Photos: Rwanda Tourism Delegation Visit To Ghana
Accra, June 21, 2021
Last week, Ghana received a 32 man delegation from Rwanda which was a collaboration between GIPC , GEPA , GTA and GHATOF to explore various potentials in the area of Tourism, Mining, FinTech, Education among others. Here are some scenes as they #ExperienceGhana #ShareGhana.
The Trip is also to boost infra-africa tourism.
Arrival
B2B Meeting AT Labadi Hotel
Kumasi Trip
At Manhyia Palace
At Regional Ministers Office
At Hot Spots In Accra
African Diaspora in Ghana to join Beyond the Return to plant trees as Ghana goes green
The ‘Beyond The Return’ program is partnering with the local diaspora community to plant trees for the “Green Ghana Project,” which is an initiative championed by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Forestry Commission.
On Friday, 11th June 2021, five million trees will be planted across Ghana. Planting trees will help protect watersheds, reduce erosion and moderate the climate, and serve as habitat and provide food for many birds and other wildlife.
Diasporans representing the Diaspora Coalition, African American Association of Ghana, Ghana Caribbean Association, Omega Psi Phi Tau Chi chapter, and Voyajah will plant trees on behalf of the ‘Beyond The Return’ program and the Give Back Ghana” pillar.
About Beyond the Return
‘Beyond the Return’ is a 10-year initiative with the theme, ‘A Decade of African Renaissance’. The vision is to continue fostering relationships with the global diaspora community through tourism, investments and repatriation.
The initiative is a follow up to Ghana’s ‘Year of Return’ campaign and is Cordinated by the Ghana Tourism Authority under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.
For more information about ‘Beyond The Return’ visit www.beyondthereturngh.com or social media @beyondthereturn
Government Offers Free Tourism and Hospitality Training Program
Government of Ghana is rolling out free Training Programme for Hospitality and Tourism Industry players who were negatively affected by COVID-19 global pandemic in the 10 former Regions of Ghana.
GTA is therefore collaborating with HOTCATT to achieve the project goals and help to bridge the capacity and training gap of staff in the tourism and hospitality value chain.
The training is free of charge and participants would be provided with a certificate after successful completion of the programme.
A prospective staff must be in the lower, middle and supervisory role of the tourism and hospitality industry.
The courses and duration for the training are as follows:
1. FRONT OFFICE SKILLS – 4 WEEKS
2. KITCHEN SKILLS – 4 WEEKS
3. FOOD AND BEVERAGE SKILLS – 4 WEEKS**
4. CONFERENCE, BANQUETING AND EVENT MANAGEMENT – 4 WEEKS
5. HOUSE KEEPING SKILLS – 2 WEEKS
6. TOUR GUIDING SKILLS – 2 WEEKS
7. RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT – 2 WEEKS
8. HOSPITALITY ACCOUNTING (CORE SUBJECT FOR ALL)
9. SAFETY AND HAZARD MANAGEMENT (CORE SUBJECT FOR ALL)
10. FRENCH (CORE SUBJECT FOR ALL)
Applicants are advised to fill online form.
Please apply here.
Kindly contact the following numbers for assistance
0246313444 / 0244857136
Let’s Tour Ghana Tourist Club Embarks On Volta Delight
Let’s Tour Ghana club in partnership with Hausa Tours Tours on the 29th of May, 2021 embarked on their second trip to the Volta Region, visiting Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary, Wli Waterfalls and Mount Afadja, popularly known as Afadjato.
The first destination for the trip was the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary where the Tour Guide, Robert took them through a brief history about the Mona Monkeys and advised tourists not to peel the banana but hold it very firm with hand stretched forth and the monkeys would take the banana to peel and eat.
At Wli Waterfalls the group crossed nine bridges during the 45minutes walk to the falls. Patrons enjoyed every tiny drop of water that fell from the rocks above by bathing in the pool of the fall. At sunset, the group was treated to authentic tunes of Volta amidst drumming and dancing by the fire side (bonfire) which went deep into the night.
