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Year Of Return: Ghana Navy Partners GTA, Year of Return and PANAFEST for historic “Return Journey”
The Ghana Navy is collaborating with the Ghana Tourism Authority and the Panafest Foundation to organize a symbolic boat ride from Cape Coast to Elimina Castle for diaspora returnees as part of the Panafest Akwaaba ceremony on Friday 26th July 2019.
The Cape Coast and Elmina Castle/dungeons together with the many forts that dot the Ghanaian coastline played major roles as holding points for millions of the captives who were transported to the Americas as slaves.
The boat ride is a symbolic reversal of that infamous voyage of ‘No Return’ and a statement of Ghana’s willingness and readiness to welcome all sons of Africa back home in this ‘Year of Return’ and thereafter.
The Ghana Navy plans to deploy a Snake Class Patrol boat and smaller Defender class boats for the historic journey.
The collaboration with the Navy highlights the growing interest of the Year of Return Project which was officially launched by the President of Ghana in September 2018.
Boat rides will start at 8:00 am at the Cape Coast Castle ‘Door of No Return’ to the Elmina Castle ‘Door of Return’.
This historic trip has also been tied to activities marking the Ghana Navy’s 60th Anniversary celebrations.
There would however be canoe rides alongside.
Year Of Return: Wreath-Laying ceremony held at historic sites to commemorate 2019 PANAFEST / Emancipation
As part of the PANAFEST/Emancipation Day 2019 celebrations, the Ministry of Tourism and its agencies and partners on 24th July 2019 laid wreaths in memory of Pan African pioneers who made contributions to the development of Africa.
The wreath-laying ceremony, one of the major events of the PANAFEST/Emancipation day 2019, was held in honour of Dr. William Edward Burghardt Du Bois, George Padmore, the most prominent political activist of his generation of black intellectuals and a Pan-Africanist and Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s First President.
Wreaths were laid at three historical sites namely, the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, the George Padmore Library and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra.
In his address, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ziblim Barri Iddi, said, Ghana has been the only country in Africa to celebrate PANAFEST/Emancipation Day annually since 1998 with the hope to bring unity among Africans on the continent and the diaspora.
Dr. Barri Iddi said, this year’s theme, ‘Beyond 400 years: reaching across Continents into the future” was appropriate for the commemoration in remembrance of the horrors of the slave trade and slavery as well as the individuals who fought against the atrocities of slavery.
Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, opined that the ceremony was a celebration of family reunion and Africa liberation, and also, Ghana will continue to celebrate PANAFEST/Emancipation day to strengthen its Pan-African legacy and celebrate its pioneers in Pan-Africanism.
There were solidarity messages from Mr. Akwasi Awuah Ababio, Director, Diaspora Affairs; Professor Esi Sutherland Addy, PANAFEST Secretariat; Mrs. Gail Nikoi, President, African American Association of Ghana; and Mrs. Stephanie S Suellivan, US Ambassador to Ghana.
The guest speaker of the ceremony, Dr Thomas Mensah, Engineer, Inventor, and a Diasporan, in his speech, urged all African including the diaspora to come together and help develop Africa. He again advised African to believe in themselves, ‘good things come in black too’, he quoted.
He said, “Africans would create their own Disney World which would be situated at the African Amusement Park in Ghana as a tourist attraction, “It would retrace the path that was taken by the slaves and rekindling the memories in grand style celebrating the ‘Freedom of Blacks’”.
The Ghana Tourism Authority is organizing the PANAFEST/Emancipation Day 2019 celebrations, as part of the ‘Year of Return, Ghana 2019’, under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Office of Diaspora Affairs, the PANAFEST Foundation, Ghana Tourism Development Company, Media Majique and the Adinkra Group of USA.
PANAFEST/Emancipation Day is a cultural vehicle for bringing Africans on the continent and in the diaspora together to promote understanding peace and unity among all Africans.
By Darlyn Asiedua
AJ Johnson’s “Sins Of The Father” movie to Premier at Silverbird Accra
Adrienne Joi Johnson’s latest movie will be exlusively screened in Ghana on July 24, 2019.
The “House Party” Actress Back With New Movie “Sins Of The Father”. You may remember AJ Johnson for her iconic roles as “Sharane” in “House Party” and “Juanita” in “Baby Boy.”
