Four hundred years ago, in 1619, the first enslaved African people came to what would become the United States. As we mark that anniversary, there are many projects underway to bring a fuller understanding of the devastation caused by the institution of slavery and how this institution continues to shape the United States today.

To commemorate this 400 year mark, Western African country of Ghana has declared 2019 “The Year of Return,” and the country is inviting people who are descendants of Africans who were enslaved to return to the land of their ancestors, and connect with others who have felt the impact of the African diaspora.

In this episode of Talk of Iowa, host Charity Nebbe talks with Kesho Scott, Professor of Sociology and American Studies at Grinnell College, who took her daughter on the trip of a lifetime as part of “The Year of  Return, Ghana 2019.”

“I am a decedent of a slave, that means that I am a descendant of someone who survived an atrocity,” Scott says. “I cannot think of myself, and I would hope no young person of African descendent would think of themselves as anything less because of this particular history.”

The Ghana Tourism Authority has embarked on a three-day training programme for its Inspectors and Quality Assurance Officers.

The training programme which began on October 7, 2019, is aimed at building the capacity of the staff to improve standards in the hospitality industry. It also allowed the Inspectors and the staff the opportunity to interact and share ideas on how to improve the tourism and hospitality industry in Ghana.

Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, the Chief Executive Officer of the GTA in his address, said it is important that Inspectors abreast themselves with the current digital trend in order to achieve the goals of the Authority.

Another major aspect of the training was how Inspectors can use technology for inspection, re-inspection and spot-check inspection in the hospitality industry.

Last year, the Authority began its digitized inspection, which helped in giving daily updates and feeding a repository with daily records which also helped speed up the licensing process.

The Ghana Tourism Authority, the implementing agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is mandated by law under the Tourism Act, 2011 (Act 817) to train, educate and sensitize tourism enterprises and Inspectors to equip operators with requisite skills to be able to render professional services.

GTA conducts its annual inspection and then continue with an enforcement exercise to clamp down on those enterprises which are operating illegally, those not yet operating, those who have not registered with the Authority, those operating on substandard levels among others.

The Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) on Tuesday received a cheque for GH¢20,000.00 from the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) to support the 24th GJA awards as part of events marking the Association’s 70th anniversary.

The awards recognise Journalists and appreciate them for their efforts and to encourage them to do more.

Mr Jones Nelson, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, GTA, who presented the cheque, said the Authority had a long-standing relationship with the GJA and appreciated its efforts in promoting Tourism in the country and across the borders.

He said the GJA had rendered support to the Authority thus the need for the support package.

The domestic tourism awards would be in two categories; Tourism Writer of the year for electronic media and Tourism Writer for the print media with each receiving GH¢10,000.00.

Mr Affail Monney, the President of GJA, said the support was an affirmation that the Authority believed in the media and its efforts to scale up development in the country.

He appreciated the GTA for the sponsorship and called for continuous support to motivate journalist to do more.

Source: GNA

The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Dr Ziblim Iddi Barri has expressed his utmost satisfaction to the work of the eminent committee under the able chairmanship of Prof, Panyin Hagan which set out to review the Ghana Cultural Policy under the current NPP administration.

Hon. Dr Ziblim indicated that he was also encouraged by the fact that the committee has put in place a Road Map or a Methodology that would serve as a framework to review the Ghana Cultural Policy.

Dr. Ziblim Iddi Bari, further emphasized that given his academic experience once you have a methodology spelt out, the main objective of any task becomes easier to accomplish.

Hon.Dr. Ziblim Iddi Barri, made this remarks on the occasion of the UNESCO’s 2018 Global outlook Report presentation on the Re-Shaping Cultural Policies with the Ghana Committee reviewing the country Cultural Policy, which took place on the 5th of Sep, 2019, In Accra.

He further assured the Ministry’s commitment under the sector Minister Hon. Barbara Oteng Gyasi, to give the necessary support to the revered committee members to review the Ghana Cultural Policy, thereby delivering on their mandate.

Dr Ziblim Iddi Barri emphasized that the outcome of the Cultural policy would take into consideration the principles and values as enshrined in the 1992 constitution regarding Ghana’s Cultural Policies and values.

