President Akufo Addo has criticized Ghanaians who have made Dubai a vacation destination instead of exploring the interesting places within the country.

Speaking at Ghana’s 62nd Independence Anniversary celebrations in the Northern Regional capital, Tamale, President Akufo-Add0 said: “We have a very beautiful country and it deserves to be explored and admired,”  adding that “getting to know Ghana helps to dispell the prejudices of the unknown.”

Mr Akufo-Addo also charged Ghanaians, especially those living in the capital, Accra, to visit other parts of the country, learn about those areas and experience their culture and traditions.

“Fellow Ghanaians I’m glad that we are here in Tamale for this year’s celebration, I hope that it will spur on many people to get to know our country. We have a very beautiful country and it deserves to be explored and admired. Apart from the joy of discovering the beauties and charms of our country, getting to know Ghana helps to dispell the prejudices of the unknown. Those who have means to do so, should consider it more important to travel around and know Ghana before they embark on their next vacation to Dubai.

He, therefore, charged the authorities in charge of tourism to put in the necessary measures to ensure a boost in the sector.

"It means of cause that the Tourism authority has its work cut out. If it gets it right with internal Ghanaian tourist then they will be ready to cope with foreign tourists. I urge those who live in the big cities, in particular, to get around the country a little, it might just change their outlook a little and make them a little more tolerant of the difficulties that we need to overcome.” President Akufo Addo added