Now, the NJ born and bred actress is back with a new movie on TVOne “Sins of The Father,” about the murder of the wife of an Atlanta-area pastor, a crime that sends shockwaves through their close-knit community. However things aren’t what they seem and as law enforcement’s investigation unfolds, secret lives filled with lust, adultery, and corruption come to the surface.
Johnson plays the no-nonsense Det. Phylicia Richardson, who is tasked with unravelling the mystery murder of the church’s First Lady.
“Phylicia Richardson is actually AJ Johnson before Hollywood,” Johnson told BOSSIP by phone. “Phylicia is the bookworm, the intellectual…now, she’s been given a platform to be all of who she is – now we get to see her work her magic on this case that has gone cold.”
Sparked by real events, SINS OF THE FATHERfeatures Deitrick Haddon (The Gospel), A.J. Johnson (Baby Boy), Clifton Powell (Ray), Terayle Hill(Merry Wishmas) and Angela Davis (I Feel Pretty).
The movie follows Clarence Burnett (Haddon) a pastor in Atlanta who’s happily married to Karen (Davis). The couple’s world is torn apart when Karen is brutally murdered outside their Atlanta home, sending shock waves through their close-knit community.
As police delve deeper into the Burnett’s inner circle, they discover secret lives filled with lust, cruelty and unearth a sinful conspiracy of biblical proportions.
AJ Johnson was recently in Ghana for the #FullCircleFestival with other Holywood Stars as part of the Year of Return, Ghana 2019 celebrations. He new movie “Sins Of The Father” will be exclusively premiered at the Silver Birds Cinema at the Accra Mall on Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at 6:30pm.
Sparked by real events, SINS OF THE FATHER features Deitrick Haddon (The Gospel), A.J. Johnson (Baby Boy), Clifton Powell (Ray), Terayle Hill (Merry Wishmas) and Angela Davis (I Feel Pretty). The movie follows Clarence Burnett (Haddon) a pastor in Atlanta who’s happily married to Karen (Davis). The couple’s world is torn apart when Karen is brutally murdered outside their Atlanta home, sending shock waves through their close-knit community. As police delve deeper into the Burnett’s inner circle, they discover secret lives filled with lust, cruelty and unearth a sinful conspiracy of biblical proportions.
About AJ Johnson
A.J Johnson is an actress, fitness icon and life coach. You’ve seen her in some of your favourite movies and now she stars in what could become one of your new favourites. She plays detective Richardson in TV One’s Sins Of The Father, about a family torn apart by a murder. Detective Richardson actually cracked the case; Johnson calls her “exceptional.” It’s been a while since we’ve seen her in a film and she says it’s because she was “spoiled” working with John Singleton on Baby Boy. She tells Skip and Madelyn that she always wanted to act again but prayed for a film with ac crew as “great” as a Baby boy.
Connecting Jamaican and Ghanaian Identities Through the ‘Joseph, A Quest for Identity’ Film
With so many stories being told about the history, heritage and culture of both Africa and the Caribbean, we’re continually learning more about the personal stories of connection between African and Caribbean people. It’s only fitting that during this, the Year of Return, a movie is being filmed in Ghana and Jamaica that explores this reality.
‘Joseph, A Quest for Identity’ is a movie that explores the life of a Jamaican man who has Ghanaian roots through his grandfather. He has spent his life in Jamaica with no real connection to his roots in Ghana. He never really considered exploring his roots because after all, he sees himself as Jamaican and not an African. However, through a series of life twists and turns, he ends up making the life-changing trip across the Atlantic to Ghana. Where he finds himself on a journey of self-discovery.
The movie has already filmed scenes in Jamaica and is currently in production with the scenes in Ghana. The production crew has filmed in both the Central Region, Greater Accra and Kumasi to capture the arrival of Joseph in Ghana and all his experiences learning about his history and the importance of developing a real connection to his long lost family.
A team from Ghana Tourism Authority and Year of Return visited the cast and crew on set while they were filming in the Haatso area of Greater Accra. Many were already acquainted with Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority after his recent trip to Jamaica with President Nana Akufo-Addo on his tour of the Caribbean islands. The trip was an effort to re-establish relationships with the people in the global African diaspora communities. This is a concerted effort by the president as part of Ghana’s Year of Return initiative, inviting people to return to Ghana.
The Year of Return commemorates the 400 years since the first documented ship of enslaved Africans arrived in the United States at Jamestown, Virginia. But it’s also known that enslaved Africans made arrivals in the Caribbean islands. There are still communities today in countries like Jamaica that have practices, cuisine and even dialects used that are the reminders of West African heritage.
