imported 2024-03-17 17:43:08
“The renewables is a great area for us now and we would really like to do it through a private partnership arrangement. So far, those that we have in the pipeline, we have been lucky enough to have funding for from KFW which is the funding arm of the German government.”
“As far as the power crisis is concerned, it started in 2012 when we had difficulties with the gas supply from Nigeria. That was the genesis of the power difficulties that we had and it went on for a while until the then government intervened in 2014, 2015, and 2016. They brought in some emergency solutions with what we call emergency power plants.”
“The Octagon here opened at the end of last year and is doing well. We already have five banks and many small companies. Some people have booked spaces in advance and are planning to start moving in by September or the end of the year, which is quite positive.”
“La Villa Boutique started in 2011. This premises used to be the former Russian Embassy and the promoters of this business took it up. They are people who have travelled extensively. They took the building and turned it around. We started with about 10 rooms in 2011 and gradually we have expanded.”
“The hotel as a company has won these awards but personally I have won an award too, about two months ago I was listed among Africa’s 100 most influential people in tourism, not just in Ghana, but in Africa!”
“We are looking at expanding again; we want to add about 12 rooms. We have had requests from people who want us to replicate this in their areas. We have had requests from Takoradi, Tema, Kumasi, and even from outside of Ghana in Liberia, Nigeria, Ivory Coast etc.”
“The tourism industry in Ghana has evolved around business tourism and also conferences and events. A lot of companies, organisations and institutions are bringing events and conferences to Ghana because when you look at West Africa, Ghana seems to be the most stable and peaceful country.”
The former government of Ghana introduced some emergency solutions (e.g. emergency power plants) that helped alleviate the power crisis in the country. The Chief Executive of VRA confirms that Ghana is no longer in a power crisis mode.
“The current government I must say has a drive for renewables, I have heard comments made by people in power about increasing solar energy, starting by having the government buildings powered by solar energy.”
“It is interesting; it takes one to be bold and to take it on. I always say that where there is negative there is always positive. You have to take the positive side of things and run with it.”
