Ghana Tourism Authority To Unveil Salaga Slave Market To Kick-off 2024 Emancipation Day Celebration
Accra, Ghana — July 15, 2024
The Ghana Tourism Authority, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, proudly announces the commissioning of the Salaga Slave Market and Wells as a significant highlight of the 2024 Emancipation Day Celebration. From July 22nd to August 1st, 2024, Ghana will kindle the spirit of unity across the global African community.
Under the theme “UNITY AND RESILIENCE: BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE,” Emancipation 2024 will witness the unveiling of a transformed Salaga Slave Market—a poignant symbol of remembrance and healing. Honorable Andrew Egyapa Mercer, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, will officiate the commissioning ceremony alongside Kpembe Wura Babanye Ndefosu II and Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority.
Other Notable Emancipation Day Activities Include:
- July 23, 2024: Durbar at Pikworo Slave Camp (Upper East Region): A vibrant celebration honoring resilience and shared heritage.
- July 25, 2024: Tribute to the Ancestors in Accra (Dress Code: Black/Red): Gather at the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre and George Padmore Library to honor those who paved the way.
- July 25, 2024: Legacy of Dr. Efua Sutherland Photo Exhibition: Explore the remarkable legacy of a visionary, followed by wreath-laying at Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
- July 29, 2024: Durbar of Chiefs at Assin Praso: Chiefs unite, bridging past and present.
- July 30, 2024: Echoes of Culture at Elmina: Celebrating Diasporan Diversity: Vibrant rhythms, colorful traditions—our shared tapestry.
- July 31, 2024: Reverential Night at Cape Coast (Dress Code: White): Candlelight procession, ancestral roll call, and spoken words under the stars.
- August 1, 2024: Emancipation Day Durbar at Assin Manso: Where former enslaved Africans rest, we lay wreaths and honor their resilience. Visit Nonko Nsuo—the River of Return.
For more information and participation details, visit www.visitghana.com.
Issued by the Corporate Affairs Department 🇬🇭
Afronita and Abigail: Britain’s Got Talent Stars Visit Tourism Authority
The dynamic duo Afronita and Abigail, who recently clinched the 2nd runners-up position in Britain’s Got Talent, made a special visit to the Ghana Tourism Authority. Their stellar performance on the international stage has elevated them to the status of proud ambassadors for Ghana.
During their meeting with Ghana Tourism Authority officials, they engaged in discussions with CEO, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman. Mr. Agyeman expressed heartfelt gratitude for their remarkable achievements and commended their representation of Ghana. He assured them of unwavering support for their artistic endeavors and presented them with thoughtful gift packs.
Accompanied by their parents, Afronita and Abigail radiated joy as they recounted their warm reception upon returning to Ghana. Last Monday, Kotoka International Airport buzzed with excitement as fans welcomed them back after their successful stint in the UK.
Next up, the talented duo will grace the stage at the West Africa Music and Arts Festival (WAMA) Area Code concert on Saturday, June 22, 2024, hosted at the University of Ghana campus. The Area Code event promises to be a vibrant celebration of West Africa’s rich music and art.
2024 Emancipation 2024 – Building Stronger Communities For A Brighter Future
Emancipation 2024
PRESS RELEASE
2024 Emancipation Day: Building Stronger Communities For A Brighter Future
Under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and culture, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA is organizing the 2024 Emancipation Celebration from 22ND July to 1ST August 2024.
Emancipation Day is an annual event celebrated in Ghana to rekindle the flame of unity among black people everywhere.
The Emancipation Celebrations which is under the theme, ‘“UNITY AND RESILIENCE; BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE” has been launched at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park on 4th June, 2024.
The programme of activities lined up for this year’s celebrations include.
