The Indian government says it would partner the Bono East Regional Coordinating Council (BERCC) to make the region a tourism hub in West Africa.

Mr Sugandh Rajaram, the Indian High Commissioner in Accra, disclosed this yesterday at Kintampo in the Bono East Region, when he visited some tourist sites in the area, as part of his four-day official tour of the region.

He noted that his visit aimed at exploring the business and development opportunities in the region, where India and Ghana could partner through investment for the mutual benefit of both countries.

The Bono East Regional Minister, Mr Kwasi Adu Gyan, and officials of BERCC took the Indian High Commissioner on a guided tour of the Kintampo Fuller Falls, Kintampo Waterfalls, the Centre of Ghana Monument at Kintampo and the Buabeng-Fiama Monkey Sanctuary near Techiman.

At the Kintampo College of Health and Well-Being, Mr Sugandh donated assorted books to the school’s library, and promised to provide telemedicine and general support from India to the facility, as it transforms into a university.

“The Government of India is keen to harness the full potentials in education, health, science and technology, engineering, business and tourism among other sectors of the economies of developing countries,” he emphasised.

The High Commissioner implored residents and stakeholders in the region to increase the production of raw materials to feed the numerous industries in the area, thereby creating more employment opportunities for the local population.

Mr Sugandh had earlier paid courtesy calls on Mr Gyan and BERCC, Techiman Traditional Council (TTC), Indian community and businesses in the area, Nkoranza Traditional Council and had an engagement with journalists.

Mr Gyan mentioned the numerous investment potentials in the area and expressed gratitude to Mr Sugandh and the people of India for partnering the region to accelerate development.

Mr Gyan solicited support from the Government of India to build the capacity of the workforce in the region, such as areas of engineering, technical, science and technology for the socio-cultural development of the local economy.

“Aside the grants we will receive from India, the skills training will equip our people with expertise to take up the top management, operation, repair and marketing of our industries,” the Minister noted.

Mr Gyan thanked Mr Sugandh and his team, his Chief Director, George Padmor Mensah and BERCC, traditional authorities across the region, journalists and other stakeholders for supporting the development agenda of the region.

Oseadieyo Akumfi Ameyaw IV, the Paramount Chief of Techiman Traditional Council and the Bono East regional representative of the Council of State, commended Mr Sugandh for being the only envoy to have visited the region, saying that our doors are always open for tourists and investors.