The Representative of the UNESCO Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo, on his part Commended Ghana for taking bold initiative under the Nana Addo led NPP administration to review its cultural policy and align it to allow the sector to contribute substantially towards its socio-economic and national development.

Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo, stressed that the relationship between tourism and Culture provides a unique opportunity that would contribute to the economic growth of the country.

According to him, this initiative would pave way for promoting cultural activities and industries which would invariably spur the international profile of destinations of Ghana.

Mr Diallo recounted that UNESCO conventions provide a unique global platform for international cooperation and establish a holistic cultural governance system based on human rights and shared values.

On his Part the immediate past President of the Association of the Writers, who is also the Member of the committee, Nana K. Gyan –Apenteng, presented on the committee expected outcome, stating that the committee would value Ghanaian Culture and the preamble of the Cultural Policy that would focus in the Ghanaian constitution.

The committee terms of reference are to revise Ghana’s cultural policy, Preparation of an action plan or strategic plan for implementation of the policy, Build a consensus on major programmes, activities and project to be carried out, and outlined the Propose strategy for the implementation of the cultural policy in Ghana.

Meanwhile, since the inauguration of the committee, it has held Six (6) plenaries starting from 30th January 2019, and the last was on the 22nd March 2019.

BACKGROUND
The National Commission on Culture under the MoTAC has the oversight responsibilities to implement the Cultural Policy of Ghana, under PNDC Law 235 of 1990.

Source: kessbenfm.com

Ghana is a one-stop destination for business people and tourists. The country offers visitors a lifetime experience through its rich history, landmarks and beaches with captivating views.

Best places in Accra to go on a date

The capital of Ghana has a host of themed venues when it comes to building a healthy relationship with people.

For a never forgetful date, here are some best places in Accra to go on a date.

Cinema/ Movie Theatres

Movie theatres and cinemas are places that contain auditoria for viewing films for entertainment. Most theatres and cinemas are commercial operations catering to the general public, who attend by purchasing a ticket.

In Accra, it is interesting going on a date with your partner since there are lots of either live or recorded shows you can enjoy. Seasonal shows which include the Uncle Ebo Whyte Show is amongst others that you and your partner can enjoy. Here are some cinemas and movie theatres in Accra.

Silverbird Cinemas

Located in Accra, Silverbird has branches in the Accra Mall and West Hills Mall.

Global cinema

Located at Weija, Accra, Global Cinema is one of the multi-purpose and luxurious three state-of-the-art cinemas in the country which gives you interesting experiences.

Eateries and Bars

Ghana is known for its rich food culture. Aside from the usual battle over Jollof rice with Nigerians, Accra is one of the places that offer a variety of local and continental dishes. Eateries and bars have various menus which makes them the best places for creating food memories and sharing a lifestyle.

While on a date, these places give you great experiences that will keep bonds tighter and hearts warmer. Here are some eateries and bars in Accra best suitable for your date.

Skybar

Skybar is Accra’s premier rooftop venue offering breathtaking views of the city from one of the tallest buildings in West Africa. It is located on the Alto Tower, Villaggio Vista, North Airport Road.

Jazz Bar

The Jazz Bar is an intelligently designed club that offers live bands six days a week. It is located at North Ridge, Accra.

Buka

Buka is an evocative description of the excitement and lifestyle of the African landscape. It caters especially for the middle-income business community and the discerning international traveller.

It is located in Osu, Accra.

Accra Mall food court

Accra Mall has numerous restaurants and bars where you can have your date. Located on the Spintex road adjacent to the Tema Motorway, the food court has various local and continental foods to enjoy.

Beaches

The beaches in Accra are some of the world’s most untouched beaches, pristine clarity in the water, with white sandy to complement its style.

While thinking of places to go for your date in Accra, it will be incomplete to ignore this city’s beaches. Here are some interesting beaches suitable for your dates.

Serenity Beach

Located at Sakumono in Accra, Serenity Beach has a natural charm that makes your date more relaxed and interesting.

Sandbox

Sandbox is a great one for all beach-lovers. Located at South Labadi Estates, it has a state-of-the-art beach resort that gives visitors so much fun, a romantic getaway and a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Labadi Beach

Located at Labadi in Accra, the beach has fascinating beachfront that offers a variety of attractions as well as activities.