- JULY 22, 2024 – COMMISSIONING OF SALAGA SLAVE MARKET
- JULY 23, 2024 – DURBAR AT PIKWORO SLAVE CAMP-UPPER EAST REGION
- JULY 25, 2024 – TRIBUTE TO THE ANCESTORS; WREATH LAYING CEREMONY IN ACCRA, (DRESS CODE: BLACK/RED)
- E.B DUBOIS CENTRE
- GEORGE PADMORE LIBRARY
- JULY 25, 2024 – PHOTO EXHIBITION OF THE LEGACY OF PROF. EFUA SUTHERLAND AND WREATH LAYING AT KWAME NKRUMAH MEMORIAL PARK.
- JULY 29, 2024 – DURBAR OF CHIEFS AT ASSIN PRASO
- JULY 30, 2024 – ECHOES OF CULTURE CELEBRATING DIASPORAN DIVERSITY
- JULY 31, 2024 – REVERENTIALNIGHT AT CAPE COAST
- CANDLELIGHT PROCESSION (FROM MFANTSIPIM JUNCTION)
- WREATH LAYING
- TRIBUTE TO PROF. EFUA SUTHERLAND-HER CENTENARY CELEBRATION.
- TESTIMONIES/SPOKEN WORDS/DRAMA
- ROLL CALL OF ANCESTORS
- READING OF PROCLAMATION
(DRESS CODE: WHITE)
- AUGUST 1, 2024 – EMANCIPATION DAY DURBAR
– WREATH LAYING ON THE GRAVES OF FORMER ENSLAVED AFRICANS
– VISIT TO NONKO NSUO
Emancipation was originally celebrated in the Caribbean to commemorate the final abolition of Chatel Slavery in the British colonies on 1st August 1834, and has become an annual event in Ghana, the Black Star of Africa, and the gateway to the Homeland of people of African descent in the Diaspora.
GTA, PSWU, MOFA AND QUEEN MOTHERS FOUNDATION CELEBRATES ‘FEAST GHANA’ ON MAY DAY
The ‘Feast Ghana’ event which hosted about two thousand (2000) workers from various institutions in the Public Service to experience Ghana’s culture through food was climaxed at the Forecourt of the Accra International Conference Centre on 1st May, 2024.
The spectacular event was organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority in collaboration with the Public Service Workers Union of the Trades Union Congress (PSWU of TUC), the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Queen Mothers Foundation.
Distinguished personalities from the public service, the diplomatic community and the traditional authority were present to witness the colourful and momentous occasion. The queen mothers were not left out as they graced the occasion in their colourful traditional regalia such as our prestigious kente and beads; each which tells a story about the Ghanaian culture.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman applauded the organisers of the “Feast Ghana’ for showcasing Ghana’s culture through food, music, and dance. According to him, this is in line with GTA’s “See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Feel Ghana and Wear Ghana” campaign to promote domestic tourism.
However, this is a step in the right direction; and it will go a long way in promoting our local cuisine and culture thereby making Ghana the preferred cultural hub in the sub region.
The Feast Ghana PSWU May Day Grand celebration offered a display of Ghana’s diverse culinary landscapes with food stalls featuring dishes from various regions of the country. There were musical performances and concerts by Ghanaian artistes such as ‘Samini, Great Ampong, Naa Amanua of Wulomei’, among others; which gave a vibe of Ghana’s traditional, local music and dance.
ISSUED BY THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
GTA TO LAUNCH 2023 TOURISM REPORT
The Ghana Tourism Authority is pleased to announce the 2023 Tourism Report, which provides an in-depth of the tourism industry in Ghana on Monday, 29th April, 2024 at the Accra Tourist Information Center (ATIC).
The tourism report which is mostly based on primary data collection is a valuable resource to help our stakeholders better understand the contribution of tourism to the society and identify opportunities for growth.
Under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Ghana Tourism Authority has made concerted efforts to monitor the tourism statistics, and give important insights to assist in policy direction and decision making. This is in accordance with the Tourism Act 2011, Act 817 section(3)(m) which states that ‘the Authority shall collect, compile and publish information and statistics in respect of activities regulated under the Act’.
The Ghana Tourism Authority has been consistent in publishing tourism reports since 2019 with the specific objective to provide basic and important data on inbound tourism, data on licensed tourism enterprises and data on domestic tourism.