Marietta Carter-Narcisse, is the Producer of the film and she said this film is so important. “We have so many stories to tell and we have to tell them through our own mind’s eye.” Often times African and Caribbean people have had their stories told by outsiders and it’s important that we start creating more films, theatre productions and television shows that speak from our perspective. Films like, ‘Joseph, A Quest for Identity’ also draw attention to the fact that many of us don’t even know each other. “I think it’s so important [the film] because this is our motherland and we don’t know each other…It’s so important for us to really understand why we do what we do. And so Joseph [the movie] was an opportunity for us to really bridge that gap of identity for all of us. Especially now with the ‘Year of Return here in Ghana 2019 and 2020 in Barbados. I think it’s critical that we understand [each other].”
There are many misconceptions by Ghanaians about people from Jamaica. The same holds true about Ghanaians, many of them don’t know much about Jamaicans or people from other Caribbean Islands. “I’ve met people in Ghana who think Barbados is in Jamaica! But it’s an island on itself. In fact, it’s the closest to Ghana geographically and many enslaved Africans also ended up there…It’s as though our history has been erased, there needs for education to teach Ghanaians more about Caribbeans,” Carter-Narcisse said.
The movie has a diverse mixture of actors and crew from all over the globe and it contributes to a story being told that truly represents the global community. Ghana’s own Harold Amenyah is one of the actors in the film along with Jamaican born Stogie Kenyatta and Alison Hinds, one of Barbados’ best known Soca Artists. Amenyah plays the character of Nii, a friend of Joseph’s from Ghana. As Joseph’s friend, he takes him around Ghana showing him the culture and traditions of the country.
Amenyah said the film is going to give Jamaicans and people in the Caribbean a sense of belonging. He explained that his character shows Joseph the things that give Ghanaians an identity and he soon sees things in Ghana that connect his forefathers with things he can also identify with as a Jamaican. “People who are going to watch this movie in the diaspora are going to realize how much of similarity and how connected we are because all they see and hear is what the media tells them. Now because of this film, they are going to get a chance and the opportunity to see for real…some of these things that they have just heard about,” Amenyah said.
Award-winning Director Marcia Weekes who is the director of this movie said the idea for the film was inspired by the story of a woman in Jamaica who had the bones of her ancestors exhumed and brought to Ghana for burial. The connection between Ghana and Jamaica continues to be strong and often discussed. ‘The Year of Return, Ghana 2019’ has played a significant role in bringing together people from the African diaspora. It also recognizes the resilience people of African descent and embraces all who have the desire to connect with their African roots.
The crew has filmed in different cities in Ghana, including Cape Coast, Accra and Kumasi
during the Akwasidae Festival. Amenyah believes this movie is going to make an impact. “The footage that we are getting [while filming] will rack their brains and make them feel that, yeah, there is definitely a place called home for them somewhere here in Ghana. It’s going to give Jamaicans a sense of identity and make them know that indeed they are connected to Ghana, not just by hearsay, and that is going to be evidenced through the film.”
Written by Ivy Prosper
Year of Return: DJ Zel, Ghana’s Youngest DJ on UK Radio Comes to Ghana
So she also responded to the call ‘Brafie’ and she arrived home yesterday and was welcomed by the @yearofreturn team. She is Nana Yaa Adepa Dadaa Manteaw aka ZEL, Ms Children Doctor, aka Ms Zel Dj Zel. She is the #youngest radio #DJ in the U.K. with her show @unafrikshow on GN Radio. #Akwaaba Ohemaa.
Best known as DJ Zel, her name is Zelda Nana Yaa Adepa Dedaa Manteaw. She arrived at Kotoka International Airport to great fanfare the evening of 16th July at Accra’s Kotoka International Airport. Her family members were there to greet her and the media was also there. The young DJ has made the journey to Ghana during the Year of Return and is excited about what’s in store during her stay. She is thrilled to be here during a monumental time when President Nana Akufo-Addo has opened Ghana’s doors to welcome people from the global African diaspora.
The young talent will be in Ghana until 30th August, just before she has to go back to school. She plans to spend time with family and explore the sights, sounds and culture of Ghana. She will be touring and meeting people in her industry and beyond. “My dream is to make Ghana proud of my work,” she said to the press.
At nine years old, she is the youngest DJ on the air in the U.K. and hosts a radio program called UniAfrik that airs on GN Radio. While she is here, she just might get an opportunity to do a guest spot on one of the local radio stations. She also expressed a desire to meet with Ghana’s other famous young talent, DJ Switch. That would be a great meeting of two young minds.
Year of Return: Diaspora African Forum, Trassaco Group launch ‘Diaspora Village’
Yesterday was the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Diaspora Village at Trasacco Springs Estates. It’s a new development that gives people with a strong connection to the diaspora an opportunity to buy land and build properties.
H.E. Dr Erieka Bennett. Head of Mission, Diaspora African Forum (DAF), is behind the project in partnership with Trasacco, one of Ghana’s premier construction and development companies.
All are welcome because the Diaspora Village is designed to honour our African Heritage and celebrate traditions of the diaspora journey. They welcome all Continental and Historic Diaspora who want to experience the rich African traditions that bring us together. This legacy project commemorates the Year of Return and 400 years of African resilience and signifies the reconnection with the motherland.
For information about the properties, contact the Diaspora Africa Forum on the website www.diasporaafricanforum.org
About the Year of Return
The “Year of Return, Ghana 2019” is a major landmark spiritual and birth-right journey inviting the Global African family, home and abroad, to mark 400 years of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Jamestown, Virginia.
The arrival of enslaved Africans marked a sordid and sad period when our kith and kin were forcefully taken away from Africa into years of deprivation, humiliation and torture.
While August 2019 marks 400 years since enslaved Africans arrived in the United States, “The Year of Return, Ghana 2019” celebrates the cumulative resilience of all the victims of the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade who were scattered and displaced through the world in North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
About DAF
For more information about the Diaspora Village, contact:
Website: www.diasporaafricanforum.org/
Email: info@diasporaafricanforum.org
Tel: +233 (0) 30 278 0923
Facebook: Diaspora African Forum.
Twitter: Diaspora African Forum (@forumdiaspora)
Your Survival Guide While in Ghana for Year of Return
Written by Ivy Prosper
The anticipation when you land at Kotoka International Airport is like no other. The feeling that you’ve arrived home is one way many have described it. Undoubtedly when you walk out of the plane and feel that warm tropical West African sun on your face, you know that ‘you’ve arrived’.
As you make your way through the airport you’re already thinking about everything you plan on doing while you’re in Ghana. Remember that being in another country, there are a number of things you have to consider. It’s not going to be similar to being back home. Be patient and willing to adapt to the environment. It will make your visit much more pleasant.
There are a few key things to note during your stay in Ghana. When it comes to currency, in Ghana it’s the Cedi (pronounced ‘see-dee’). There are 100 pesewas to one Cedi (Just as there are 100 pennies to one dollar). The value of Ghana’s currently fluctuates quite frequently, as a result there are some businesses that will operate in U.S. currency. It’s best to check with the bank and forex bureau for the latest exchange rates.
Payment Methods
First, Ghana is primarily a cash and mobile money society. If you’re travelling from countries like Canada, the United States., Britain, and parts of Europe, this isn’t something you’ll be used to. Cashless systems are commonplace in other countries, but in Ghana cash still dominates. The other form of payment that is quite common is the use of Mobile Money payment systems. If you’re not familiar with Mobile Money, that’s the service provided by all the telecom companies for users to be able to send money to others using a virtual wallet attached to their phone number. It can also be used to make payments at some vendors. You can inquire about registering once you get a local SIM.
When it comes to the use of Credit and Debit Cards, most hotels and restaurants in areas where tourists frequent usually accept this form of payment. Some retailers in the shopping malls and plazas will accept card payments also. Visa is most common, with some accepting Mastercard. American Express (AMEX) is rarely accepted in Ghana.
Transportation
Getting around as a tourist is one of the biggest concerns for travellers when they are in a new country. You have a few options to move around while you are in Ghana.
Taxis
In Ghana Taxis are stationed and driving around nearly everywhere you go. They typically honk their horns in the hopes of getting a passenger. Taxis in Ghana don’t have a formal Meter calculating the fare. Rather it’s negotiated. Before you board a taxi, it’s important that you negotiate and agree to a fare before the ride begins.
If you want air conditioning they will often charge you a higher fare because they will say it consumes their fuel, but most don’t have the A/C working anyway.
