Accra: The Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) has successfully wrapped up its four-day familiarisation tour of the Bono and Bono East Regions, dubbed the 'Bono Expedition'. The initiative aimed to boost domestic tourism and spotlight Ghana's ecotourism treasures, bringing together tour operators from across the country under the leadership of TOUGHA President, Ms Yvonne Donkor. Over the course of the trip, participants explored the regions' rich ecological, cultural, and adventure tourism offerings, gaining first-hand knowledge to craft fresh experiences for both local and international travelers.
According to Ghana News Agency, the expedition began at the Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary in Kumawu, Ashanti Region, where a forest hike through the lush reserve led to the stunning Bomfobiri Waterfalls. Members described the sight as 'challenging yet refreshing,' setting the tone for the rest of the adventure. The group then visited the Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, a unique destination where sacred traditions protect two monkey species, the mona and the black-and-white colobus. This site embodies the harmonious coexistence of nature and culture, offering an authentic story to travelers seeking more than sightseeing.
Ms Donkor stated that the tour was more than just a field trip, emphasizing its strategic aim to showcase the immense ecotourism potential in the Bono regions. She highlighted TOUGHA's mission of exploration and impact, focusing on integrating attractions into tour packages and promoting Ghana in a meaningful way. Ms Donkor noted the dual purpose of the expedition: exploration and community engagement, especially empowering local women, to contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable tourism industry.
The 'Bono Expedition' forms part of TOUGHA's broader strategy to support Ghana's domestic tourism agenda. By organizing familiarization tours to lesser-known attractions, the union equips its members with the knowledge and experiences needed to diversify the nation's tourism offerings. Ms Donkor added that promoting destinations like Duasidan or Bomfobiri helps decentralise tourism income and empowers more communities to benefit from the sector.
The team also toured the Bui National Park, a site featuring a rare combination of wildlife, including hippos and an impressive hydroelectric dam, and the Duasidan Monkey Sanctuary, a vibrant eco-destination where friendly primates welcomed visitors. They paid a courtesy visit to the Paramount Chief of Bui to strengthen cultural ties and affirm the importance of community collaboration in tourism development. Community empowerment initiatives, with a focus on local women through skills training and tourism-related education, were also part of the tour.
The successful completion of the Bono Expedition reinforces TOUGHA's commitment to promoting Ghana's best-kept tourism secrets and fostering sustainable development in the communities that host them.