Recreation

The need to do something for recreation is an essential element of human biology and psychology. There are various recreational centres in Accra that gives to the ultimate fun of your life especially while on a date. Here are some interesting recreational centres in Accra best suitable for your dates.

Mavels Mini Golf

This is an impressive mini-golf course that holds appeal for fun-loving adults. It has a lovely very green setting that makes you feel nature. Mavels mini golf is located at Dzorwulu, Accra. Whether one is a beginner or a pro, Mavels Mini Golf is the one-stop spot for enjoying a good game of golf (with a date).

Accra Zoo

Located at Achimota, Accra, the Accra Zoo is one of the interesting recreational centres to have your dates.

Shai Hills Resource Reserve

The Shai Hills Resource Reserve is a resource reserve located in Doryumu in the Greater Accra Region.

It consists of a broad savanna surrounding forested hills and has expansive views and interesting wildlife reserve.

Adventure

An adventure is an exciting experience that is typically a bold, sometimes risky, undertaking. It usually involves activities with some potential for physical danger such as travelling, exploring, skydiving, mountain climbing, scuba diving, river rafting or participating in extreme sports.

While thinking of going on a date, it would be interesting to have some adventure. Here are some adventurous places to visit in Accra.

Legon botanical garden

Legon Botanical Gardens is a beautiful outdoor play space for persons of all age. Located at Agbogba in Accra, it is an interesting place to have an adventurous date. Some games at the botanical garden are for souls that love the adrenaline rush.

Doom Paintball

This is an interesting place to have an adventurous place to have your dates. The Doom Paintball is located at Burma Camp, Accra.

Source: PulseGhana

The Secretariat of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), presents its compliments to the Members of the UNWTO Commission for Africa, the Affiliate Members, International Organizations of the region as well as other recipients and has the honor to inform them of the hosting of the First Regional Congress on Women Empowerment in the Tourism sector – Focus on Africa to be held in the Accra International Conference Center (AICC) (new venue) in Accra from 25-27 November 2019 hosted by the Government of the Republic of Ghana.

It would be appreciated if the recipients of this note could save these dates in their agenda and take the necessary measures to ensure their participation to the event.

The Secretariat of the World Tourism Organization avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Members of the UNWTO Commission for Africa, the affiliate members and International Organizations of the region and other recipients, the assurances of its highest consideration.

Source: africa.unwto.org

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has begun promoting what it describes as the “Cocoa Ecotourism Initiative” to leverage the many cocoa farms in the country as an attraction for tourists.

The initiative which adds to the country’s mix of varied tourism offerings will give tourists the opportunity to experience the processes involved in the production of Ghana’s famous cocoa.

Speaking to VoyagesAfriq on the sidelines of the maiden African Cocoa and Chocolate Expo in Accra last Friday, Product Development and Investment Manager, at the GTA, Ben Anane-Nsiah said the idea is to also exploit the cocoa value chain some more “by creating another stream of income for cocoa farmers who have farms that are good and solid to present the cocoa story in a credible way.”

Cocoa is Ghana’s biggest cash crop and the country currently produces about 900 thousand tons, making it the world’s second-largest producer of cocoa after Ivory Coast.

“We believe that cocoa is one of the defining products for Ghana and we should incorporate it into our tourism experience so that tourists will come to Ghana, just like you got to Japan and eat Sushi.

“So you come to Ghana and one of the things you must appreciate is that Ghana’s chocolate is something you must consume; and that is enforced if you have an experience of the whole gamut of practices from planting and so on,” Anane-Nsiah said.

He added that the Cocoa Ecotourism Initiative “will give our tourists a few more things to do when they are here and you can incorporate it in tour itineraries to any destination.”

Anane-Nsiah said GTA is partnering with farms that “we think are structured and are organised enough and we are willing to support those farmers to have good tour guides trained and oriented so that they can provide the information and the interpretation.”

By: Samuel Obeng Appah

Tourism in Ghana has rocketed beyond the borders of the country to the rest of the world. Fused with creativity, the tourism industry cuts across many things. From music, dance, food, fashion, the arts and the likes, Ghanaian art is reaching out to people who truly appreciate the Arts. The beauty of Arts is more than just admiring an artefact but the understanding and embracing of African heritage.

