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Beyond the Return Edition of the 5th Annual Anwamoo Festival
The fifth edition of the Anwamoo Festival was on Sunday 15th November at Eat Rite Joint in Dome, Pillar 2 in Accra. This year’s edition was an official ‘Beyond the Return’ event that perfectly aligns with the ‘Celebrate Ghana’ pillar. It was a full day celebrating good food, music and great vibes.
The festival attracted over 1000 people and was created to bring people together and encourage healthy networking especially among social media personalities and the youth to promote development. Afua Foriwaa Boafoah is the Founder of this event and she said that the team is considering expanding the event into other regions of Ghana. She said that up until now the event has always been in the Greater Accra Region and feels an experience in another region would be great.
Maame Broni, the Media Liaison Officer of the event, said the turnout was spectacular. It was a big surprise because she said the team feared the current Covid-19 pandemic would hinder people from coming to participate in the festival. Nana Akua Abu Bonrah, was tasked to be the protocol officer and did the necessary things to follow Covid-19 protocols including spacing the seating, tables and providing hand sanitizer to all the patrons.
The Anwamoo Festival was a family-friendly event and all attendees were treated to free food and drinks all day. A cooking competition between four men provided entertainment for everyone as the DJ played music throughout the day into the evening.
The men who competed in the cooking competition had a wonderful time dancing while cooking and being cheered on by their friends and family. In the end Ebenezer Acheampong of Kwabenya, of Soccabet emerged the winner and received a number of prizes from the event’s sponsors. Kojo Shugga, who was second place danced all through the competition. Nothing kept his spirits down through the entire day. Opoku Mastero from Xcape was third place and Kwabena Sasu of Sukura placed in fourth.
CEO of GTA, Akwasi Agyeman adjudged CIMG Marketing Man of The Year
It was excellent awards night at the 31st Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIMG) National Marketing Performance Awards as corporate entities and individuals who excelled at their respective businesses and marketing roles have were awarded. CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority was adjudged the marketing man of the Year 2019 for his sterling performance in making Ghana the tourism destination of choice in Africa with the sucessful Year of Return campaign.
This years CIMG wards was held at the Labadi Beach Hotel on Saturday, November 14, 2020.
Some other tourism industry players who won awards on the night include, Sunseekers Tours for the hospitality support service.
Labadi Beach Hotel was also adjudged Hospitality facility (Hotel) of the year 2019.
Indigenous Catering Facility of the year 2019 went to Bush Canteen, East Legon.
Below is the list of award winners:
Marketing Man of the Year – Akwasi Agyeman, CEO Ghana Tourism Authority
Marketing Woman of the Year – Patience Akyianu, Group CEO, Hollard, Ghana
Marketing Practitioner of the Year – Edwin Amoako, Marketing Manager of Fanmilk
Marketing Student of the Year – Regina Manu
Hall of Fame – Elite Category (over 10 years)
Motor firm – Toyota
Retail outlet – Melcom
Hall of fame (Below 10 years)
Insurance company (Gen) – Vanguard Assurance and Enterprise Insurance
Insurance Company (Life) – SIC Life
Motor Firm – Japan Motors
Bank – Ecobank
Petroleum – Goil
Airline (Domestic) – Africa World Airlines
Media
ATL Commercial – Vodafone Too Much Data
BTL Commercial – Vodafone Gigabit Net 4G
New Media Commercial – MyJoyOnline.com
TV Programme – Vodafone Healthline
Radio Programme – Joy FM Super Morning Show
Business
Insurance company (Life) – Prudential Life
Insurance company (General) – Hollard Insurance
Hospitality facility (Hotel) – Labadi Beach Hotel
Hospitality (Allied & Support Services) – Sunseekers Tours Limited
Petroleum company – Total
Real Estate – Lakeside Estate
Private Health Facility – Lister Hospital
Postal and Courier Service (Domestic) – Not awarded based on merit
Postal and Courier Service (International) – Not awarded based on merit
Corporate Pension Trust – Enterprise Trustees
Media Organisation – The Multimedia Group Limited
Motor Firm – Silver Star Auto Limited
Bank – Stanbic Bank
Rural Bank – Atwima Kwanwoma Rural Bank
Finance House – Profin Ghana
Savings and Loans Company of the Year – Opportunity Int Savings & Loans
Indigenous Catering Facility – Bush Canteen
Telecom Company – MTN
Telecoms (Allied & Support Services) – Not Awarded
Internet Service Providers – Internet Solutions
Marketing-Oriented Organisation – MTN
Airline of the Year (Domestic) – Not awarded on merit
Airline of the Year (International) – Ethiopian Air
Manufacturing Company – Polytank Ghana Limited
Afro-based Company – RMG Ghana
Digital Media – MyJoyOnline.com
Retail Outlet – Electromart
Micro-finance – Not awarded based on merit
E-commerce – Jumia
Not-for-profit Organisation – Invest in Africa
Product
Manufacturing – Fan Yogo
Service – Hollard Araba Chatbot
Emerging Brand – Transitions
CIMG President’s Special Award
Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II – Asantehene
Gexim Bank’s Tuesday Market
PRESS RELEASE – 2020 December In Ghana Events
The ‘Beyond the Return’ Secretariat is excited to release the official events schedule for November and December 2020. The events have been chosen after a careful review to include cultural events, festivals, performances, entertainment, business, and educational activities that amplify the pillars of ‘Beyond the Return’. DecemberInGH will be an exciting time filled with events and festivals that will create memorable experiences for Ghanaians and diasporans to See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana, and Feel Ghana.