Uber
Since Uber came to Ghana in 2016, they offer a good alternative to taking the regular taxis. Currently they are only available in Greater Accra and Kumasi. You don’t need to think about giving directions, like you would in a taxi, because of the mapping system used for the app. However, drivers often call passengers immediately after making a request to ask for directions. This practice should be avoided. As a tourist, you’re not likely to know where you are going and it’s best to let the driver know you’re not familiar and to please follow the map system.
In African countries, Uber has a Cash option for payment. Because Ghana and other African countries are largely cash-based societies, many drivers prefer cash payments. If you look at the app upon opening while you’re in Ghana, you will see the option to change your payment to Cash. This will facilitate your travel with Uber.
Bolt (formerly Taxify)
In 2017, Taxify (now Bolt), entered the market. As one of Europe’s popular rideshare services it grew rapidly as a competitor to Uber.
If you don’t have this app already, it’s a good idea to download it to use while you’re in Ghana. When Uber is extremely busy, this is a good option. They offer promotional discounts to new accounts and are often less expensive than Uber. The downside is that they are only available in Accra and slow to respond to customer concerns and reports of issues with the ride or driver.
Yango
This is the latest ride sharing service to enter the Ghanaian market. Newly launched in 2019, the app is so new that there are not as many drivers available as with the other rideshare services. This could potentially cause a delay when requesting vehicles. They are also only in Greater Accra.
Trotro Vans
Everywhere you look in the streets of Ghana you’ll see those 16-passenger vans loading people. These are called ‘trotros’. The most widely used form of public transportation in the country, they are also the least expensive and least comfortable option. They fill the vehicles to capacity and sometimes over capacity with children sitting on the laps of adults.
These vehicles have no air conditioning and stop everywhere, even non-designated places, resulting in longer durations of trips. If you join one of these vehicles at a station, remember that they will not depart until the vehicle is full. This could also cause you delays in travel if it takes a long time to load.
The mate, is the person who collects the fare and is often seen shouting out the window trying to get passengers for the vehicle. If you’re not familiar with Ghana, this can be the most confusing form of transportation.
Metro Mass Transit
The Metro Mass transit buses only depart from certain stations and operate Monday – Friday during business hours. Some stations have Saturday operations too. To board this bus you need to have a Metro Card. It can be purchased and then loaded with money for your fare. You would tap the card upon boarding the bus and your far is automatically deducted. Visit their website for more info at www.metromasstransit.com.gh
Health Care
Although Ghana has gone through some great developments, there are still challenges in its health care system, especially in public hospitals which are overburdened. Foreigners often prefer to be treated at private hospitals. There will be a cost associated with it and there tends to be better care than in the public hospitals. Most require a registration fee on your first visit. There are fees to see the doctor and for every test that may be giving to you. It’s a good idea to purchase travel insurance or to check if your existing policy covers you while in Ghana.
Malaria is common in Sub-Saharan Africa. Most travellers decide to take anti-malaria medications before arrival aimed at protecting your from contracting the illness. However, if you find yourself feeling sick, pay attention to your symptoms. Often times when an individual has flu-like symptoms it’s assumed you have Malaria. There are over-the-counter treatments available at every pharmacy, but it’s advisable that you get tested before starting a dosage of medication. All pharmacies have tests for Malaria, however note that they are not as accurate as getting tested at the hospital.
Safety
Image courtesy 197travelstamps.com
Because of mainstream media’s portrayal of African countries, sometimes safety is a concern for travellers when they come to Ghana. You’ll be pleased to know that Ghana is one of the safest countries in Africa. It’s been listed on many tour sites as being within the top 10 safest countries in Africa.
Ghana experiences the same types of crimes that many high travelled nations do. Pick-pockets and petty theft can occur, so it’s important to keep an eye on your valuables; especially electronic devices like mobile phones, laptops and cameras.
Due to some reported incidents with ride-share services, take precautions by confirming that the driver of your car matches the profile in the app. The same goes for the make, model and plate number of the vehicle. Should you experience things not matching, don’t board the car and report it immediately to Uber/Bolt/Yango.
These tips should help you while you’re enjoying your time in Ghana. It’s a beautiful country with so much to explore and wonderful people who are willing to guide you as you navigate your way around.
Year of Return: Minister of Tourism unveils Ghana, Centre of the World monument
A monument has being unveiled at a site in Tema, Ghana, where the Greenwich Meridian runs southwards through the ocean to meet the equator at the centre of the earth making the country the closest to the centre.
