BY Hafsa Obeng, GNA
Accra, Sept 3, GNA – The Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) has successfully concluded its four-day familiarisation tour of the Bono and Bono East Regions, dubbed the “Bono Expedition”.
The initiative designed to boost domestic tourism and highlight the hidden gems of Ghana’s ecotourism landscape, brought together tour operators from across the country under the leadership of TOUGHA President, Ms Yvonne Donkor.
Over the course of the trip, participants explored the regions’ rich ecological, cultural, and adventure tourism offerings, gaining first-hand knowledge that would enable them to craft fresh experiences for both local and international travelers.
The expedition began on Thursday, August 28, at the Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary in Kumawu, Ashanti Region. A forest hike through the lush reserve led to the stunning Bomfobiri Waterfalls, where members described the sight as “challenging yet refreshing,” setting the tone for the rest of the adventure.
From there, the group headed to the Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, a unique destination where sacred traditions protect two monkey species, the mona and the black-and-white colobus.
Beyond being a biodiversity haven, the site embodies the harmonious coexistence of nature and culture, offering an authentic story to travelers seeking more than sightseeing.
Ms Donkor said the tour was more than just a field trip. It was a strategic effort to showcase the immense ecotourism potential in the Bono regions.
“We want our members to experience these attractions first-hand so they can integrate them into their tour packages and promote Ghana in a more diverse and meaningful way.”
Ms Donkor emphasised TOUGHA’s dual mission of exploration and impact: “Our goal is not only to explore but also to give back. By engaging local communities, especially women. We are contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable tourism industry.”
The President said the “Bono Expedition” formed part of TOUGHA’s broader strategy to support Ghana’s domestic tourism agenda.
She noted that “by organizing familiarization tours to lesser-known attractions, the union is equipping its members with the knowledge and experiences needed to diversify the nation’s tourism offerings.”
“When we promote destinations like Duasidan or Bomfobiri, we help decentralise tourism income and empower more communities to benefit from the sector,” Ms Donkor added.
The team also toured the Bui National Park, a rare combination of wildlife, including hippos and impressive hydroelectric dam, and the Duasidan Monkey Sanctuary a vibrant eco-destination where friendly primates welcomed visitors.
They also paid a courtesy visit to the Paramount Chief of Bui, strengthening cultural ties and affirming the importance of community collaboration in tourism development, and held a community empowerment initiatives, with special focus on local women through skills training and tourism-related education.
The successful completion of the Bono Expedition reinforces TOUGHA’s commitment to not only promote Ghana’s best-kept tourism secrets but also to foster sustainable development in the communities that host them.
GNA
Christian Akorlie