The Ghana Tourism Authority, coordinators of the ten- year project and the ‘Beyond The Return’ secretariat will work closely with event organizers to ensure that COVID-19 protocols are followed. “It’s been a challenging year for everyone so it’s great to have something to look forward to,” said Annabelle McKenzie, Manager of the ‘Beyond The Return’ Secretariat. “We’re pleased to announce the schedule of events because many Ghanaians and Diasporans have already been asking about the DecemberInGH activities.”
Proposals for November and December events are still being accepted. Event organizers are encouraged to submit proposals for events in all regions and not only focus on the Greater Accra Region. Proposals can be submitted on the website at www.beyondthereturngh.com.
‘Beyond the Return’ is a ten-year project with a theme of ‘A Decade of African Renaissance.’ The project is the follow up to last year’s successful ‘Year of Return, Ghana 2019’ campaign. During the ‘Year of Return,’ Ghanaians and Diasporans attended cultural & entertainment events, participated in community service projects, and contributed to the economic advancement of Ghana.
More information about ‘Beyond The Return’ and the official calendar can be viewed on the web at www.beyondthereturngh.com and www.visitghana.com.
Kempinski, Azmera, Land Tours & Tang Palace retain titles at National Tourism Award
November 6, 2020, Accra
Several tourism industry players were awarded at the 13th National Tourism Awards held on Friday November 6, 2020 at the National Theatre.
It was a night that celebrated personaliites who have contributed to or excelled in the tourism industry in the year 2019.
This year’s celebration which was under the theme: ‘Growing Tourism Beyond The Return, COVID-19’, saw several awardees and individual from across the country troup to the National Theatre in their beautiful Ghanaian apperals.
Kempinski Hotel (Gold Coast City) emerged the 2019 5-Star Hotel of the Year for the 2nd year running while Tang Palace Hotel also emerged the 4-Star Hotel of the year also for the second consecutive year.
The National Theatre the venue for the event was replete in depiction of various tourism products in the country. The entrance was set to depict the entrance of the famouns Larabanga Mosque. Within the foyer of the National Theatre was a miniature walkway depicting the Kakum canopy walkway. There were crocodiles also depicting the Paga Crocodile pond and Hans cottage friendly crocodiles.
Serving as backdrop backdrop for the beautiful performances and presentations was a presentation of the Kwame Nkrumah memorial park which to complete the warm and welcoming tourism environment of the night.
The event was chaired by Daasebre Anyimadu Katamanto II, Kwabenghene / Okyeman Gyaasehene who called for the re-introduction of local foods like Apapransa in the menu of restaurants and hotel sto boost domestic tourism.
Hon. Akosua Frema Osei opare, Chief of Staff who was the Guest of honour and keynote speaker lauded the efforts of the tourism Ministry and the Ghana Tourism Authority in the fight agaist corona and efforts to revive the industry. She pledged governments continuous effort to support the industry.
Addressing the audience the sector Minister outlined the several steps taken by the Ministry to suopport the tourism industry which was most hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. She expressed hope of the sector bouncing back due to its great potential and capability in revitalising economic growth in Ghana.
On his part, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), organisers of the event, urged industry players to join GTA to pull resources together to help revampt and develop the industry beyond COVID-19.
