I am very happy to be part of the opening ceremony this august forum on “Tourism and Handicraft.” First of all, I would like on behalf of the Government and the people of Ghana to extend a hearty “Akwaba” to all of you our guests, particularly to those who are visiting Ghana for the first time.

Permit me also Mr Chairman, to extend our gratitude to the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) for the opportunity offered Ghana to host this important seminar.

I believe this historic forum is coming on at the most opportune time when global issues including soaring fuel and food prices are threatening the economic survival of many nations majority of whom are African countries.

This trend of affairs would lead to worsening balance of payments, trade deficits, famine and unemployment to most developing countries and therefore calls for a concerted effort to put in place appropriate measures to address these challenges.

Ladies and Gentlemen, as you are aware, handicrafts is an integral part of the any tourist experience especially for the international tourist, since a good quality handicraft taken home from an enjoyable holiday has the continuing power to evoke wonderful memories of the country visited and can also beckon others who see that handicraft to visit that particular destination.

It cannot be disputed that with the advent of International tourism and it’s growth over the years the handicraft industry has not only been rejuvenated, but has also become a major source of livelihood for local people and many communities across the world.
If the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Statistics indicate that in 2007 international tourists arrivals globally grew by an estimated 6% to 900 million, the onus then lies with African countries to formulate pragmatic policies, plans and programmes necessary to help them reap a fair share of this lucrative huge but emerging market.

Our success in attracting high spending and middle income tourists can guarantee patronage of our rich and diverse natural historical and cultural heritage including the patronage of our handicrafts by them. This would help create needed jobs and improve incomes for local communities including vulnerable groups such as women and the disable.

I am aware Ghana and many other African countries have the richest, oldest and most diverse handicraft traditions in the world. Skills have been passed on from one generation to the other in the making of artifacts such as gold, jewelry, pottery/ceramics, wood carvings, Kente, Adinkra and Smock weaving, Batik, Tye & Dye, Beads making, Basketry, Leather works etc for the patronage of tourists. You would therefore agree with me that the linkage between tourism and handicrafts cannot be over-emphasised.

Distinguished delegates, according to the experts this linkage has not been fully explored or developed yet. As a result, many of our countries are losing from opportunities offered through this linkage between Tourism and Handicrafts in the area of poverty reduction and job creation particularly for the unemployed and the youth.

It is against this background that my government attaches great importance to this seminar since it would serve as a unique platform to develop the synergy between tourism and handicrafts and further raise awareness about the importance of handicrafts for tourism and vice-versa.

Mr Chairman, I have no doubt in my mind that the presentations and experiences shared on the subject matter by experts would help fashion out appropriate recommendations to guide stakeholders in the tourism and handicraft sectors on the proper development, packaging and sale of handicrafts to tourist. Additionally, any such recommendaitons should help foster continuity in indigenous craft industries thereby preserving our cultural heritage.

Indeed, we have a collective responsibility to ensure that the synergy between handicrafts and tourism is developed to the optimum so as to derive the desired benefits for our people. Such a synergy would contribute immensely to sustain economic development and poverty reduction in our local communities.

I would therefore like to urge all delegates to participate actively in this forum by enriching the needed inputs for the realisation of the desired outcome of this seminar.

On this note Mr Chairman, permit me, to commend the United Nations World Tourism Organisaiton (UNWTO) and the Minstry of Tourism & Diasporan Relations, Ghana, for their efforts in making this important seminar a reality.

I hope you will all find some time while in the country to enjoy yourselves and explore Ghana’s tourism experience.

On this note, I would like to declare the Seminar on Tourism and Handicraft formally open. Thank you and May Almighty God bless us all.