The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MoTAC) has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the GUMA Group, outlining a $50 million investment plan to construct and revitalize selected tourism enterprises in Ghana.
The collaboration, facilitated through the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), aims to foster the efficient and effective development of the country's tourism sector.
The MoU outlines a comprehensive roadmap for the partnership, covering the design, initiation, construction, and rehabilitation of various projects over the next 24 to 60 months.
Among the significant projects included in the investment package are the transformation of the tented Shai Hills Resource Reserve into a luxury resort with rooms and a restaurant. Additionally, plans include the development of a Cultural Village akin to South Africa's Lesedi concept.
Kakum National Park is slated for a transformation into an Eco-lodge, featuring overnight accommodation at designated sites (Mfuom and Antwikwao), tree-top houses, mobile tented camps, and picnicking areas.
GUMA Group will establish a restaurant at Kakum National Park, providing tourists with breakfast, lunch, and dinner services.
Further developments include the creation of two new locations at Mole National Park to offer lodging and restaurant services, exploration of additional product opportunities, and the opening and operation of the second gate at Ducie Camp.
GUMA Group expresses interest in establishing an airport lounge and duty-free outlets within the city, focusing on Diplomatic Duty-Free stores.
Collaborating with concessionaires and the Department of Forestry, the initiative aims to rehabilitate and operate light aircraft landing fields near National Parks/Reserves and enhance arterial roads connecting tourism products and nodes.
The investor plans to set up retail outlets at various tourist destinations, with a commitment to sourcing most products from local Ghanaian suppliers and contributing to the training of Ghana's human capital resources.
Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, Minister of Tourism, highlighted the significance of the MoU in achieving the target of 2 million arrivals in Ghana by 2026.
He emphasized the government's role in leading tourism efforts, while the private sector, represented by the GUMA Group, plays a pivotal role in driving investments.
Mr. Robert Matana Gumede, Executive Chairman of the GUMA Group of Companies, described Ghana as an attractive trade and investment destination with significant tourism potential. He emphasized that investing in Ghana would open doors for future investments in other West African countries.
The GUMA Group, a South African-led integrated tourism company, is poised to contribute substantially to the growth and enhancement of Ghana's tourism sector through this strategic partnership.