Creativity goes beyond borders these days where people are adopting ideas from all around the world. Sometimes we limit ourselves to how creative we can be.

However, everyone can be creative in their own ways. Some people have an innate ability to produce creative ideas without fail but others have to adopt ideas, personalize it to create their own creative credentials.

In the Arts, creativity is a much-appreciated effort. Much effort goes into producing a good piece. From paintings to sculpture making and other artefacts, the artist’s work becomes relevant when it catches the attention of people who appreciate good creativity.

Centring on the Arts, especially wooden sculpture making, it is evident that artists who make these crafts have special skills attached to their creativity.

Ghana is known for making great wooden sculptures, making the country popular around the world and attracting visitors and foreigners. The Arts Centre is a stop shop for all things arts you can think of. You can find things like wooden sculptures, ceramics, kente cloths, wood carvings, beads, paintings among other beautiful artefacts.

Wooden sculpture produced at the centre is an eye-catcher you can’t overlook. These handicrafts are made ready for your admiration.

Serving as a tourist site, the centre not only sells products but promotes the beautiful arts we have in Ghana.

Some artefacts like beads speak great volume in the Ghanaian society. It symbolises our rich culture and heritage. In Ghana, beads are not only a symbol of beauty but it plays a big role in the lives of the people. It’s the first set of jewellery every child is adorned with right after birth and also a person’s last adornment when they are being buried. Beads are beautiful and they have significant importance in African society. They are the expression of the creativity of our people.

The Kente cloth is a colourful hand-woven fabric that is worn by the people mostly on important occasions like weddings, engagement, festivals and the like. Ghana is recognised for the rich display of this cloth all over the world.  The length of creativity embedded in the weaving of this cloth and its colours tells the rich history and culture of the people. Such creative art has begotten us with beauty through generations.

Just to highlight a few of these beautiful artworks, the Arts industry has so much to offer to the world. In terms of music, dance, food, fashion and the likes, creativity and beauty of the arts is endless. Its warmth keeps you breathing.

Focusing on wooden sculpture making, the Arts industry is making waves with its indigenous production of locally made artefacts.

It is beautiful when you visit to see how some of these wooden sculptures are made. You get to know the procedure in making them and how they turn out after completion. Much goes into making these and the skilful artists don’t fall short in producing some of these amazing crafts.

The Art industry, specifically the crafts and handicraft industry, has created an avenue for creating employment for rural people skilful in that sector to contribute to the development of the tourism industry.

Creating employment and revenue to the tourism industry, the Arts in Ghana also promotes tourism by projecting African arts to the world. Moving beyond the shores of Africa, Ghanaian arts is making waves around the world.

The Arts in Ghana is not only about crafts but also a representation of the country in terms of culture and heritage. Arts in Ghana is a major factor in promoting African artistry and values to the world. Ghanaian arts have parachuted more deals for Ghana and therefore it has made tourism a key economic driver for the country.

However, Ghanaians are entreated to purchase and use African artefacts as a way of promoting tourism in the country. When we use these products, it will be easier to sell the culture and promote the country’s tourism. It’s about time we play our parts judiciously and help push tourism to greater heights.

Haven’t gotten any piece of Artefact yet? Don’t wait anymore. Visit the Arts Centre, next to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in the heart of Accra to get some of these beautiful crafts. You can have some of them on the walls of your house, wear some and have them wherever you want.

These sculptures and crafts add some touch to wherever they are placed. And you can get them as gifts for your loved ones.

Promoting Tourism in Ghana is every Ghanaian’s piece of cake. Join the train of promoting African artistry. Tell someone to tell someone about the awesome things to discover in the world of Arts at the centre. There are so many things awaiting you. Explore and have fun.

Appreciate the beauty of the Arts in Ghana and Africa, and inspire your innermost creativity!