The 2023 tourism report titled ‘STRONG RECOVERY’ offers data and perspective for all stakeholders, academia and research institutions with data for teaching and learning.
It also serves as a good reference and resource point not only for the tourism industry but for the country to help in policy formulation.
ISSUED BY THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
GTA, PSWU, MOFA AND QUEEN MOTHERS FOUNDATION TO ‘FEAST GHANA’ ON MAY DAY
The Ghana Tourism Authority in collaboration with the Public Service Workers Union of the Trades Union Congress (PSWU of TUC), the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Queen Mothers Foundation will climax the ‘Feast Ghana’ event on May Day at the Forecourt of the Accra International Conference Centre.
The spectacular event which is expected to host about two thousand (2000) workers from various institutions in the Public Service will experience Ghanaian culture and a taste of our local foods such as ‘ebunu ebunu’ Konkonte and groundnut soup among many others.
Distinguished personalities from the public service, the diplomatic community and the traditional authority will also be present to witness this colourful and momentous occasion.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman said ‘GTA’s collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, PSWU and the Queen Mothers Foundation is a step in the right direction; and it will go along way in promoting our local cuisine and culture thereby making Ghana the preferred cultural hub in the sub region’
The Feast Ghana PSWU May Day Grand celebration will offer a display of Ghana’s diverse culinary landscapes with food stalls featuring dishes from various regions of the country. There will also be musical concerts by artistes to give a vibe of our traditional music and dance.
ISSUED BY THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
Successful Feast Ghana Event held at Manhyia Palace in Celebration of Asanteman Queenmothers Day
In a grand celebration of Asanteman Queenmothers Day, the Manhyia Palace hosted a successful Feast Ghana event that highlighted the rich culinary heritage of Asanteman. The event, graced by esteemed guests including the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehemaa, Nana Kondu Yiadom III, Chief of Staff of the Office of the President, Hon. Frema Osei Opare, Minister Designate for Tourism Arts and Culture Hon. Egyapa Mercer, Deputy Mark Okraku Mantey, and CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority Akwasi Agyeman, brought together a blend of tradition, culture, and gastronomy.
The event served as a culinary extravaganza, skillfully presenting an assortment of traditional Ghanaian dishes amidst a colourful spectacle of traditional drumming and dancing.
In his remarks, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority Akwasi Agyeman expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “The feast at Manhyia Palace truly encapsulates the essence of Ghanaian hospitality and cultural richness. By showcasing our traditional cuisines, we are not only promoting culinary tourism but also inviting the world to savor the unique flavors that Ghana has to offer.”
The Minister Designate for Tourism, Hon Egyapa Mercer indicated the Feast Ghana event is not only to celebrate our culinary heritage but also invite others to experience the warmth and richness of Ghanaian hospitality
Emphasizing the value of preserving and sharing Ghana’s culinary traditions, the Chief of Staff, Hon Frema Osei Opare, urged for the creation of a recipe book that would immortalize these cherished dishes for generations to come. “This initiative seeks to not only preserve Ghana’s culinary legacy but also to entice visitors to explore the country through its flavors and culinary experiences” she said.
The Asantehene, Osei Tutu II, also shared his thoughts, saying, “Queenmothers play an important role in Asante cultural heritage and celebrating them is an integral part of Asanteman culture and identity” .
The next stop for the Feast Ghana train is the Accra International Conference Center on Wednesday May 1, where the Ghana Tourism Authority has partnered the PSWU of TUC and the Queenmothers Foundation to give workers of Ghana a treat of authentic Ghanaian food and entertainment.
GTA Prepares For ‘Feast Ghana’ At Manhyia Palace With Asanteman Queen Mothers Association
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), in collaboration with the Asanteman Queen Mothers Association, is excitedly preparing for the Feast Ghana event scheduled for April 22, 2024, at the Manhyia Palace. Themed “Flavours of Ghana: Celebrating Ghana’s Cultural Diversity through Food,” this event aligns with the 25th Anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, emphasising Asanteman’s cultural importance and gastronomic heritage.
