Mr. Razak Awudulai, District Chief Executive for Kintampo North, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen this week described the figure as "unprecedented" in the history of the tourist site.

He attributed the boost in the revenue generation to the presence of a task force that ensured that all loopholes in the collection of tolls at the site were plugged.

The DCE noted that formerly, officials-in-charge failed to account for receipts sold to visitors, which accounted for the loss in revenue, and that the local people also connived with tour officials to dodge payment.

Mr. Awudulai expressed appreciation to the German Technical Co-operation (GTZ) for acting through its Rural Trade and Industry Promotion Project (RUTIPP) to bring all stakeholders, including chiefs, religious and civil society organizations to organise workshops to explain the need to pay tolls.

He appealed to District Assemblies to look for funding from the Central Government and other multi-national organizations to implement major policies, which could help accelerate the development of the districts.