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Photos: Colourful Culture-Rich Durbar climaxes 2019 ‘Year of Return’ Edina Bakatue Festival
It was a historic grand durbar on Saturday, July 6, climaxing the 2019 ‘Year of Return’ edition of the Edina Bakatue Festival at Elmina. The forecourt of the historic Eliminate Castle played host to this colourful kente-rich durbar graced by the Vice President H.E. Dr. Bawumia.
Omanhene of Edina Traditional Area, Nana Kodwo Conduah VI, and the people of Elmina celebrate Bakatue to symbolise the beginning of the fishing season.
Speaking at the Durbar, the Vice President assured Edinaman that Government will continue to initiate policies and roll out programmes that will make fishing less tedious and more profitable.
He added that the government was working hard to complete the first phase of the ongoing Elmina Heritage Bay project with a reverential garden under that will provide enhanced durbar grounds and promote tourism.
Dr. Bawumia intimated that as part of the broader government agenda to provide fish landing sites along coastal communities, funding for ten such fish landing sites has been secured and works shall begin soon.
He listed the ten (10) sites as including: Teshie in the Greater Accra Region, Axim and Dixcove in the Western Region, Elmina, Winneba, Mumford, Senya-Bereku, Fetteh-Gomoah and Moree in the Central Region and Keta in the Volta Region.
He concluded that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will continue to work hard to bring developments to the doorsteps of the people of Elmina.
The Omanhene Nana Kodwo Conduah VI on his part encouraged his people to keep clean environments and use made in Ghana goods to help create jobs.
Present at the Durbar was the MP Hon. Samuel Atta Mills, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority.
#yearofreturn #ghana #letsgoghana #Bakatue #Edina #ElminaCastle #brafie #ghana2019 #visitghana #diaspora #Africa #yearofreturn2019#travel #accra #african #travelnoire #culture #theyearofreturn
Experience Ghana’s 2nd Annual Ghana-Centre of the World Golf Tournament
It’s no surprise that people are excited about the 2ndAnnual Ghana-Centre of the World Golf Tournament on 13th July at the Tema Country Golf Course. This year’s tournament is dubbed the ‘Year of Return Edition” because 2019 marks the 400 years since the arrival of the first documented ship of enslaved Africans in Jamestown, Virginia. Ghana declared this year as one where we welcome the global African family to return home to the motherland, Ghana. Throughout 2019, ‘Year of Return’ events are honouring the resilience of people of African descent.
The Ghana Centre of the World Tournament is organized by the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC) in partnership with Tema Country Golf Club. Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture with an endorsement by ‘Year of Return’, under Ghana Tourism Authority, this year promises to be even bigger than the last. The increased number of people travelling to Ghana because of ‘year of return’, means potential engagement with avid golfers from the diaspora.
On the high table for the official press launch was Akofa Dokosi, Deputy CEO, Ghana Tourism Development Company, Teye Lartey Gberbie, Competition Secretary, Linda Osei Bonsu, Japan Motors, Nana Dr. Ani Agyei III, Twafohene of Tutu-Akwapim, Eastern Region, Lieutenant Commander Stephen Manu, Commanding Officer of Ghana Navy Ship EHWOR and Annabelle McKenzie, Manager Year of Return.
Nana Dr. Ani Agyei III, Captain of Tema Country Golf Club, recently enstooled as Twafohene of Tutu-Akwapim, Eastern Region, gave opening remarks, “We seem to take the ‘centre of the world’ lightly, but it is an important line or mark geographically, in the whole world and we are lucky, especially members of Tema Country Golf Club, to have the Meridian passing through our course and even making it almost the centre of the world.” He went on to say that this mark can go a long way towards motivating investors to develop the area positioning it to attract tourists.
Akofa Dokosi, Deputy CEO of Ghana Tourism Development Company, said “We seek to position Ghana as a desired and most preferred destination for people, with the caption ‘Ghana Centre of the world’ we are able to confidently use that caption because of the attributes that have identified Ghana as the nearest habitable land to the interjectional point of the latitude and longitude in the Atlantic ocean. The primary focus of the tournament is to market the project that will transform the Tema Country Golf Club into a World Class Leisure Resort. Dokosi said that they have plans to develop the course to international PGA standards. The four (4) projects to brand Ghana as the Centre of the World include:
- The construction of a Passenger & Cruise Ship Terminal at the Port to attract Cruises.
- The erection of a World Time Iconic Structure at the precincts of the Tema Harbour.
- The redevelopment of the Greenwich Meridian Religious Tourism Facilities
- The transformation of the Tema Country Golf Club into a World Class Leisure Resort with the capacity to host PGA certified tournaments.
The tournament is expected to attract prominent people in the community including Ministers of State, diplomatic corps, Heads of State-Owned Enterprises and those from the African diaspora. As the Manager for Year of Return, Annabelle McKenzie, was there to support the launch. “We are excited to be here we want to thank the Tema Golf Club for having us.”
Dokosi and McKenzie unveiled the official attire for the golf tournament and declared the Ghana Centre of the World Golf Tournament, formally launched. Everyone walked through the golf course with Lieutenant Commander Stephen Manu, Commanding Officer of Ghana’s Navy Ship EHWOR. He spoke about the actual location of the centre of the earth. We were informed that the 0° Latitude line also passes through Tema Harbour and The Presbyterian Church at Tema Community 1.
The tournament takes place on 13th July 2019 at Tema Country Golf Club. Registration is 100 GHS per person but free for golfers of sponsor entities. Anyone interested in participating should send an email to temagolfclub1@yahoo.com. Registrations need to be completed by 8th July at 3 pm to be considered.
Written by Ivy Prosper
Ghana Diaspora Celebration & Homecoming Summit Welcomes Diasporans From Around the World
Ghana continues to be a leader in Africa when it comes to its relationship with the diaspora community. It’s the first country to have a Diaspora Affairs Office in the Presidency designed to focus on the needs of its people living outside the country. The biennial Ghana Diaspora Celebration and Homecoming Summit, which runs from 3rd – 6th July 2019, had a successful opening day at the Accra International Conference Centre. Many dignitaries and government officials were there to be part the opening day including, Mustapha Hamid, Minister of Information, Barabara Oteng Gyasi, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Jessica Ayivor, Vice President of the African American Association of Ghana and H.E. Dr. Erieka Bennet, Head of Mission, Diaspora African Forum. A special Keynote address from President Nana Akufo-Addo was a highlight that served to put a stamp on the importance of this conference.
Akufo-Addo said some key things in his address that gave everyone the confidence that he takes this event and the work of the Diaspora Affairs office seriously. “When I’ve visited countries outside our shores, I’ve engaged with members of the Ghanaian community not only to tell them about the progress we made in our country but also to listen to their concerns.” He continued his address saying, “When I was informed the remittances from Ghanaians in the diaspora has increased by nearly 50% from $2.2 Billion USD in 2017, to $3 Billion USD in 2018, it reinforced my decision to continue to engage in this important constituency that continues to support the growth and the progress of our economy.”
Mr. Akwasi Ababio, Director of Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President, has done a great job of engaging with the diaspora. Known for taking the time out of his busy schedule to meet with people from the diaspora, Mr. Ababio is perhaps one of the most accessible people in government. During his address on the first day of events, he said, that the summit was working towards enhancing the quality of life for Ghanaians both at home and in the diaspora. “We also recognize the strategic role those in the diaspora play in Ghana’s development,” he said. “The [upcoming] sessions will highlight the past and present actions of the diaspora and the future opportunities working together to build Ghana.”
Event registrants came from all corners of the globe including, Kenya, Turkey, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Australia, Belgium, the U.K., United States, and Canada. Each expecting to network and build connections with others who have a strong interest in Ghana. Adjoa Agyeman, a diasporan from Canada said she decided to come to the event because she has returned to Ghana and faced some obstacles. “I wanted to come and see if anyone else is having the same challenges that I am having and also to see if there are any remedies that are being brought up. So far I haven’t gotten a lot of answers, I’m still waiting. There are some issues that came up, like getting the Ghana card, and I thought it wasn’t resolved. So I am looking forward to the next few days and hoping all of my questions will be answered.”
A man from the U.K, who wished to remain nameless, said he was excited about all the things happening in Ghana so he decided to attend the event in hopes of networking and meeting new people. While Karl-Buah Obed, who travelled from Hong Kong spoke about how impressed he is with the Diaspora Affairs Office. He said that he was happy at how quick Mr. Ababio and his team are to respond to the needs of people like himself from the diaspora. Obed said it’s important to have someone in an office like that who cares about the needs and concerns of people who are transitioning to Ghana.
Over the next few days, the conference will feature other keynote speakers and panel discussions tackling some of the concerns of the diaspora. “The critical role of those living in the diaspora cannot be overstated,” the president said in wrapping up his Keynote address. He stressed that he will continue to have all diaspora matters centralized in the Diaspora Affairs Office where it currently resides.
The conference runs until 6th July so it’s not too late to attend if you’re already in Ghana and looking to participate in the activities. Visit the website at www.myghanadiaspora.com for more details on registration and to download the event program. For more info on the Diaspora Affairs office visit the website, www.ghanaiandiaspora.com or www.yearofreturn.com.
