As part of efforts towards bolstering the nation's tourism sector, Mr. Akwasi Agyemang, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, held a meeting with Mr. OB Amoah, the Minister of State for the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development (MLGDRD), on December 13, 2022. The focus of the meeting was the proposal for the redevelopment of the iconic Aburi Botanical Gardens situated in the Eastern Region.

The rejuvenation initiative stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2020 between the Ministry and the Department of Parks and Gardens, with the primary objective of revitalizing the Aburi Botanical Gardens. During the meeting, Mr. Agyemang revealed that the Ghana Tourism Authority had received requests from private entities expressing interest in partnering with the Authority under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework to ensure the successful execution of the project.

Recognizing the potential for increased tourism revenue for the country, the CEO emphasized the need for collaboration and consultation with the Ministry to align the project with the best practices for rehabilitation and revenue generation.

Mr. OB Amoah, in response, stressed the importance of adhering to the guidelines set by the Public Private Partnership acts to mitigate potential challenges during the project's execution. He urged the Ghana Tourism Authority to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the existing infrastructure at the Aburi Botanical Gardens before engaging further with private entities.

Acknowledging the project's positive impact, Mr. OB Amoah expressed his confidence that this endeavor marks the beginning of greater things for the country. He affirmed that the Ministry is committed to ensuring that the redevelopment project aligns seamlessly with established regulations.

Mr. Agyemang expressed gratitude for the Minister's valuable feedback and assured him that the Ghana Tourism Authority would return with a comprehensive report to present to the Ministry. This collaborative effort reflects the government's commitment to harnessing the full potential of its natural and cultural assets for the benefit of the nation's tourism industry.

A high-level delegation from the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, headed by the Honourable Minister, Daniel Botwe, engaged in a substantive discussion with the Electoral Commission (EC) concerning the forthcoming 2023 District Level Elections (DLE).

The delegation, comprising Mr. Botwe and other officials, convened with the Electoral Commissioner, Madam Jean Adukwei Mensah, and her Deputies, Messrs Samuel Tettey and Eric Asare Bossman.

During the meeting, Hon. Daniel Botwe articulated the Ministry's purpose, emphasizing the need to assess the EC's preparedness for conducting the electoral process. Specifically, the Ministry sought insights into the measures taken by the EC to generate voter interest and foster widespread participation, particularly among marginalized demographics.

In preceding efforts, the Ministry had previously engaged with the National Executives of the Ghana Journalists Association and select senior editors from prominent media outlets, seeking their endorsement and collaboration in support of the electoral process.

The Minister underscored the historically commendable voter turnout in rural areas, attributing it to the proactive engagement of aspiring Assembly Members in campaign activities. However, he noted a desire to achieve a target of at least 50% voter attendance and implored the EC to escalate its public awareness campaign, especially in urban localities.

Chairperson Madam Jean Adukwei Mensah assured the Ministry that the Commission was fully prepared for the scheduled polls on December 19. She highlighted the ongoing deployment of voting materials to various regions, emphasizing the Commission's commitment to a seamless electoral process.

Addressing security concerns, Madam Mensah conveyed that the EC was collaboratively working with security agencies to ensure the safety and smooth functioning of the voting process.

Mr. Samuel Tettey, Deputy Electoral Commissioner in charge of Operations, disclosed the adoption of a strategic approach to ensure accessibility to hard-to-reach areas, mitigating any logistical challenges.

The collaborative efforts between the Ministry and the Electoral Commission reflect a concerted commitment to fostering a transparent and inclusive electoral process for the upcoming District Level Elections.

Mr. Daniel Botwe, Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, has called for media backing through the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) at a meeting in Accra with the objective to achieve a minimum 50% voter turnout in the upcoming 2023 District Level Elections to strengthen the local government system.

Highlighting the historical low turnouts, Hon. Botwe urged major media outlets to amplify the need for citizens to actively participate in the upcoming elections, emphasizing the crucial role of media in boosting civic participation and fostering a robust democratic process.

Hon. Daniel Botwe, referencing a parliamentary statement, revealed that previous elections, except for a 1988 turnout exceeding 50%, recorded dismal figures between 37-38%.

Expressing optimism, he urged the media to contribute to making the 2023 elections, scheduled for December 19, a historic high in voter participation.

Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Minister of Information, underscored the need for media collaboration in enhancing the public's perception of district level elections. He encouraged outlets to emphasize citizens' responsibility to vote for representation in policies and governance.

President of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA), Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, pledged the association's commitment to promoting the elections, promising excellent publicity. He assured the Minister of Local Government of the GJA's dedication to elevating district level election turnout from below 40% to a minimum of 50% this year.

The Local Government Minister, concluded by hinting on plans for further engagement with the media to address public awareness on permitting systems and flood prevention in Accra and across Ghana, showcasing the government's commitment to holistic civic improvement.