The next day which was a Sunday after they had done justice to their breakfast, they set off around 7:30a.m to engage in a climb battle (hike) with the great Afadja Mountain (Afadjato). The Tour Guide, Albert briefed them about the history of Afadjato. According to Albert, it’s “Ava Tsa To”. Ava means War, Tsa means Plant and “To” means Mountain.
Through series of events and evolution, over 300 years ago, one of our fore fathers who lived behind the Mountain (Ngortsi, Togo) discovered this new mountain and realised it was good for the planting of garden eggs so he later informed his people and they all settled here.
There used to be wild animals but they all left. They now had to hide in between the plants whenever they were fighting to sack the animals. The plants was such that when it got stuck on the human skin, the body would itch for a long time.
So it was a war between them and the plants for survival, I.e “Ava Tsa To” (War with the plants) but the Netherlands who later found themselves here on the land during those days couldn’t find the Ewe dialect Ava in their dialect so instead of the Ava, it was rephrased to Afa, to suit their way of pronounciation. That’s why it’s Afadjato. But in actual sense, it’s “Ava Dja To”.
Indeed it was a Tug of War between the members of the Let’s Tour Ghana Club and the pathway to the top of the hill where Mr. 885meters resided above sea level.
It was really a great experience when about 99% of the club members climbed up and descended the 885meters rocky mountainous Afadjato above sea level.
It was all fun, joy and great learning experience in all as they returned from the trip on the 30th May, 2021 (Sunday) night to Accra.
Members who embarked on the trip couldn’t hide their joy and the experience they had at these Tourist sites. To them, climbing the Afadja Mountain (Afadjato) alone burnt a lot of calories in their body which they were so happy about and also the fact that they have been able to exercise their whole body and enjoyed a great sight from a height of 885 meters standing for about 20minutes and more, something that was only possible to them by climbing the Afadjato Mountain. They also expressed how delightful being under the tiny drops of the Wli Waterfalls felt like. To some, it was as if they have been re baptized with all their sins washed away.
Having Monkeys all over you, taking bananas from your hand and behaving like humans is an everlasting and unimaginable feeling most of the club members expressed. In all, it was a trip worth going.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your jogging boots, swim suits and get some fresh bananas and pay a visit to these wonderful tourist sites in the Volta Region. You would love to go there over and over again when you visit because the feeling and experience you would have, would be an everlasting one.
Let’s Tour Ghana’s mission is in line with the vision of the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Ibrahim Awal Mohammed ensuring that Ghana becomes the leading hub of tourist related activities to the rest of the world.
Let’s Tour Ghana tours are also in line with His EXCELLENCY, the President’s Launch of Domestic Tourism on Tuesday 1st June, 2021.
“We see the President is fully focused on pushing Domestic Tourism and we are here to serve as a backbone to the President’s initiative and agenda for the promotion of Domestic Tourism”, their management said in a short interview after their visit to the Volta.
The Club was founded on the 10th of February, 2021 by NSS Personnel of the Ghana Tourism Authority. Hausa Tours is a tour company led by the seasoned tour professional Mr. Fuseini Nawaru Mohammed as CEO, who took them through from start to finish on this one of a kind experience.
By Isaac Kofi Arthur / Ghana Tourism Authority /NSS PERSONNEL
Ghana Launches Domestic Tourism Campaign; #ExperienceGhana #ShareGhana
President Nana Akufo-Addo, has officially launched the Domestic and Regional Tourism Campaign designed to stimulate the tourism industry. Under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Ghana Tourism Authority, the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) and other tourism industry players, the official launch event took place on 1st June 2021 at Labadi Beach Hotel.
It was a full house as industry stakeholders were in attendance to inaugurate a campaign that will shift the tourism industry’s focus towards encouraging travel in Ghana and regional countries. In a speech read on his behalf, the President said, “Global tourism suffered its worst year on record in 2020, with international arrivals dropping by some 74% according to the latest data from the World Tourism Organization.” This is significant because Ghana’s tourism industry has historically benefitted from international travellers and with the impact of the global pandemic, the industry has experienced a serious decline. The President is confident that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Ghana Tourism Authority will achieve the targets of improving tourism through this new campaign. “The domestic tourism program, which was launched yesterday targets increasing domestic arrivals to 600,000 by 2022 and to one million by 2024.” as said in the president’s speech. “Whiles the West African regional target aims at increasing arrivals from 180,000 presently to 400,000 by 2024.”