Written by Ivy Prosper
GTA Ladies Club Clean-Up Jamestown in readiness for ‘Year of Return’ Events
The Ghana Tourism Authority’s Ladies Club has begun activities to create awareness for the ongoing Year of Return, Ghana 2019 celebrations by cleaning up Jamestown in readiness for the Jamestown to Jamestown event.
The exercise, led by the Vice President of the GTA Ladies Club, Mrs. Roberta Okine Fumador had the Accra Metropolitan Assembly workers participating. The clean-up exercise was done along the major streets of Jamestown and the market centres.
The Jamestown to Jamestown event is one of the activities of the ‘Year of Return, Ghana 2019′ calendar. The event will afford members of the African-American community to honour both their African ancestors and the struggle for Black liberation in America with a groundbreaking trek from Jamestown, Virginia to Jamestown, Accra in August.
The sensitization exercise is, therefore, a huge opportunity to promote Ghana, Africa and Africa-American cultural understandings, and also to ensure that we operate in a clean environment.
Mrs. Okine Fumador, who spoke to the media, pleaded with the residents to change their attitudes towards sanitation and actively participate in keeping their environment clean.
She also appealed to the media to embark on an educational campaign on good sanitation practices to curb the menace of indiscriminate disposal of waste.
The Ghana Tourism Authority ladies club has the aim of improving the image of the organization and the welfare of the ladies within GTA. As part of their objective to assist management to achieve the organisation’s goals, the Club organised the clean-up and sensitization exercise to support the ‘Year of Return, Ghana 2019’, a 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 in 1619.
The Club hopes to take on other sensitisation programs in the months ahead.
Photos: ‘Year of Return, Ghana 2019’ celebration cloth launched
As part of souvenirs for the Year of Return, Ghana 2019 celebrations which commemorate 400year’s since the first enslaved African arrived in Jamestown Virginia, USA, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture presented a peice of the ‘Year of Return’ cloth to the President, H.E. Nana Akufo Addo as she launched the cloth for the celebration at the Accra International Conference Centre.
The Year of Return forms part of the President’s aim of creating the enabling environments for all Africans in the diaspora to return home #Brafie not only to experience culture, warmth and rhythm but also for business.
The launch of the cloth was part of activities at the opening ceremony at the Ghana Diaspora Homecoming celebrations which is being held at the Conference Centre, under the theme: “Recognising Diaspora contributions towards nation building ” from July 3-6, 2019.
The ‘Year of Return’ cloth which comes in two colours, Black and White were showcased to participants of the summit by Miss Tourism beauty Queens and other models who donned the cloth in different styles including Kaba and slit, shirts, skirts and the traditional “Colar”.
Performing the launch, the Minister of Tourism urged all our African brothers and sister to take a piece with them. Present at the summit was, the Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture, Hon. Barbara Oteng Gyasi, Minister for Information, Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr Akwasi Agyeman and Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President who is the Chairman of the Year Of Return Steering Committee and several Ghanaians from the diaspora partaking in the Homecoming Summit. At the forecourt of the Conference Centre was an ongoing exhibition where people showcased various wares.
About Year Of Return
2nd Women in Tourism Summit puts the spotlight on empowering Ghanaian women
Women have been challenged to work together for the common good of dealing with the difficulties they face in their fields of endeavour. Especially for women in tourism, working in tandem with one another is very crucial in maximizing the opportunities that exist within the vast sector.
These have been some of the outcomes today at the 2nd Women in Tourism Summit Ghana which was held under the theme, “Empowering Women in Ghana’s Tourism Industry” at the Accra Tourist Information Centre.
In his welcome address CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman said the increased contributions of the women in the tourism sector in recent years have positively impacted the tourism industry.
Despite their impact, he observed, “women continue to be underrepresented in management and leadership. The goal of this event amongst others is to discuss how we can provide the enabling environment to empower and encourage more women to reach the upper echelons of tourism practice.”
To this end, Agyeman stressed the need for women to come together and avoid tendencies that beset their collective empowerment. He mentioned that tourism as a sector is big enough to accommodate everybody. “There is space for everyone,” he insisted.
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Barbara Oteng-Gyasi in her keynote address said there is real potential for women to precipitate the global sustainable tourism agenda if they worked closely together.
“Women can adequately drive goals in tourism to accomplishments, at different levels of endeavour to ensure sustainable tourism. Tourism provides great opportunities for women participation in the workforce, women’s entrepreneurship and women’s leadership than any other sector of the economy,” she said.
