By Frank Kwame Abbor, GNA
Ho, Nov. 01, GNA – Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, Member of Parliament (MP) for Ho West, has called on journalists to identify and promote lesser-known tourist attractions to boost tourism and economic development in the Volta Region.
He said the media had a critical role in showcasing the region’s tourism potential to both national and international audiences, thereby attracting visitors, creating jobs, and stimulating investment in local communities.
Mr Bedzrah made the call at the Fourth Volta Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards held in Ho.
He said Ho West was endowed with numerous tourist attractions whose potential remained largely untapped and under-promoted.
The MP urged journalists to go beyond established destinations such as Mount Gemi, the canopy walk, and the zipline and explore communities to uncover hidden natural, cultural and historical attractions deserving national recognition.
According to him, consistent and compelling media coverage could help reshape perceptions about the region, increase visitor interest, and establish the Volta region as a leading destination for sustainable tourism.
Mr Bedzrah congratulated journalists, particularly award winners, for their dedication and contribution to the profession and commended the organisers for promoting excellence through the awards scheme.
The ceremony was held on the theme: “Unlocking the Tourism Potentials of Ghana: Positioning the Volta Region as the New Sustainable Frontier.”
It recognised journalists and student reporters who excelled in various reporting categories.
Mr Foil Michael of the Ghana News Agency (GNA) was adjudged the Overall Best Journalist of the Year, while Mr Desmond Selase Aggor of Channel One Television won the Business, Sports and Education categories and was also named the Most Promising Journalist of the Year.
Mr Daniel Latsu of GNA won the Agriculture category, while Mr Edwin William, an Editor of GNA, received the Best Health Reporter of the Year award.
Mr Fred Kwame Asare of JoyNews was named Community Reporting Journalist of the Year, while Sabina Manorky Sowu of Ho Technical University won the Best Student Journalist award.
The event brought together journalists from various media organisations and industry stakeholders across the region to celebrate excellence in journalism and recognise the media’s contribution to public education and development.
Mr Bedzrah said journalism had the power not only to report events but also to uncover hidden treasures, tell the stories of communities and contribute to positioning the Volta region prominently on Ghana’s tourism map.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah