The closure of the Kintampo waterfalls after a disaster that killed 17 students is reported to be having adverse consequences on other tourist sites and businesses in the Brong Ahafo Region.
According to reports the area, which has a number of other attractions such as the Boabeng Fiema monkey sanctuary, now receive much less visitors, after the major attraction, the falls was closed.
Seventeen people, mostly students lost their lives at the Kintampo falls earlier this year. The victims had refused to obey standard practise by continuing to swim in the water in the midst of a heavy rainstorm. The storm uprooted some trees that crushed them in the water.
The accident generated a lot of anger amongst Ghanaians, especially when it emerged a Pro-NPP group had taken over the running of the facility after driving out officials of the Ghana Tourism Authority following the change of government in January.
Consequently there were no trained lifeguards or tour guides to enforce safety regulations at the falls.
The Brong Ahafo Regional head of the Ghana Tourism Authority Joseph Appiah-Agyei is hoping the implementation of a committee report into the disaster would be implemented to regenerate the tourism industry in Kintampo and surrounding area.
The report according to him, directs that the falls is handed over to the tourism authority. The place would be jointly run with the District Assembly and traditional authorities. Operational manuals would also be developments to promote safe practices.
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