Quoting figures from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Hon. Oteng-Gyasi said the tourism sector continues to create avenues for women empowerment through job creation and entrepreneurship.
“According to the UNWTO in certain countries, tourism has almost twice as many women employers. While in other countries, more that 70% are business owners are women compared to just about 20% in other sectors in the economy, so we are leading in tourism” She mentioned.
The 2019 edition of the Women in Tourism Summit Ghana brought women and men from across the length and breadth of Ghana, Africa and beyond to deliberate on the critical issues of women empowerment, gender equality and explored the opportunities that exist within the tourism sector for business linkages.
Highlights included presentations by leading tourism experts on different themes. They comprised, a presentation on “Brand Building for Your Tourism” by Kwakye Donkor, CEO, Africa Tourism Partners, “Building a Digital Business Strategy” by Elizabeth Tay, Team Lead, Genie Intel Ltd., “Raising Funding for Tourism Enterprises” by Habiba Sumani, Director, National Board for Small Scale Industries, and many others.
Director of International Operations at Dubai Tourism, Stella Fubara Obinwa shared insights on “Surviving in the World of Tourism,” with an Executives’ Dialogue presenting views from industry captains; Stella Appenteng, Managing Director, Apstar Tours, Adoma Peprah, Country Manager, Visa Ghana and Thenjiwe Morule, Head, Sales and Marketing BCD – Travel, South Africa.
The Women in Tourism Summit Ghana is organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority in partnership with Africa Tourism Partners, South Africa.
About Women In Tourism Summit
The ‘Women in Tourism Summit‘ is an annual gathering that brings together leading Tourism practitioners from around the globe to Accra to discuss the role of Women in Tourism Development.
From discussions around leadership, funding options, entrepreneurial challenges, career choices in tourism, digital trends in tourism and many more, the event is usually a packed day of learning and networking. Speakers for last year were Hon. Catherine Afeku -( Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture), Elcia Grandcourt- ( Regional Director,UNWTO Africa), Stella Fubara- Obinwa, (Director, International Operations, Dubai Tourism, Africa Market), Bella Ahu (President, Ghana Tourism Federation), Thembi Kunene-Msimang (COO, Retosa), Kwakye Donkor ( Africa Tourism Partners) Akwasi Agyeman (Ghana Tourism Authority), Assia Riccio (Founder-Evolvin’ Women, Dubai), Ambassador Nancy Sam (CEO, Staples Travel) and many more.
Source: Voyages Afriq
Ghana Tourism Authority set for 2nd Women in Tourism Summit and Masterclass
The Ghana Tourism Authority in partnership with the Women in Tourism Secretariat and the African Tourism Partners is organizing the 2nd annual Women in Tourism Summit and Masterclass at the Accra Tourist Information Centre (ATIC) on Thursday, 27th June 2019 under the theme: “EMPOWERING WOMEN IN GHANA’S TOURISM INDUSTRY”.
Globally, tourism is being leveraged in Ghana to mitigate gender inequality, and the Ghana Tourism Authority aims to drive women empowerment in Ghana especially in tourism development through the Women in Tourism Summit.
The summit is an opportunity for women operating across the entire tourism value chain to meet their counterparts, share knowledge and learn from each other. It also seeks to transform the tourism economy to become a fundamental pillar in advancing the role of women tourism entrepreneurs, professionals and leaders.
Speakers for the main event include the Hon. Barbara Oteng-Gyasi, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture; Mr. Akwasi Agyeman; CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority; Stella Fubara-Obinwa, Africa Regional Manager- Dubai Tourism; Assia Riccio-Smith, Founder-Evolvin’ Women Dubai; Mr. Kwakye Donkor, CEO Africa Tourism Partners, DR. Eric Ntiamoah Mensah, President CPF Medical Unit; Stella Apenteng, Managing Director, APSTAR Tours; Adoma Peprah, Country Manager, Visa Ghana; Thenjiwe Morule, Head Sales and Marketing IBCD- Travel, South Africa; Elizabeth Tay, Team Lead , Genie Intel LTD.
The Women in Tourism Summit will bring together women game-changers, mission-driven companies and individuals, professionals, and leaders in tourism to network and learn more about issues relating to funding, branding, networking, running of businesses and leadership across the entire tourism value chain.
Visa Waiver Agreement Between Jamaica and Ghana to be Implemented
WRITTEN BY: ALECIA SMITH
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness says a visa waiver agreement is to be implemented between Jamaica and Ghana.
Mr. Holness said the Foreign Affairs Ministers of both countries have been mandated to negotiate and conclude the agreement.
