Accra: The Upper West Regional Office of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) marked this year's Valentine's Day by donating assorted items to the Wa Central Prisons as a gesture of love and solidarity with the inmates.
According to Ghana News Agency, the donation was part of the activities for National Chocolate Month, which the GTA observes every February to promote domestic tourism and Ghana's cocoa products. The items donated included cocoa products such as chocolate, bags of rice, gari, packs of toiletries, bottled water, and sachet water.
Mr. Kwesi Anim-Larbi, the Upper West Regional Director of the GTA, stated that the Authority chose to celebrate the occasion with the inmates to show that they are valued members of society. He mentioned that last year, the GTA shared chocolates with children in a hospital ward, and this year they decided to reach out to inmates to let them know they are not neglected.
Mr. Anim-Larbi emphasized that the celebration of Chocolate Month also aims to encourage Ghanaians to support the national economy by patronizing locally produced cocoa products. He pointed out that cocoa had been instrumental in building other countries' economies and stressed the potential for Ghana's economic growth through increased patronage of made-in-Ghana cocoa products.
The GTA's Regional Director further explained that the Authority is committed to marketing Ghana as a tourism destination both domestically and internationally, collaborating with tourism asset owners to advance the sector. He noted that promoting chocolate and cocoa products during this month also promotes domestic tourism, as Valentine's Day encourages people to visit hotels, restaurants, and other attractions.
ASP Mr. Vere Bede, the Duty Officer at the Wa Central Prisons, received the donated items on behalf of the facility and expressed gratitude to the GTA for their generosity. He also appealed to the public to remember those in lawful custody during the season of love and to offer support to help improve their lives.