The Greenwich meridian (longitude zero degrees) meets with latitude zero degrees at the south of Ghana. That point of intersection is the geographic centre which is 611km from Ghana. According to Lieutenant Commander Stephen Manu of the Ghana Navy who was onsite to explain the phenomenon, although the figure might seem big in real terms, it places Ghana as the most proximate country to the centre of the earth.
“You may think 611km is too high, but however, that’s the smallest distance from any country with reference to the centre of the earth, he stressed”
The site is located at Hole Seven of the Tema Country Golf Club where the unveiling was done last Saturday as part of the Year of Return edition of the annual Ghana-Centre of the World Golf Tournament organised by the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC) who are spearheading Ghana as the Centre of the Earth project.
Speaking to the Press on the sidelines of the event, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Barbara Oteng-Gyasi said government is desirous of developing a project around it to sell Ghana as the centre of the earth.
“This project comprises supporting the Tema Golf Club to develop the golf course into an international standard one which can host international golf tournaments here in Ghana. We are also going to develop a religious aspect to the project which is the Presbyterian Church, located in Community One which will be a religious pilgrimage site for tourists coming to Ghana.
“We are also going to build an iconic tower just like any tower that you can identify in other countries; for instance, the Eiffel Tower in Paris. We are also going to develop a Port for passenger cruise ships to dock in Ghana to come and see the positioning of Ghana as the Centre of the Earth”, the Minister said.
Stressing the importance of the passenger terminal for instance, CEO, GTDC, Kwadwo Antwi said it will be a great way of boosting the country’s tourism receipts.
“We are working with the authorities at Ghana Ports to be able to develop a passenger terminal for cruise ships. We have been told from their manifest that there are cruise ships passing upwards of 15,000 and 30,000 people. So we’ve asked ourselves what it would look like if we are able to discharge all these people for the purposes of holiday and for reveling.
“If they came here to our country it means our hotels are full, our restaurants are full, it means transportation services will be patronized, it means there will be people buying our arts and craft. So that is what is driving us to be able to create this ecosystem that not just create opportunity for people to have pleasure but to do business and to develop the country’s GDP as well,” averred Antwi
Mrs. Oteng-Gyasi said with consultants at the final stages of designs and estimates, the project will take off soon.
“Currently we have engaged consultants who are working very hard to finalise the designs and estimates for the projects. Once that is done, GTDC who is the agency in the forefront of the project will seek investors to collaborate with in order to realize the project.
We hope that by the end of next year we will have something on the ground to show for the Centre of the World project,” the Minister assured.
Source: Voyages Afriq
Year of Return: Ghana Centre of the World Golf Tournament attracts many golfers
Saturday 13th July was an exciting day for the golf community and for Ghana’s tourism sector. The 2nd Annual Ghana Centre of the World Golf Tournament, Year of Return edition, took place at the Tema Country Golf Club. Both Ghanaians and those from the diaspora community participated in the competition that celebrates Ghana being the centre of the world and recognizing the Year of Return. Hon. Barbara Oteng Gyasi, Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture, officially opened the tournament with an opening address to all who were present.
“This is a tournament which is very important to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture because of the positive part of an iconic project that the ministry is undertaking, which is the centre of the world project. We all know that Tema, and this location host the Greenwich Meridian line latitude zero degrees, which passes through this golf course and the government is desirous of developing a project around this to sell Ghana.” Lieutenant Commander Stephen Manu, Commanding Officer in Ghana’s Navy, was also there alongside the Minister for the official unveiling of a new plaque marking the place where the Greenwich Meridian passes through the golf course. “This is Ghana at the centre of the world!” Oteng Gyasi proclaimed after removing the colours of Ghana draped over the new monument.
Kwadwo Antwi, CEO of Ghana Tourism Development Company, was pleased with the overall tournament. “We are happy about the tournament for us at Ghana Tourism Development Company, to see that what was conceived as a little idea to help people see the centre of the world project, was a great event.” He said that it was a great way to position Ghana around the world and that he hopes it will attract more people from neighboring countries and beyond next year. “We had 120 registered for the tournament, but 109 actually competed. This is double the number from last year when we had about 60 golfers. So to have doubled the number, this year is very remarkable, we are confident that next year we shall be able to double the number again.”