The Prime Minister was issuing a press statement at Jamaica House on Saturday (June 15) along with President of the Republic of Ghana His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who arrived in the island earlier today for a two-day official working visit. The statement followed bilateral talks between both leaders.
President Akufo-Addo’s visit forms part of a Caribbean tour to promote ‘The Year of Return, Ghana 2019’, which is a major landmark marketing campaign targeting the African – American and Diaspora Market to mark 400 years of the first enslaved African arriving in Jamestown Virginia.
The Prime Minister noted that the campaign was “central in our discussions” noting that the initiative, presents excellent opportunities to “build on the fraternal bonds and take the relations between our two countries and our peoples to greater heights”.
“We can use this initiative to forge increased inter-personal connections and at the same time deepen the trade and commercial relations between our respective countries,” he said.
Mr. Holness said the Ghanaian President’s visit reflects the continued strong bilateral relationship that exists between Jamaica and the Republic of Ghana and reaffirmed Jamaica’s commitment to strengthening and deepening the relations between both countries.
“Our relations are deeply rooted in our ancestral and historical connections, forged over many years and only made stronger by our firm democratic traditions, shared principles and vision for peace and prosperity, and the cultural affinities which unite our peoples,” he said.
The Prime Minister informed that he and the Ghanaian President engaged in fruitful discussions to strengthen the partnership between both countries, to secure increased development opportunities.
He noted that discussions also focused on important bilateral matters and in particular, measures to improve trade and investment and the movement of people, goods and services between the countries.
“We also discussed the excellent opportunities for cooperation in other areas such as energy and mining; sport and culture; as well as tourism, education and training,” he said.
In his remarks, President Akufo-Addo stressed that it is now time to “give teeth” to the longstanding relations between Jamaica and Ghana “by making sure that the various areas of engagement in education, tourism, cultural activities are specifically tied down”.
“We cannot have visas standing in the way of those relations, so the decision has been taken by my Government… to provide visa-free arrangements for Jamaicans in Ghana, and facilitate and make it easier for you to accept our invitation to come and join us for the Year of Return,” he stated.
He noted that the intention is to use the symbolism of ‘The Year of Return, Ghana 2019’ to take concrete steps to solidify the relationship between not only Jamaica but other countries in the region.
“The relationship that we are forming here in Jamaica will form part of this process of solidifying the relations between those of us on the continent of Africa and those of you in the Diaspora outside Africa,” he said.
As part of his schedule of activities for Saturday, President Akufo-Addo was led on a tour of the Seville Great House and Heritage Park in St. Ann.
On Sunday, the Ghanaian President will meet with the leadership of the University of the West Indies. He will also give a floral tribute at the shrine of National Hero, the Rt. Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey.
The President will conclude his visit on Sunday by giving remarks at the Opening of the 8th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference at the Jamaica Conference Centre.
Source: jis.gov.jm
SARKODIE, WENDY SHAY, OTHERS SLATED FOR MMC LIVE 2019
Accra, June 2019
Global Media Alliance, organizer of the entertainment show, Music, Magic and
Comedy (MMC LIVE), has confirmed Sarkodie and Wendy Shay as the lead artistes for
this year’s edition of the show.
Both artistes won awards at the recent Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), with
Sarkodie winning the Artiste of the Decade while Wendy Shay emerged the New Artiste
of the Year.
The show, scheduled for Saturday, June 29th 2019 at the Accra International
Conference Center (AICC), is a star-studded entertainment show which features
renowned performers in Music, Magic and Comedy, all on one stage. It targets the
youth but also appeals to some sections of the adult generation.
Speaking on the event, Mr. Boateng, CEO of Global Media Alliance expressed optimism
ahead of this year’s show.
“We are thrilled about the diversity that this year’s MMC Live presents. We are blending
a decade of Sarkodie’s reign in the music industry and the new life that Wendy Shay
brings to entertainment. MMC is a mixed bag; different in the sense that we give our
audience a combination of music, magic and comedy from only the finest. Apart from
that, we also make room for budding talents in the country.”
“We have Sarkodie and Wendy Shay as our lead artistes and Acapella from Nigeria.
There will be comedians; OB Amponsah and Foster Romanus. Our magician for the night is Voncujovi”. he added.
Since 2015 the show has witnessed hilarious performances from talented characters
like Samini, King Promise, Kofi Kinaata, Episode, Jacinta and DKB with magical
concerts from Larry Soffer, the magician and mentalist from South Africa.
A former slave who was the first black Catholic priest takes a step toward sainthood
(CNN) No Catholic seminary in the United States would take him, so Augustine Tolton went to Rome, where he thought he might become a missionary to Africa.
The next steps
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