The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has been celebrated with the Outstanding Tourism Event in Africa award for its transformative “Year of Return” and “Beyond the Return” initiatives at the 25th GOGE Africa Festival in Lagos, Nigeria.

The prestigious award was presented on October 27, 2024, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena (Onikan Stadium). Accepting on behalf of GTA CEO, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, were Mr. Moses Ndewin Ndebugri, Director of the Upper West Region, and Mr. Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi, Deputy Director of Domestic Marketing.

This recognition celebrates the impact of Ghana’s initiatives, which have spotlighted African heritage, connected the diaspora, and established Ghana as a leading cultural tourism destination. Through these programs, Ghana has strengthened global cultural ties and fostered pan-African unity.

The GOGE Africa Festival, themed Symphony of Cultures, drew over 20,000 attendees from 32 countries, celebrating African heritage through exhibitions, parades, music, dance, and culinary arts. This year’s highlight, Our Shared Heritage, underscored the cultural unity shared across Africa.

Mr. Kusi spoke on Nigeria’s strategic significance as Africa’s largest market and shared plans for intensifying Ghana’s tourism marketing efforts. He expressed appreciation for the GTA leadership and stakeholders for their dedication to advancing Ghana’s tourism.

Festival Founders Mr. Isaac Moses and Mrs. Nneka Moses applauded Ghana’s commitment to promoting Africa through the “Beyond the Return” initiative, which expands on the success of the “Year of Return.” This landmark initiative brought over 1.18 million visitors in 2019, while “Beyond the Return” continues under GTA’s leadership, with a focus on fostering lasting cultural and economic partnerships across its seven strategic pillars.