The aim for this new campaign is to stimulate the economy as we travel within our own borders and to our neighboring ECOWAS countries. The campaign theme is #ExperienceGhana #ShareGhana. Travel industry stakeholders will be offering discounted packages on tours, accommodations, and transportation to encourage the public to take advantage and explore Ghana. The 18-month long campaign will also include contests open to the public that will offer exciting prize packages.
As part of the campaign, the ‘Travel Share and Win Contest’ was outdoors. In this contest, people traveling anywhere in Ghana can share their photos and videos on social media using the hashtag #ExperienceGhanaShareGhana #SeeEatWearGhana #TravelShareWin for a chance to win prizes. There is also the Write and Win contest where people are expected to write about their experiences and favorite places for a chance to win prizes. Other activities taking place during the 18-month long domestic tourism campaign include PANAFEST/Emancipation, Taste of Ghana (Gastronomy Fair), Meet in Ghana Travel Show and DecemberInGH.
A brand-new double-decker bus was unveiled with plans to use it for city tours to boost tourism within the city. The first trip outdooring the bus travelled through La, Osu and made its final stop at Independence Square. Some of Ghana’s popular artists were there to also lend their support in promoting Ghana’s new tourism campaign. Okyeame Kwame, Samini, Stonebwoy, MzVee, and Luxy OkpoYen were among those who attended. Okyeame Kwame put on a performance that paid homage to Ghana as he always does through his music and fashion. He dressed in clothing that paid homage to the Northern Region saying, “I am usually dressed to represent Ashanti Region, but today I am showcasing the North.”
The new campaign will create awareness, boost domestic tourism, and help to revive culture of travel among Ghanaians. Follow Ghana Tourism Authority on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on events, contests and upcoming activities.
#EXPERIENCEGHANA #SHAREGHANA
By: Ivy Prosper
Dodi World & Volta Hotel Keen To Promote Domestic Tourism
The General Manager of Dodi World and the Volta Hotel has intimated on the need to strengthen domestic tourism drive in Ghana.
Speaking in an interview after discussion with the Digital Marketing team from the Ghana Tourism Authority, he disclosed that stakeholders have learnt a lot of lessons from the Covid 19 Pandemic, hence “it is imperative to boost domestic tourism especially in this hard times when the whole world is faced with Covid 19 Pandemic”.
“The need to grow domestic tourism requires that citizens and stakeholders develop a keen interest in patronizing our tourists sites. Ghana is endowed with some of the most incredible sites in the world, and Dodi princess is one of best tourist attraction in Ghana.” He opined.
He further stated that, Dodi World together with Volta Hotel is working on a marketing drive which is geared towards the promotion of domestic tourism, as well as meeting international standard.
Mr. Ayitey encouraged Ghanaians to cruise with Dodi Princess II often on the lake since it has a therapeutic effect on revelers.
About Dodi
Dodi Princess at Akosombo, Lake Volta is home to MV Dodi Princess – An extension of the Volta Hotel. The newly-built 176-capacity cruise boat, the Dodi Princess II replaced its predecessor.
The three-deck Dodi Princess II, though half the capacity of Dodi Princess I (350), has all the intimate details of the latter, with a modern appeal presented by its nicely-set-out bar on the middle deck. The wooden-floor upper-deck with a beautiful view of the lake is dedicated for live band music entertain guests on-board.
Ghana’s Tourism Arrivals To Receive Boost With Arrival of United Airlines
This follows the re-launch of passenger flight operations from Washington to Accra by United Airlines. Its Dreamline 787 landed at the Kotoka International Airport on Saturday, May 15, 2021.
