities such as ziplining, canopy walkway, horse riding, and nature walks. They also paid a courtesy call on the esteemed Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, who assured TOUGHA of his commitment to uncovering and maximizing the tourism potential of the area.
The third day proved to be an adventure-filled experience as the group embarked on a hike to the enchanting Boti Waterfalls. The captivating hike provided an adrenaline rush, complementing the exploration of the area’s remarkable landscapes. Akwamufie welcomed the touring party with a tour of the Palace Museum, accompanied by the captivating history of the Akwamu people, shared by the Gyaasehene.
The grand finale of the tour took place in the Akosombo area, where the group enjoyed a night stay at the Peninsula Resort and Afrikiko Riverfront Resort. Amidst boat rides on the scenic Volta Lake and an array of joyful activities, the participants soaked in the splendor of the green surroundings. On their way back to Accra, they made a stop at the Shai Hills Resource Reserve, where they received firsthand information about the diverse eco, cultural, and heritage tourism products available.
The tour also helped TOUGHA to make strategic business moves for its members including one with the Rock City Hotel in Nkwatia where General Manager discussed having special rates for them. A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) is expected to be signed between the two parties soon.
Summing up the four-day journey, Mrs. Alisa Osei-Asamoah, President of TOUGHA, expressed her satisfaction with the tour’s outcomes. She emphasized that the tour enabled members to gain firsthand experience of the region’s tourism products and potentials, which would greatly assist them in crafting attractive itineraries for their clients. Mrs. Osei-Asamoah also highlighted the untapped opportunities for developing the Eastern Region into an eco-tourism haven, appealing to both adventure enthusiasts and nature-lovers.
“The four-day tour of Ghana’s Eastern Region by TOUGHA was an enlightening and enriching experience, showcasing the region’s hidden gems and fostering a deeper appreciation for the country’s tourism offerings. As TOUGHA continues its mission to promote domestic tourism, their journey to the Eastern Region serves as an inspiration for future exploration and the development of unique tourism experiences.
I would like to thank all our members who were on the trip for their contribution towards making it a memorable one and to Alisa Hotels for their support,” the TOUGHA President said.
To view more photos from the tour click here.
