GRi Arts & Culture Ghana 03 - 10 - 2000

Bosomtwe basin to be developed as museum/tourism park

Bosomtwe basin to be developed as museum/tourism park

Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 3 October 2000

The Lake Bosomtwe basin is to be developed into a natural museum and eco-tourism park, Mr. J.B. Lomo-Mainoo, Manager of the Planning and Business Development Department of the Ghana Tourist Board, has said.

This, he said is to enhance the conservation of the lake's eco-system and the development of a sustainable tourism product which will bring socio-economic benefits especially to the 24 communities around the lake.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi at the weekend, Mr. Lomo-Mainoo said the main stakeholders of the project are the Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating

Council, the Asanteman Council and the Ministry of Tourism.

He said the lake, located about 31 kilometres south east of Kumasi offers a scenic natural beauty favourable for the development of eco-tourism.

Mr. Lomo-Mainoo, however, said indiscriminate fishing and farming in and around the lake have impacted negatively on its eco-system.

He stressed the need for public education to make these activities conform to environmental requirements. There should also be policies to guide the development of the lake basin on issues relating to land acquisition, cultural preservation and environmental conservation.

The manager suggested that at least 10 kilometres of the lake's border be delineated and detached as conservation area with selected utilisation to meet the social and economic needs of the people.

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