This year’s sponsors for the event included Japan Motors, SIC Insurance, Labadi Beach Hotel, Accra City Hotel, and Ghana Free Zones Authority. All sponsors contributed to some of the prizes awarded to the winners of the tournament. Golfers of all ages from different clubs competed in the event. Some attendees said they didn’t realize how significant it was that Ghana is the centre of the world. Having the Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture there along with the Naval officer, solidified its importance to some of the golfers.
“It’s been a very good day, both from the golfing point of view and for advertising Ghana as the centre of the world and also the year of return. It has all come together very nicely,” Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority told the press after the event had announced all the winning participants. Agymen further commented that sports tourism has the ability to boost tourism sector and can only get better through such activities as this tournament. He congratulated the organizers on a successful event and said he looks forward to an even bigger event next year.
The tournament wrapped up with a lunch served to all the participants, socializing and a Military Band played live music for everyone to enjoy. Winners were given trophies and prizes by some of the sponsor representatives. Some key people also handed out awards including Kwadwo Antwi, CEO of Ghana Tourism Development Company, Akwasi Agyeman, CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority, and Akwasi Ababio, Director of Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President.
There were men and women of all ages competing in the event including a woman who said she’s been playing golf since 1954. At age 79, Florence Etwi Barimah, aka Lady Scientific, said she has won many awards throughout her life playing golf, but she doesn’t do it for the trophies. She continues to play to keep herself in shape and encourages others to do the same.
WINNERS LIST – GHANA CENTRE OF THE WORLD GOLF TOURNAMENT
MEN GROUP A
| POSITION | HANDICAP | NET | WINNER | GOLF CLUB |
| WINNER | 5 | 70 | TEYE LARTEY | TEMA |
| RUNNER-UP | 4 | 71 | AUGUSTINE MANASSEH | TEMA |
| 3RD PRIZE | 7 | 72 | OCANSEY E. K | TEMA |
| 4TH PRIZE | 1 | 72 | PRINCE AGYIRI | DAMANG |
| 5TH PRIZE | 6 | 73 | AARON AYITEY | ACHIMOTA |
MEN GROUP B
| POSITION | HANDICAP | NET | WINNER | GOLF CLUB |
| WINNER | 20 | 70 | ISAAC A. MENSAH | CELEBRITY |
| RUNNER -UP | 17 | 70 | REV. AUGUSTINE MENSAH | TEMA |
| 3RDPRIZE | 19 | 74 | MICHAEL AGBOJAH | ACHIMOTA |
LADIES GROUP A
| POSITION | HANDICAP | NET | WINNER | GOLF CLUB |
| WINNER | 12 | 72 | MERCY WERNER | CELEBRITY |
| RUNNER -UP | 14 | 73 | MARGERET OWUSU BAAH | TEMA |
| 3RD PRIZE | 20 | 77 | FLORENCE ETWI BARIMAH | TEMA |
LADIES GROUP B
| POSITION | HANDICAP | NET | WINNER | GOLF CLUB |
| WINNER | 27 | 76 | C. OPPONG | TEMA |
| RUNNER -UP | 19 | 77 | ADELAIDE OWUSU ADJAPONG | TEMA |
| 3RD PRIZE | 23 | 78 | GLADYS AWUNI | TEMA |
SENIORS
| POSITION | HANDICAP | TS | WINNER | GOLF CLUB |
| WINNER | 12 | 73 | CHARLES MARTEY | TEMA |
| RUNNER -UP | 11 | 74 | BRIG. JOSEPH ODEI | TEMA |
LONGEST DRIVE
| POSITION | HANDICAP | TS | WINNER | GOLF CLUB |
| MEN | JERRY TETTEH | ACHIMOTA | ||
| LADIES | MARGARET OWUSU BAAH | TEMA |
CLOSEST TO THE PIN
| POSITION | HANDICAP | TS | WINNER | GOLF CLUB |
| MEN | REV. AUGUSTINE MENSAH | TEMA | ||
| LADIES | HELEN APPAH | CELEBRITY |
PROFESSIONALS
| POSITION | HANDICAP | NET | WINNER | GOLF CLUB |
| WINNER | E.K. OWUSU | TEMA | ||
| RUNNER -UP | KWAME LIGBIDI | TEMA | ||
| 3RD PRIZE | ERIC HENAKU | TEMA |
Written by Ivy Prosper
2019 #GPITP – Celebrating Ghanaian culture and music
Call Center: 0307007100