The CEO of GTA, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, stated that Feast Ghana aims to showcase and elevate Ghana’s local cuisine and cultural traditions, supporting the GTA’s initiative of “See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana, Feel Ghana” which was launched in 2017.
Feast Ghana will feature a rich array of Ashanti cuisine from all the paramouncies, traditional dishes, and culinary demos that honour Asanteman’s vast cultural heritage. The event will also highlight local produce and explore its journey from farm to table, providing attendees with a comprehensive taste of food culture.
Issued by the Corporate Affairs Department
GTA Unveils ‘Feast Ghana’ to Showcase the Rich Culinary Tapestry of Ghana
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Accra: 15TH APRIL, 2024
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) will launch Feast Ghana on Wednesday 17th April 2024 at the Accra Tourist Information Centre (ATIC). The Ghana Tourism Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Asanteman Queenmothers Association and the Public Service Workers Union of the Trades Union Congress (PSWU of TUC), marks a significant event aimed at promoting our local foods and showcasing our diversity as a people. It is part of the Ghana Cares Obatanpa project that continues to help resuscitate the Tourism and Hospitality sector.
This inaugural edition of Feast Ghana will celebrate Ghana’s rich culinary heritage under the theme ‘Flavours Of Ghana, Celebrating Ghana’s Cultural Diversity Through Food’. The launch event will also celebrate the Ladies Club of GTA who will be celebrating the second edition of its “Rep your Region” program. Following its launch, Feast Ghana will travel to the Ashanti Region on 22nd April in partnership with the Asanteman Queenmothers Association to honor the 25th anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. This extension of the event highlights the region’s cultural significance and culinary contributions.
In the words of the CEO of GTA, Akwasi Agyeman “Feast Ghana represents a unique opportunity to showcase the vibrant culinary richness of our nation and celebrate the unity and diversity that food embodies in our culture. This program aligns with the “See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana and Feel Ghana ” campaign launched by GTA a few years ago”
The grand celebration of Feast Ghana will be held on May Day at the Accra International Conference Center, in collaboration with the PSWU of TUC. This final event promises to be a memorable showcase of Ghana’s local foods, emphasizing unity, diversity, and the vibrant spirit of our people. Attendees can look forward to experiencing traditional dishes, culinary delights, and a celebration of Ghana’s heritage throughout the journey of Feast Ghana.
By: Corporate Affairs
2024 Paragliding Festival Ends with a 49% Surge In Attendance
Accra, 3rd April 2024
The 2024 Paragliding Festival wows spectators with a total of 138 Tandem flights and 24 Solo flights with a record-breaking 7,463 attendees this year. This represents a 49% surge in attendance compared to the previous year.
Throughout the festival, 7 skilled tandem pilots hailing from various countries, including the USA, Japan, Peru, Ghana, and Germany, took passengers on unforgettable journeys through the skies. Notably, Ghanaian Solo Pilot Isaac Mensah achieved a personal milestone with his first successful Solo flight, soaring from the Odweanoma Mountain to touch down safely at the Nkawkaw Stadium.
The economic benefits of the Paragliding Festival extend beyond the thrill of flight, significantly impacting the local tourism and hospitality value chain and economy. As the festival continues to attract a growing number of spectators and participants, it creates opportunities for local businesses, from accommodations and food vendors and transportation services. The influx of visitors not only generated revenue for the immediate Kwahu community but also fosters job creation and boosts tourism-related businesses in the region.
The event’s success is evident from the escalating number of spectators, signifying a growing interest in the sport of paragliding. With the flights captivating the audience and creating lasting memories, the 2024 Paragliding Festival emerged as a must-visit attraction, with CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, attesting to the enhanced safety measures and overall improved experience at the site.
The Ghana Tourism Authority expresses appreciation to all the stakeholders especially the Kwahu Traditional Council and the Kwahu South, East and West Assemblies.
ISSUED BY: CORPORATE AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT