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Jake Obetsebi Lamptey Honoured At National Chocolate Day Celebration
The Ghana Tourism Authority has honoured the late Jake Okanta Obetsebi Lamptey during the climax durbar to mark the celebrations of the 2020 National Chocolate Day at the Alisa Hotel on 14th February. He was honoured for his immense contribution in spearheading the institution of the National Chocolate Day in 2005 when he was the Minister of Tourism.
A citation and chocolate hamper was presented to the wife, Mrs. Esther Obetsebi Lamptey by the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Barbara Oteng Gyasi, who was supported by the Paramount Chief of the Osu Traditional Area, Nii Okwei Kinka Dowuona VI. Other dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Hon. Dr. Ziblim Iddi Barri, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Alhaji Abdulai Yakubu, the Board Chair of GTA, Madam Adelaide Ahwireng, Board Member of COCOBOD, Nana Ama Dokuah, the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of CPC, Nana Agyenim Boateng, President of GHATOF, Madam Bella Ahu, representatives from the public and private sector.
According to the citation, the Late Obetsebi Lamptey’s initiative has played an essential role in boosting the local consumption of chocolate and other cocoa-based products, as well as domestic tourism. In addition, it has created awareness of the health benefits of chocolate.
The Management of CPC pledged their support to supply the Late Hon. Jake’ family with chocolate and cocoa based products every month.
“Future Scholars” Deepen Ties With Ghana
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman has hosted some members of the diaspora who came from the USA on February 17, 2020. The diasporans known as the “Future Scholars” paid a courtesy call to the Ghana Tourism Authority on 17thFebruary 2020. The call was to inform of the Authority about their longstanding initiative of a school building project in Oshiyee at Kokrobite which was inspired by the need to contribute to the education sector in Ghana. The “Future Scholars” have been visiting Ghana for the past 25years.
Speaking for the group, the leader said “As retired educators who have frequently visited the country, we see the need to contribute by building a school to provide basic education in the community.” They also lauded the Government for their ‘Free Education’ policy and noted that it tied greatly with their project for accessible education.
Mr. Akwasi Agyeman welcomed them and was quite excited about the initiative saying that, “Thank you for being regular visitors to Ghana and building a school to provide for the community.”
During the visit, CEO of GTA mentioned the significance of the Year of Return and noted how their project tied in with the ‘Beyond the Return’ and its pillars, which he said would be officially launched a few weeks to come. He also pointed out other developmental projects undertaken by other committed individuals and groups who visited Ghana during the Year of Return.
The GTA will take a key interest in this project by Future Scholars.
Chocolate Day 2020: Ghana Tourism Authority Surprises Media With Cakes & Hampers
It was the true ‘Chocolate Experience as the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), as part of the National Chocolate Day celebration last Friday, presented Made- In-Ghana Cocoa-based goodies to some media houses in Accra to mark the day.
The surprise gifts, which were presented to TV and Radio Stations during Friday’s Morning Shows, included a chocolate cake and a hamper filled with Ghana’s quality Golden Tree products such as chocolate bars, chocolate spread, chocolate drink and many other local cocoa-based products. The Print media was also not left out as Daily Graphic, Times and Daily Guide were also part of the surprise visits.
Led by the Minister of Tourism; Hon. Barbara Oteng Gyasi, the visit to the media houses and corporate bodies is part of measures to promote Ghana chocolate and Made in Ghana cocoa products. Some of the media houses visited include GTV, TV3, GH ONE, ATINKA TV, CITI TV, ADOM TV, 3FM, JOY FM, Y FM and HAPPY FM.
February 14 is celebrated globally as Valentine’s Day. In Ghana, it is observed as the National Chocolate Day. The theme for this year’s celebration was “My Chocolate Experience: My Holistic Well-being“. The activities for this year’s celebration included a health screening exercise at Anum Apapamu, a cocoa farming community near Suhum, visits to Children’s wards in hospitals across the country as well as a Photo and Art Competition. These events were climaxed with a Chocolate Experience Exhibition at Alisa Hotel.
The National Chocolate Day was introduced in 2005 by a then Minister of Tourism, the late Jake Otanka Obetsebi-Lamptey as a way of boosting the domestic consumption of Made-in-Ghana chocolate and other cocoa-based products, promote domestic tourism as and enhance companies in Ghana’s cocoa industry such as the Cocoa Processing Company, Ghana Cocoa Board and others.
By: Collins Ackwerh / Digital Marketing
Rider Rally Launched – To Start On Independence Day
Fever Pitch, a Sports Development and Talent Management Company, Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC) and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) have launched the maiden edition of the Rider Rally at a short ceremony.
Rider Rally is a series of long-distance Motor Bike endurance events of similar distances over intentionally mapped routes, meandering on asphalted roads, dirt-roads, foot-paths, hilly & mountainous terrain, forest reserves with custom-pit-stops at strategic Tourist sites. The maiden cross country Biking event comes off on Independence day, 6th March and it starts from Ghana – Togo Border at Aflao and ends at Ghana – Cote D’Ivoire border at Elubo on the 9th March. The three (3) day event is to serve as a precursor for a 13-week Biking Expedition which is expected to be climaxed at the end of May 2020. The mapped route for the Bikers will include Tourist sites and communities where Bikers will engage in culturally immersive activities.
Speaking at the launch, the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Development Company indicated his outfit’s and that of Tourism Authority’s readiness to support unique but exciting sports tourism product. He said the growing interest in the sport by the middle class bodes well for the sport and it was for this reason of using the sport to promote Tourism and specifically Tourist sites that the GTDC and GTA came on board to support the event referencing the Ghana – Centre of the World Golf Tournament, another Sports Tourism product.
Mr. Daniel Ashrifie, a Biker and a Biking Instructor said he is on a mission to change the perception about Biking and Bikers in society hence his Biking training school and also advocated for responsible Biking. He commended his colleague Biker, Thomas Esiape Jnr aka JET for spearheading the Bikerslivesmatter initiative which is shaping the masses by doing the necessary to get into the inherent cognitive and perceptual powers of the mind of non-bikers who see Bikers as hazardous or dangers to society, criminals and hooligans.
In attendance were Bikers including pretty actress Nikki Samonas and Biker Groups. There were solidarity messages from Stephanie Benson and other celebrity Bikers. Balloting was done for the Teams taking part in the first event on Independence Day.
Elorm Ntem and Derrick Okanta win in 2020 Chocolate Day Competitions
As part of activities leading up to the 2020 Chocolate Day celebration, the Ghana Tourism Authority put up a digital media campaign inviting the public to share images of themselves consuming their favourite Made-in-Ghana cocoa or chocolate product to stand a chance of winning prizes. Several people put up entries and in the end, Elorm Ntem, a student of the University of Health and Allied Sciences went home with a beautiful hamper of Cocoa and Chocolate products. Her photos drew admiration for her.
Cocoa Arts Competition
On the other hand, the ‘Cocoa Art Competition’ organized by Ghana Tourism Authority was the first of its kind. Craftsmen communicated the cocoa story of Ghana in their own particular manner through artistic creation. In all, we had 11 participants, which includes 10 males and 1 Female. Participants came up with their own painting telling the cocoa story of Ghana.
At the end of the event, three winners were selected by the Jury for coming up with great concepts. All other participants were not left out as their efforts were acknowledged which saw them go home with products from COCOBOD, CPC and Niche Cocoa who were partners of the event. Derrick was accompanied by the mother to receive his prize.
Derrick Okanta, Rodney Osei Aboagye, Richmond Adjei emerged as 1st, 2ndand 3rdin the cocoa art competition respectively as their artworks won the hearts of the Jury and many that attended. The winners received cash prizes of 3000.00, 2000.00 and 1500.00 respectively in addition to products from event partners.
Winners were presented their prizes at the My Chocolate Experience durbar and Exhibition held at the Alisa Hotel, North Ridge on the 14thof February 2020.
Nigeria National Defence College delegation pay courtesy call on GTA
A delegation from the Nigeria National Defence Council paid a courtesy call to the ghana tourism authority on last Thursday, 13th February 2020.
The delegation which included 21 faculty members and 22 participants were on a week’s study tour to ghana.
The delegation was led by the Deputy Commandant of the College, Major General A. E Attu and comprises Senior Officers of the Military, Police as well as some Senior Officials from other African countries.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, made a presentation on Ghana’s tourism to the delegation highlighting the ‘Year of Return’ and what Ghana was doing to sustain the gains with ‘Beyond The Return’.
Air commodore Kehinde Adebayo Gabriel thanked GTA for receiving the group and presented a plaque to Mr. Akwasi Agyeman. GTA on her part presented some tourism promotional materials to the delegation.
The City Of Memphis To Honour Ghana In A Month-Long Celebration
The Memphis in May International Festival has chosen the Republic of Ghana as the country to salute at the 2020 Memphis in May International Festival. The annual event selects a new country each year and it’s exciting that Ghana has been given the choice spot for 2020. The month-long celebration will be curated to put a spotlight on Ghana’s arts, culture, education, entertainment, food and of course, its people.
This is not the first time an African country has been selected to celebrate at this festival, but it comes at a time when the world is already watching Ghana after its successful Year of Return campaign. With Ghana’s new Beyond the Return campaign focused on a decade-long engagement with the diaspora, being recognized at this festival is the perfect opportunity to celebrate Ghana’s democratic credentials, economic gains, peace and stability. The city of Memphis will be honouring Ghana for the entire month of May with a schedule of key activities that highlight the country.
This has been two years in the making as the Embassy of Ghana, USA, under the leadership of H.E. Dr. Barfuor Adjei-Barwuah and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration have been working together in highlighting Ghana as a choice country for business and tourism.
The festival will include several activities and kicks off with the largest music event, the Beale Street Music Festival, which takes place from 1st– 3rdMay. Ghana’s Award-winning artists, Sarkodie and Stonebwoy are both confirmed to perform alongside American artists including Lil Wayne, Nelly, Three 6 Mafia and many more. It’s another opportunity to share Ghana’s music talent with the world.
The festival will be a platform to showcase Ghanaian cultural performances including plays in collaboration with the National Theatre and a performance by a renowned Highlife artist set to take place inside the Orpheum Theatre. Ghanaian filmmakers will also be featured as five Ghanaian films will be screened during a series dubbed Ghana Indie Memphis.
When it comes to education, the Memphis school system has included a 70-page curriculum for students from Kindergarten to High School to learn about Ghana during the entire year of 2020. There will also be an exchange program giving students from Ghana a chance to travel to Memphis and students from Memphis the opportunity to visit Ghana.
The Ambassador calls on all Ghanaians at home and in the United States to take advantage and support this festival by attending. The festival will break cultural barriers and serve to foster long-lasting relations between the people of Memphis and the people of Ghana while boosting trade and economic relations.
For more information about the annual festival visit the website at www.memphisinmay.org
Written by Ivy Prosper
Chocolate Day 2020: Over 600 Cocoa Farmers Receive Free Health Screening And Cocoa Products
Inhabitants of Anum Apapamu, a cocoa farming community near Suhum in the Eastern Region have benefitted from free cocoa drinks and medical screening organized by Ghana Cocoa Board in collaboration with the Cocoa Processing Company ahead of the upcoming National Chocolate Day Celebration slated for 14th February.
Speaking at a durbar of farmers at Apapamu, the Chief Pharmacist at the Cocoa Clinic, Accra, Dr. Edward Amporful said that over the past 15 years, National Chocolate Day activities had been held mostly in the cities adding the decision to have organized a free health screening at a cocoa community to as part of the celebration reinforces COCOBOD’s commitment to improving the well-being of its gallant cocoa farmers.
Dr. Amporful further observed that the Board and the Cocoa Processing Company had made available chocolate drinks to serve all farmers and their relatives who would be screened as part of the exercise.
”Oftentimes, we have been organizing Chocolate Day in Accra, Kumasi and the other cities. But this time around the Board directed that the day should be marked with free medical care and cocoa drinks for our cocoa farmers”, he disclosed.
Dr. Amporful urged the farmers to consume cocoa regularly in order to stay healthy, energized and refreshed for their daily activities. According to him, diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, malaria and other conditions such as stress, fatigue, and memory loss could be controlled by taking cocoa regularly.
‘The cocoa you cultivate has a lot of essential minerals that help in the general maintenance of the body- cocoa is known to have minerals which can help you overcome tiredness, stress, hypertension and other health conditions including diabetes, so consume it’, he emphasized.
Over 600 cocoa farmers mostly from Owuram, Mfrano, Suhum, Okanta, Obuoho Sowatey, Kofi Pare, Abochikrom and others, were screened for diabetes, hypertension, Hepatitis B &C, Malaria and breast lumps and farmers with cases identified to be serious were advised to visit the nearest health facility for a thorough examination.
Meanwhile, the 2020 National Chocolate Day is being marked under the theme, ‘My Chocolate Experience; My holistic well-being’ with the climax of the celebration slated for 14th February at the Alisa Hotel, Accra.
Chocolate Day has since 2005 been observed to create awareness on the health and nutritional benefits of cocoa and the need for regular intake of cocoa products.
Read More: About Chocolate Day
Re – Tourism Authority Draws More Attention To Ghana at 2020 New York Times Travel Show
Earlier this week, Ghanaweb published a report culled from a barely-known blog named ‘The AfroDrifter’ with a tiny social media following of 4 Instagram followers, 144 Facebook likes and 339 Twitter followers. The author of the blog post, Freeman Chari, is a Zimbabwean living in America. We wish to point out emphatically that the statements made in the blog post about Ghana’s booth at the New York Times Travel Show are false and likely driven by a desire to drive traffic to his site or stems from inadequate understanding of the show or the industry. Interestingly the blog had no picture of the booth or the four people he claimed were on their phones continuously for two days.
In 2020, North America is being focused on as a key target market as Ghana builds on the momentum of the Year of Return into the new project ” Beyond the Return”.The World Tourism Organization reports that Americans spent 144 billion (U.S. dollars) on tourism expenditures in 2018. The buying power of the African-American population is expected to increase to 1.4 trillion U.S. dollars by 2020 as reported by Statista.
To capitalize on the North American market trends and to enter the United States travel trade show sector, GTA for the first time ever, attended the New York Times Travel Show held at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City from 24th – 26th January 2020. The delegation was led by the Minister of Tourism Arts & Culture and included the GTA CEO, Manager Year of Return, GTA Product Development & Investment Manager, and three of the leading private sector tour operators (Landtours, Sunseekers, Apstar). The New York Times Travel Show attracts more than 35,000 attendees with over 700 exhibitors from more than 175 countries, making it the largest travel trade and consumer show in North America.
The GTA booth was dually branded as ‘Visit Ghana’ and ‘Beyond The Return.’
The setup was engaging with several trade and consumer visitors. At one point in time, GTA had to annex an unoccupied stand to be able to serve the numerous visitors. The tables were nicely covered with the white “Year of Return” cloth, the backdrop was boldly branded as ‘Beyond The Return,” and the entryway branded as ‘Visit Ghana.” There were thousands of marketing materials and giveaways to visitors which included Ghana chocolate, notebooks, pen drives, informational materials and much more.
Ghana was also one of the few African countries that had a speaking opportunity at the show with the CEO featuring as a product expert on Heritage offerings. On the sidelines of the travel show, the team led by the Minister engaged media Houses such as the New York Times, Harlem Times and clinched a deal to host this year’s Africa Tourism Association “World to Africa” Tourism Conference in Ghana in October, 2020.
In the post-event wrap up meeting the Minister held with the private sector tour operators, they were extremely happy with the leads they generated through the lead retrieval app deployed to collect lead information. To collect a lead, tour operators and GTA officials used their mobile phones to scan the QR Code on the name badge of each interested lead. The data from the QR Code about the lead was automatically sent to a database for immediate action.
We have taken pains to explain in detail because several well-meaning and patriotic Ghanaians have reached out to find out the accuracy of the report. Whilst we welcome criticism and feedback, we will not be distracted in our quest to market and make Ghana a top tourism destination.
The ‘AfroDrifter’ blog post is inaccurate and must be disregarded.
SANEGBAA (A National Conversation) – International Mother Language Day 2020
International Mother Language Day is observed every year to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. It was created by UNESCO (the United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organization) in order to promote the dissemination of mother tongues and a fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions throughout the world and to inspire solidarity based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue. It is in light of this that the Bureau of Ghana Languages has created an annual Ghanaian Languages Festival called SANEGBAA to commemorate the UNESCO International Mother Language Day. With a successful history, the Bureau of Ghana Languages is prepared to present yet another outstanding festival this year.
The 2020 SANEGBAA promises to be bigger and better than last year. The festival is again designed to begin with screening of films well produced in the Ghanaian languages. This will be followed up with a Master class by the ace actor and Chairman of Ghana Film Authority, Mr.David Dontoh, on the topic “Effective Use of Ghanaian Languages in Ghanaian movies”. Again, the festival will host the Music legend Amamdzeba Brew in a conversation on the use of Ghanaian languages in producing International standard music. This event will host participants to different traditional games, folk tales, folk music, riddle & proverb contest, exhibition/sales of materials produced in Ghanaian languages and workshops on how to write and read in the Ghanaian languages and end with a grand conversation on effective use of Ghanaian languages in journalism to prevent violence.
One of the outstanding segments of this year’s edition among many is the launch of a book oftranslated poems of Prof. Lade Wosornu into 11 studied Ghanaian Languages. The poems include Desert Rivers and The Master Brewer and the recently WAEC selected Raider of theTreasure Trove which has been translated into Ga, Dangme, Ewe, Fante, Ashanti Twi,Akuapem Twi, Dagaare, Dagbani, Nzema. This is the first of the Bureau of Ghana Languages ‘Literary Legends’ Works Translation Project geared at translating literary works of great Ghanaian authors into as many Ghanaian languages as possible and also used as a means of promoting multi-lingualism.
Performances for the day will include drama by the Obra Akan Drama group, poetry performances by different spoken word artistes, storytelling, puppetry, cultural dance performances among others.
Supporters of this year’s edition are the Ghana National Commission for UNESCO and Yumvita.
VENUE: The Premises of the Bureau of Ghana Languages behind the 37 Military Hospital, Kawukudi
DATE: 21ST FEBRUARY 2020
TIME: 10:30 am
For more information kindly contact: +233 244 174 908 or +233 571 174 908.
Source: http://unescoghana.org/sanegbaa-a-national-conversation-international-mother-language-day-2020/
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