Culture, warmth and rhythm was at play all night and was lazed with beautiful stage performances by Foster Romanos, a Comedian and the reggae dance hall king Samini who treated the audience to great dance tunes from his repertoire.
Popular communication experts and media personality George Quaye, more popularly known as Aboagye of Taxi Driver fame was the MC for the day.
Below is a full list of awards winners
Accommodation
5-Star – Kempinski Hotel (Gold Coast City) – Accra
4 Star – Tang Palace Hotel – Accra
3 Star – Aqua Safari Resort – Ada
2 Star – Grace Garden Hotel – Takoradi
1 Star – Asantewaa Premier Hotel – Fumesua, Kumasi
Guest House – West Wing Guest House – Spintex
Budget Hotel – Almond Tree Guest House – Elmina
Serviced Apartments – Red Mango – Takoradi
Hostel – Banvillas Hostel – Kentinkrono
Food & Beverage
Restaurant Grade 1 – Azmera Restaurant – Roman Ridge
Restaurant Grade 2 – Buka Restaurant – Osu
Restaurant Grade 3 – Hot Ernesto Restaurant – Takoradi
Fast Food – Papaye – Spintex Road
Airline Catering Services – Servair – Airport – Accra
Drinking Bar – Treasures Pub – Haatso
Traditional Catering – Agbenorxevi Chop Bar – Ho
Night Club/Pub – Crescendo Lounge & Pub – Labone
Travel Trade
Tour Operator – Land Tours – Accra
Travel Agent – Satguru Travels – Osu
Car Rentals – Atlas Rent – A – Car, Dansoman
Airline Of The Year – Air France – Klm
Site Guide – Robert Morgan Mensah, Cape Coast Castle
Tour Guide – Yao Dzide Freelance, Accra
Visitor Attraction – Cape Coast Castle, Cape Coast
Tourism Writer Of The Year – Samuel Obeng-Appah, Voyage Afriq
Tourism Broadcast Programme – UTV Heritage Ghana, United Television
Tourism Oriented Media
Television – TV3
Radio – Okay Fm
Print – The Mirror
Online – Voyage Afriq
Consistent Payment Of Tourism Levy – Accommodation
White Sands Beach Resort & Spa – Gomoa Fetteh – Winner
Consistent Payment Of Tourism Levy – Food & Beverage
Moti Mahal Restaurant – Asokwa – Winner
Honorary Awards
- Osabarima Kwesi Atta Ii Parmount Chief, Oguaa Traditional Area.
- Nana Kodwo Kondua Vi Parmount Chief, Edina Traditional Area.
- Kofi Akpabli – Tourism / Travel Writer.
- Hon. Mohammed Adjei Sowah Mayor Of Accra.
- Miss Delphine Brew- Hammond(Miss Tourism Ghana)
- Sunseekers Travel & Tours
- The Adinkra, Washington Dc
- Panafest Foundation – Cape Coast
- Diaspora Affairs, Office Of The President
- Media Majique And Research System, Accra
- Kids In Tourism
Third Edition of Worlafest Officially Endorsed by ‘Beyond the Return’
Worlafest is a festival of arts and music that was created by Ghana’s renowned musician, Worlasi. This year’s event is the third edition and takes place on Saturday 7th November 2020 at Alliance Française. This time it’s an officially endorsed ‘Beyond the Return’ event and promises to take you on a journey through art and music.
During the day, the festival will host an art exhibition from 2pm-5pm that features a selection of artists curated to represent the various talents in Ghana. Artists in the exhibition include, Abena Oyiwaa Art, Joblek, Sara Black, NiiOdai, James Mishio, Lawrence Torto, and Teloe.
Worlasi himself is also a painter and animator who wants to elevate the work of local talent through this event. His creative inspirations come through life experiences and observing the world around him then translating it into his music and art. Worlasi will be performing some of his new music during the concert which is slated for 7pm-10pm.
Tickets for the event are 100 GHS to attend in-person. Purchase your tickets online at www.ayatickets.com. If you can’t make it to the event, you can also purchase tickets for 30 GHS by going to www.worlafest.com and watch online from the comfort of your home.
Follow Worlafest on Instagram @worlafest for updates and more information on artist performances at the event.
‘Beyond the Return’ – Health & Wellness With Self-Care Sunday
Make your health and wellness a priority this weekend at ‘Self-Care Sunday’, a ‘Beyond the Return’ endorsed event with a focus on taking care of yourself through activities that promise to improve your body, mind and spirit. ‘Self-Care Sunday’ takes place on 8th November at the Rehab Beach Club from 10am-5pm. Araba Babs Ofori-Acquah, is a Certified Well-Being Coach, and the Founder of Self-Care Sunday.
