Call Center
2019 Heritage Caravan: Day 2 – Patrons tour sites in Ashanti Region
Day 2 of the Heritage Caravan took patrons to the Ashanti Region after having breathtaking experience in the Volta Region.
The journey to the Ashanti Region was a little over 6 hours but the mood on the bus made it seem like it was just a stone throw.
The brief stop at the Bunso Arboretum was breathtaking. The 6.5 hectares plant conservation and research centre has over 1,000 species of plant. The area is a protected forest reserve.
As part of efforts of the CSIR-Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute to raise funds and to diversify the attraction at its arboretum, management of the institute engaged a Ghanaian private investor to build the second canopy walkway in Ghana, modelled after that of the Kakum National Park in the Central Region of Ghana.
It took the local engineers one year to build the magnificent walkway using materials such as wood, safety net, aluminium ladder, nails, bolts and knots among others. The walkway is Two Hundred and Eighty (280) meters long, forty feet (40ft) high and has five (5) bridges.
Other features of the edifice are the six platforms and fences where tourists can rest while on tour of the walkway.
The forty (40) acres arboretum is home to in-situ and ex-situ plant species with over 600 timber trees, 110 species of birds and 300 species of butterflies.
While some the Heritage Caravan patrons were taken through horticulture lessons others patronized the canopy walk.
The Caravan’s final destination in the Ashanti Region was the Noda Hotel.
Patrons refused to sleep as they enjoyed a variety of activities including pool party, cultural display and a mini kente expo.
Day 3 of the journey will be taking the caravan to Yendi in the Northern Region.
The Gbewa Palace will come alive as the newly enskinned Yaa Naa will host the Heritage Caravan.
About the Heritage caravan
The Heritage Caravan gives patrons an exciting experience, as they tour various regions and exciting destinations of the country.
This year, the Caravan will be visiting 14 of the 16 regions but will be sleeping in 8 of them.
It’s an opportunity for Ghanaians to know their country as Ghana in the month that Ghana celebrates its independence.
The Heritage Caravan has been running for the past four years.
Over the years, patrons have been taken to the Stilt Village in the Western Region, Nzulenzu, the Adaklu Mountain in the Volta region, the Manhyia Palace in the Ashanti Region, the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary in the Brong Ahafo Region, the Gamashie, Jamestown in Accra, the Cape Coast and Elmina Castles in the Central Region among other places.
The Caravan has also taken patrons to the Mole National Park.
This year’s Heritage Caravan would also visit the Kakum National Park, the Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, Kintampo Waterfalls, Paga Crocodile pond among others.
Aside all the amazing places patrons would be visiting, there would other activities on the side like Bonfire night, barbeque, beach party and a masquerade party.
This year’s Heritage Caravan started on the 2nd of March and ends on the 9th of March.
This year’s trip is sponsored by Campari, Maggi, Golden Tree, GCB, Voltic and Donewell Insurance.
The Heritage Caravan forms part of activities to mark Citi TV/Citi FM’s Heritage Month commemorated in the month of March every year.
–
By: Kojo Agyeman | CitiNewsroom
2019 Heritage Caravan: Kente and Borborbor in Volta Region mark day 1
There was hardly a moment of rest for the Heritage Caravan team on day one of the eight-day trip across Ghana, but given all they were treated to, they would certainly not have minded.
The group set off from Accra and headed to the Volta Region early on Saturday.
But before their departure, the forecourt of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly hosted the patrons to a farewell ceremony, with lots of food, drinks and great, authentic Ga music from Dromo Naa.
The team then arrived in the Volta Region and were treated to lots of fanfare.
At Agotime Kpetoe, the participants experienced the rich cultural heritage of the area with a display of the Borborbor dance.
Next was an exhibition of varieties of kente and the weaving itself.
Then came the inevitable local feast. All went for the hugely popular ‘Totokpakpa’, a local delicacy made of corn dough and a sauce made with okro.
The team also visited the Ghana-Togo border crossing at Awudome where a road divided Ghana from Togo.
The Chief of the community, Togbe Letsu VIII was excited to receive the team.
During the mini durbar in the honour of Heritage caravan, the DCE of Agotime called on Citi FM to shine a spotlight on their unending water troubles as their only source of water is the river in the community, which they are not able to get water from for domestic use when it dries.
They appealed to the team to help construct a new water plant for the community.
The team then wrapped up day one of the trip and moved to the Volta Serene Hotel to settle in, and have dinner.