The U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Stephanie S. Sullivan said the start of the United Airlines service will also promote trade relations the two countries.
United Airlines, which is the 3rd largest airline in the world as measured by fleet size and number of routes, will compete with Delta on the Accra- New York JFK route.
Aviance, which has also been chosen as the ground handler for United Airlines, says it is very delighted to service the airline.
Mark Kamis, Managing Director of Aviance told AviationGhana that “we were very lucky that we have been handed the ground handling for United. We had the business back in 2015 when United was first here. So for Aviance we are very excited to be handling them again.”
The landing of the Dreamline 787 was welcomed by the US Ambassador to Ghana, Stephanie S. Sullivan, the Minister of Transport, MD of the Ghana Airport Company, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority who could not hide his joy as he exhibited his Adowa dance skills at the tarmac.
CEO of GTA @akwasizurich shows his Adowa dance skills as officials in the Tourism and Aviation Industry welcome @united‘s relaunch with 3x weekly flights from Washington to Accra.#VisitGhanaNow #ghana #us #unitedairlines #africa #discoverghana #saturday #saturdaymotivation pic.twitter.com/jlUz308xA2
— Ghana Tourism Authority (@ghanatourismGTA) May 15, 2021
3 films on Heritage and Culture in Ghana launched by French Embassy
The Embassy of France in Ghana have officially premiered the airing of 3 animation films that were produced under the framework of the Sankofa support Project to higher education and research in Heritage and Tourism in Ghana.
These animation films encourage the promotion and dissemination of research findings on Ghanaian heritage to the general public. The film launch was made online through a webinar and live on social media. The short animation films were written and created by Ghanaian archaeology and heritage researchers in collaboration with Ghanaian animation film studios and a French animated series.
The 3 films that were shown and presented were:
1. Salvage Archaeology
Salvage Archaeology, 60 sec, by Edward Nyarko (University of Ghana Researcher – Script) and Indigene X (Ghanaian Animation Studio – Production) Information and awareness-raising spot about the importance of preserving Ghanaian heritage and archaeological artefacts. Available in English, Fanti, Ewe, Hausa & Ga languages.
2. Fort Amsterdam
Fort Amsterdam, 5 min, by Kojo Derban (Architect and University of Ghana Researcher – Script) and Animax FYB (Ghanaian Animation Studio – Production) The construction of a European Fort, Fort Amsterdam, on the Gold Coast (Ghana), in the 17th Century, from an architect’s perspective. Available in English, French, Fanti, Ewe, Hausa & Ga languages. Fort Amsterdam is one of the 28 Forts and Castles registered in Ghana as a World Heritage site under the UNESCO 1972 Convention for their Outstanding Universal Value. According to UNESCO: « The Castles and Forts of Ghana shaped not only Ghana’s history but that of the world over four centuries as the focus of first the gold trade and then the slave trade. They are a significant and emotive symbol of European-African encounters and of the starting point of the African Diaspora.
3. Begho a market town in 16th century West Africa
Begho a market town in 16th century West Africa: Begho, a market town in 16th century, West Africa, 7 min, by Daniel Kumah and Victoria Aryee (University of Ghana Researchers – Script) and Past and Curious (French animated series on archeology – Production) and Animax FYB (Ghanaian Animation Studio – Productions). A discovery of the Begho market, in West Africa, in the 16th century, through the eyes of a little girl named Kasi. Begho is a former market city, at the crossroads of several trade routes, which was occupied between the 11th and 18th centuries. As such, it is mentioned and documented in many early writings about West Africa and pre-colonial Ghana and oral tradition. Available in English, French, Asanti Twi, Ewe, Dagbani & Ga.
The creators of the films briefly explained their ideas and mindset behind the movies whilst the animation studios also gave insights into what the production of the films entailed. They were thankful to all stakeholders who played a part in the making of the films and also expressed their joy in sharing with Ghanaians and the world at large, stories that lie within Ghana’s heritage and culture.