Miss Ofori-Acquah said the idea for Self-Care Sunday came to her in a flash of divine inspiration. “Wellness is something that has been commodified and made exclusive in many ways,” she said. “With gyms and fitness studios charging high prices. There are many ways to be well, but people are missing out either due to high costs, stigma associated with activities such as yoga, or lack of education around different ways that we can look after ourselves.”
Taking care of ourselves is something that’s often ignored in the daily hustle and bustle of our lives. For most of us, we wake up, go to work, school, attend events, participate in activities, take care of children, family members and so much more. Your days are so packed with doing things for everyone else, that you ignore your own needs. This event aims to shift our thinking and prioritize healthy living through fun activities.
The event includes high speed fitness, afrobeats yoga, high intensity interval training, twerk fitness, a Zen Zone by the beach, and a wellness market. An important element at the event will be the Conscious Conversations which includes important talks and workshops including men’s mental health, diet and nutrition, benefits of waist beads and more.
Self-Care Sunday is unlike any other ‘Beyond the Return’ event and Ofori-Acquah says that “Health and wellness is key to Ghana’s prosperity, and is an important consideration for any diasporans making the return home.” Her goal is for her event to act as a wellness sanctuary for all Ghanainas, returnees and diasporans. “I believe we’ll create a high energy, positive atmosphere that will help people feel at ease.”
The event aims to educate people on practicing self-care in an open, inclusive environment at a reasonable cost. Tickets to the event are 150 GHS and can be purchased by registering online using this link: bit.ly/SCSnov. Information about the event is also available through Whatsapp on 0596041984.
Government Renews Commitment to Revamping Tourism Industry
The Government is committed to resuscitating the Tourism Industry following the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To this end, the government continues to ensure that industry players will continue to receive stimulus incentive packages to cushion them against the loss.
The sector Minister, Mrs. Barbara Oteng-Gyasi renewed the pledge during a Senior Staff Conference of the Ghana Tourism Authority(GTA) held in Takoradi.
The three-day conference was on the theme, “Beyond The Return And COVID-19: Revamping the Tourists Industry”.
The conference which was attended by all the 11 administrative offices in Ghana deliberated on a clear-cut roadmap on how to revamp the Tourism Industry.
Mrs Oteng-Gyasi acknowledged the readiness of industry players to follow guidelines on safety protocols to prevent the pandemic from escalating.
The Minister urged players in the industry to work hard to recoup the loss during the COVID-19 period.
According to her, the COVID-19 pandemic was still rearing its ugly heads in other parts of the world which demanded strict compliance with the safety protocols.
The Western Regional Director of Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr George Nkrumah Ansere said the conference was among other things, to encourage domestic tourism in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak in the country taking cognizance of the huge tourist potentials in the Western Region and Ghana as a whole.
He said hoteliers had started operations but with a bit of caution.
Mr.Ansere said the Tourism Regulatory Agency would encourage Industry players to bounce back with strict compliance to the safety protocols.
He reminded players in the industry that the COVID-19 pandemic was still around and cautioned that there was no room for complacency.
Mr Ansere acknowledged financial relief received from the government through the NBSSI to cushion players in the Tourist industry.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GTA, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman said the senior staff association had always been a vibrant and supportive one, adding that his outfit would find ways to strengthen the already existing cordial relationship in the 10-year ‘Beyond the Return’ project implementation of the Single Window project, the relaunch of the See- Ghana, Eat-Ghana, Wear-Ghana and Feel-Ghana project.
Mr Agyeman urged all senior staff members to join the crusade of amplifying Ghana to the outside world, a vision to bridge bridges, strengthen bonds, and lay the foundation of the future of Ghana and Africa.
Source: GNA
Glitz Africa Fashion Week 2020 – Beyond the Return Edition
Glitz Africa Fashion Week is one of Ghana’s biggest annual fashion events and takes place this year from November 6-8, 2020. This year’s edition is in partnership with Ghana Tourism Authority and endorsed as a Beyond the Return event. This is the 8th edition of this exciting fashion program that features African design and creativity.