BY: Odoom Benedicta Gyamra / NSP / GTA /  Head-Office

The Global African Family and the international community have focused their attention and lenses on Ghana as we celebrate the “Year of Return, Ghana 2019” marking 400 years since the first enslaved Africans were shipped from Jamestown, Accra and arrived in Jamestown, Virginia, USA in the year 1619. We are therefore commemorating the slave trade movement and celebrating African resilience. Despite the focus of the Ghana Tourism Authority on the “Year of Return, Ghana 2019” and other related activities to attract inbound tourists, domestic tourism still leads the way.

The Tourism month as declared by the Ghana Tourism Authority will be celebrated annually every September and aims at providing a heightened month-long focus on the importance of the sector to the Ghanaian economy. Tourism development in Ghana is comprehensively aimed at a broad and desirable range of domestic, sub-regional African and international tourists. The Government is pursuing quality tourism development that is internationally competitive and compatible with Ghana’s social values and environmental setting. Emphasis is being placed on tourism to help in the conservation of the country’s historical and environmental heritage.

Apart from the economic benefits, tourism is used to present Ghana’s unique cultural, historical and environmental heritage to the international community and to educate Ghanaians about their own heritage. The Government intends to use tourism as an alternative development strategy to help address broad national issues. The increasing number of tourists and the evolving profile of today’s traveller demands a host of new tourism offering and infrastructure projects. A wide spectrum of investment opportunities arises out of Ghana’s long­ term tourism plans.

it is said that “Charity begins at home”. To this end, the Authority initiated moves to whip up interest in domestic tourism and thus was dubbed “See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana, Feel Ghana”. This innovative marketing strategy is to enable Ghanaians to appreciate their tourism, culture and creative arts potential and engender cross-cultural exchange amongst Ghanaians. It also serves as an opportunity to promote and sustain domestic tourism and create a culture of travel among Ghanaians. The Tourism month aims to encourage Ghanaians to travel domestically to get a better understanding of the hospitable and exciting tourist sites and attractions that are available at their own doorstep.

Available statistics by the Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Department (RME) of the Ghana Tourism Authority indicates that visitations to attraction sites have increased drastically from 2015 to 2018. Some of which include the top ten sites – Kakum National Park, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Cape Coast Castle, Manhyia Palace Museum, Elmina Castle, Kumasi Zoo, Mole National Park, Shai Hills Resource Reserve, Nzulezu and Prempeh ll Jubilee Museum.

The Ghana Tourism Authority under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture endorse the milieu of festivals as one of the avenues for propagating our national culture for the development and deepening of its Tourism offering. As a nation, we celebrate festivals because they help us keep connected to our roots, our culture, our values, our origins and to preserve them. Festivals help people to come together to share a sense of enjoyment and relaxation of the time needed to bond with family members whom we never really see often enough. Many festivals are more or less religiously centred and thus at festival times, we come together in joyous thanksgiving to our God and whatever is the source of our faith.

This initiative by the Authority aims at adding colour to our traditional tourism calendar of events in Ghana and diversify our tourism activities and products and consequently increase international tourism arrivals and receipts for our country. In the face of stiff competition with other destinations in Africa and the world at large, it is imperative that we do things right to attract the needed tourists to Ghana in order to rake in the substantial foreign exchange and also derive the full benefits of tourism.

As we celebrate the World Tourism Day each year on 27th September,  the Tourism Month will, therefore, help to generate awareness on the enormous contribution that the Tourism industry makes to national economic growth and development and job creation. This year’s theme is “Tourism and Jobs: A Better Future For All”.

It is important for the private sector Operators and the industry practitioners to embrace the initiative and drive the agenda in order to boost domestic tourism since the private sector worldwide is considered as the engine of growth and development in any progressive sector.

To the Global African Family and people of African descent, there are lots of investment opportunities also in the tourism industry in Ghana especially in the area of domestic tourism. We urge all to tap these opportunities to harness our tourism potentials and help build our African continent.

In-Service to God, Country and Humanity…“YOURS TRULY, THE PAN-AFRICANIST”

LONG LIVE “THE YEAR OF RETURN, GHANA 2019”

LONG LIVE “SEPTEMBER AS TOURISM MONTH”

LONG LIVE OUR HOMELAND, GHANA

KOFI ATTA KAKRA KUSI

SENIOR CORPORATE AFFAIRS OFFICER