Vice Presidential Candidate of the Afrafranto Alliance, Kwame Owusu Danso
On October 7th, 2024, Kwame Owusu Danso (KOD), the Vice-Presidential candidate of the Afrafranto Alliance, began his day by paying a courtesy call to the Palace of Oguaamanhen, Osabarima Kwesi Atta. The visit was marked by a warm reception, as Osabarima Kwesi Atta commended KOD for his humility and advised him to model his campaign after the style of his leader, Mr. Alan Kyerematen.
The Oguaamanhen praised Mr. Kyerematen for his respectful and mature approach to leadership, urging KOD to continue in that vein. On his part, KOD expressed his gratitude to Osabarima Kwesi Atta for his wise counsel and assured him that he would heed the admonishment as he continued his campaign.
Following the palace visit, KOD made his way to Kastle FM for an engaging interview, where he expounded on various aspects of the Great Transformational Plan (GTP). The conversation focused primarily on tourism, a sector that KOD described as central to the economic cluster of the GTP.
He emphasized the need to harness Ghana’s vast tourism potential, particularly in the Central Region, which boasts a rich history, coastal beauty, and numerous historical monuments. According to KOD, under Mr. Alan Kyerematen’s leadership, the Central Region will be positioned as the Tourism Hub of West Africa.
KOD highlighted the proposed heavy investment in tourism infrastructure, designed to create a robust economic ecosystem around the region’s tourist sites. These plans, he noted, would not only enhance visitor experiences but also generate thousands of jobs, particularly for the youth.
“Our plan is to create an enabling environment where tourism drives economic growth,” KOD remarked during the interview. Drawing comparisons with countries like Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and South Africa, he pointed out how these nations have been able to generate millions of dollars annually from tourism.
The potential economic impact of such a strategy cannot be understated. By focusing on tourism as a key driver of growth, Mr. Alan Kyerematen’s GTP seeks to unlock new streams of revenue for Ghana. The Central Region, with its unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, is perfectly positioned to attract both regional and international tourists.
KOD assured listeners that with the right infrastructure and promotional strategies, Ghana could rival other African tourism powerhouses, creating jobs, increasing foreign exchange earnings, and supporting local businesses.
After the Kastle FM interview, KOD and his team visited Efutu Secondary School, where they were greeted with immense love and enthusiasm by the students, teaching, and non-teaching staff. The atmosphere was electric as KOD interacted with the students, many of whom expressed excitement about the GTP’s focus on youth empowerment and job creation. The staff and students appreciated his down-to-earth approach and his ability to clearly articulate how the GTP’s policies would benefit them directly.
The Efutu community also showed overwhelming support for KOD and the Afrafranto Alliance’s vision for Ghana. Community members expressed their belief in Alan Kyerematen’s plan to transform their region into a tourism hub. “We are excited about the prospects of jobs and development that will come from tourism,” said one teacher, speaking on behalf of his colleagues. The students, too, voiced their eagerness to see a future where the Central Region becomes a focal point for international tourists, providing opportunities for them to explore careers in hospitality, tour guiding, and other related sectors.
KOD, visibly moved by the outpouring of support, reassured the community that their voices would not go unheard. He reiterated the commitment of the Afrafranto Alliance to ensuring that every corner of the Central Region benefits from the economic opportunities tourism can bring. He concluded the visit by thanking the people of Efutu for their warm reception and promising to work towards realizing the full potential of the region.
The day’s activities underscored the critical role that tourism can play in Ghana’s economic future, especially for the youth. KOD’s message resonated strongly with all those he interacted with, bolstering the Afrafranto Alliance’s standing in the Central Region as they continue their national campaign trail.