On Friday 6th November, from 3pm-5:30pm there will be runway shows featuring streetwear designers that will take place at Untamed Empire on Spintex Road. Designers on that day include Subwae Studios, Darkor, Afro Volf, Slum Studios and Kojo Kusi. Saturday 7th November will feature events taking place at the Grand Arena at the Accra International Conference Centre. The day starts off with a business seminar featuring industry professionals, exhibitions and collections from young design talent. The evening runway shows will include a host of established designers including, Ophelia Crossland, Selina Beb, Larry Jay, House of Paon, and Christie Brown.
The final day takes place at The Octagon Rooftop and includes the screening of a fashion film and runway shows from designers Nyonuvi, Kokude, Afrodisiac Worldwide, Jermaine Bleu, Chocolate Clothing and Duaba Serwa.
For more information email info@glitzafrica.com and to purchase your tickets to the event call 0501581266 or 0302798513.
Tourism Sector Players To Be Honoured At 2020 National Tourism Awards
The 2019 National Tourism Awards will be held on Friday, November 6, 2020 at the National Theatre, Accra.
The awards ceremony which is the fifteenth in the series is under the theme, ‘GROWING TOURISM BEYOND THE RETURN, BEYOND COVID-19’, and it is being organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
The National Tourism Awards was instituted by the Ghana Tourism Authority in 1997 to reward excellent performance in the tourism sector. It is also to raise standards and encourage healthy competition among tourism industry practitioners with a view to firmly positioning tourism as a vibrant economic sector and to consolidate the country’s position as a preferred tourist destination.
In 2019, Ghana’s tourism became a great success as the ‘Year of Return’ sparked global movement by projecting Ghana on a higher pedestal. A follow up of the successful ‘Year of Return’, ‘Beyond the Return’ was launched recently. It is a 10-year project under the theme, “A decade of African Renaissance – 2020-2030” which hinges on these seven pillars: Experience Ghana, Promote Pan African Heritage and Innovation, Invest in Ghana and Diaspora Pathway to Ghana. The rest are Give Back Ghana, Celebrate Ghana and Brand Ghana.
Though the tourism industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 Pandemic which led to the closure of our borders by air, land and sea among other things. Consequently, given the re-opening of Ghana’s airspace and the tourist sites, the tourism sector is expected to significantly bounce back, which would invariably boost on the country’s GDP for the well-meaning of the Ghanaian citizenry countrywide.
A total of 43 Awards would be presented to deserving tourism establishments and personalities during the awards ceremony. These include 32 Competitive Awards and 11 Honorary Awards. The Competitive Awards include Accommodation Category (serviced apartment, hostel, budget hotel, guest house, 1- 5 Star hotel and consistent payment of tourism levy (accommodation)
Catering Service Category (offshore/airline catering establishment, night club/pub, drinking bar, fast food establishment, traditional caterer (chop bar), restaurant of the year (grade 1 to 3) and consistent payment of tourism levy (catering)
Travel Service Category (visitor attraction, site guide, tour guide, car rental service, travel agency, tour operator and airline of the year)
Media(Tourism Broadcast Programme, Tourism Writer, Tourism Oriented Media (Television,Radio, Print, Online)
The Honorary Award is based on special recognition for outstanding contribution to the tourism industry.
Meanwhile, sponsors for this forthcoming event are catalogued as follows: GIHOC DISTILLERIES, AUNTY AKU SYSTEM, PRUDENTIAL BANK GH LTD, JOY INDUSTRIES LTD, AKOSOMBO TEXTILES LIMITED, ECOBANK, ETC.
Our Collaborators are MTN GH, TANG PALACE HOTEL, ALISA HOTEL, YOKS RENT-A- CAR, PAPAYE FAST FOODS, M & G PHARMACEUTICALS, SATGURU TRAVEL & TOURS, AND A HOST OF OTHERS.
Featuring will be the National Dance Company, National Symphony Orchestra, Akwaboah among others.
Remember! Let’s continue to adhere to the COVID-19 safety and hygiene protocols whilst we climax the 2019 National Tourism Awards in a grand style.
ISSUED BY THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, GHANA TOURISM AUTHORITY.
Ministry of Tourism Disburses $1.3m for first tranche of Grants Under World Bank GTDP
- Manhyia Palace Museum who received GHS 3,363,612.00
- Arc World Travels re3ceived GHS 225,000.00
- Shabasa Travels and Tours Limited GHS 150,000.00
- Afadjato – Tagbo Ecotourism Centre had GHS 690,000.00
- Afadjato Agumatsa Ecotourism Centre who also had GHS 859,153.50
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