The films were translated into 8 languages (English, French, Asante Twi, Fante Twi, Ewe, Ga, Dagbani, Hausa) to be easily accessible to a Ghanaian audience. The films will be uploaded onto main video platforms and social media and interested parties can have access to these educative films for free.
IndigenX and AnimaxFYB, the two Ghanaian studio who produced the films, were the first Ghanaian studios to be selected in Annecy’s animation film festival competition, the biggest animation film festival in the world, hosted every year in Annecy, France, respectively in 2019 and 2021.
This films were made possible with the financial support of the Embassy of France in Ghana through the Sankofa support project to higher education and research in heritage and tourism.
In attendance of the film launch was the Ambassador of France to Ghana H.E. Ms. Anne Sophie Avé, the Director of the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board Mr. Ivor Agyeman–Duah, the Representative of UNESCO Ghana Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo, partners of the Sankofa project and other high-profile stakeholders from around the world.
Watch the three animations in multiple languages by clicking on the links below to access the playlists:
- Fort Amsterdam Playlist (English, French, Fanti, Ewe, Hausa & Ga languages)
- Salvage Archaelogy Playlist (English, Fanti, Ewe, Hausa & Ga languages)
- Begho, a Market Town in 16th Century Playlist (English, French, Asanti Twi, Ewe, Dagbani & Ga languages)
Source: French Embassy Ghana
Ministry of Finance signs compact agreements for post Covid-19 transformation with Tourism and Trade Ministries under the Ghana CARES Obaatanpa programme
Ministry of Finance signs two compact agreements for post Covid-19 transformation with Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Trade & Industry under the Ghana CARES Obaatanpa programme.
On Tuesday, 11th May 2021, the Ministry of Finance, as part of modalities to kick-start the implementation of the Ghana Covid-19 Alleviation and Revitalisation of Enterprises Support (GhanaCARES) Obaatanpa programme signed the first two out of 8 compact agreements with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture for an amount of One Hundred million Ghana cedis (Ghs100,000,000.00) and the Ministry of Trade & Industry for an amount of Two Hundred and Eighty Two million Ghana cedis (Ghs282,000,000).
These is extra allocations fall outside of the two Ministries annual budgetary allocation to ensure strategic and catalytic interventions that will foster a quicker recovery and boost our post COVID-19 economic transformation.
The Compact is a partnership agreement between the Ministry of Finance, as the Coordinating authority, and sector Ministries, under the supervision of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee (IMCC) to ensure effective and timely delivery of the targets set for the various Ministries under the CARES programme for the 2021 fiscal year.
About Ghana Government COVID Support
Two key initiatives that government has put in place to provide relief to local businesses are the CAP-Buss and the Ghana CARES Obaatan Pa Programme.
The government established the GHS100billion Covid-19 Alleviation and Revitalization of Enterprises Support (CARES) programme to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the lives and livelihoods of Ghanaians, and to ensure that Ghanaians quickly emerge from the pandemic with a stronger and more resilient economy.
CAP-BuSS INITIATIVE
The Corona Virus Alleviation Programme – Business Support Scheme (CAP-BuSS) of GH¢600.0 million is to specifically support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and was launched by H. E. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on 19th May, 2020. The Scheme is part of the GH¢1.2 billion CAP approved by Parliament to address the disruption to economic activities due to the pandemic. Under the Scheme, Government, through the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI), and in collaboration with the business and trade associations and selected commercial and rural banks, rolled out a soft loan scheme with a one-year moratorium and two-year repayment period for MSMEs. The objectives of the Scheme are to provide emergency relief fund for MSMEs and entrepreneurs in Ghana, establish a comprehensive and financially sustainable emergency relief fund package for MSMEs, and provide them with technical assistance to ameliorate the impact of COVID-19.and provide them with technical assistance to ameliorate the impact of COVID-19.
FUNDING FOR COVID19 RELIEF EFFORTS
Before the first case of COVID-19 in Ghana was confirmed on 12th March, 2020, Government had proactively put together the GH¢560 million National Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPRP) for COVID-19 to manage and contain the spread of the virus and strengthen the national capacity for surveillance, diagnosis, and case management.