This was not without some great music by the Kwan Pa band’, ending the night on a high.
Some of the exhausted but excited patrons expressed their joy when they spoke to Citi News.
The Heritage Caravan will head from the Volta Region to the Ashanti Region today, Sunday on day two of the fun-filled eight-day road trip. This year’s trip is sponsored by Campari, Maggi, Golden Tree, GCB, Voltic and Donewell Insurance.
–
By: citinewsroom | Ghana
Year of Return: African Diaspora in Ghana for Back2Africa Festival
Close to a hundred African Americans have arrived in Ghana for the second edition of the annual ‘Back2Africa Festival.’ The group who touched down at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra earlier this morning was later treated to a welcome reception at the Accra Tourist Information Centre.
The guests were welcomed with cultural display and a sweet cocktail local drinks and small chops. The Farafina Kan: Sound of Africa band who were part of the group also performed to delight of guests at the event.
Among the guests were Mr. Akwasi Ababio, Chair of the Year of Return Steering Committee and Director of Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, Coordinator of the Year of Return and CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, Gail Nikoi, President of the African American Association of Ghana, Nana Adjoa Adobea Asante, acting Director of the National Folklore Board and two other Diasporans from the Caribbean, the press and the general public.
For the next ten days, the group will be engaged in a lot of activities in Accra, Cape Coast and Akuapem in the Eastern Region. The activities include, a special edition of Just Music at Django’s Bar, an Open Mic /Jam Session at the Rehab Beach Club at Labadi, Birthright Ghana Concert at the National Theatre, Spirit of Resilience Concert at the Cape Coast Castle and a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a borehole and library at Akuapem.
The Back2Africa Festival is an initiative of the US-based Adinkra Group in partnership with the Directorate for Diaspora Affairs at Office of the President and the Ghana Tourism Authority as part of activities marking Year of Return – Ghana 2019 year-long celebration.
Source: Voyages Afriq
Wear Ghana Month Initiative Scheduled for March 2019
The Wear Ghana Project is a campaign that seeks to encourage Ghanaians to wear made in Ghana clothes and use other fashion accessories that are locally produced. The campaign runs throughout the year but reaches its peak in March with a series of activities such as seminars, symposiums, exhibitions, fashion shows, production of a fashion magazine and an awards night to honour fashion industry players, Ghanaians and institutions whose activities have promoted the fashion industry in Ghana.
A recap of the first edition of the program indicated that, the Month of March has been designated as Wear Ghana Month. It was launched by Hon. Dr Mustapha Hamid, current Minister for Zongo Development and former Information Minister on 9th March 2018. During the launch, he emphasized the need for the Wear Ghana Month (March) to be promoted both locally and international to make Ghana a tourism destination through fashion.
Speaking to Mr. Benjamin Kojo Mills also known as (Mr Wear Ghana) who doubles as C.E.O of Street Fashion Train Foundation, and Wear Ghana Month Project said “during the Month of March, Ghanaians are entreated to be nationalistic and wear anything locally produced in Ghana like our shoes, bags, beads etc. (Made-In-Ghana).
He further explained that, Wear Ghana Month is symbolic to farmers day or teacher’s day celebrations. Having worked in the fashion industry for some time, he envisaged the need for the fashion industry players to have an occasion to celebrate the industry and its players. Street Fashion Train Foundation realized that, such a platform will enable industry players to express themselves, by talking about issues affecting the growth of the fashion industry, the prospects in it and how to build the fashion industry for everyone to benefit from hence the Wear Ghana Month Program.
“More importantly, the Wear Ghana Month program will serve as a platform that will bring all the fashion industry players together for them to have a united front in order to fight for a common Agenda “he emphasized.
He said the second edition is in collaboration with Ministry of Trade and Industry.
The Wear Ghana Month Project Secretariat hinted that Preparations are underway for them to have a successful campaign in March although there are some financial constraints.
The annual event, the Wear Ghana Month Program, being a non-profit event; needs support .Therefore, the organizers called on corporate bodies , philanthropists the Media and all Ghanaians to support the campaign financially and with be part of the programs outlined for the celebrations to enable them embark on this campaign successfully in March 2019.
The theme for the program is captured as “Ghana beyond aid through fashion”.
The programme line-up for this year includes; Float – 1st March 2019, Wear Ghana Inter fashion Schools Competition – 9th March 2019, Seminar -15th March 2019, Wear Ghana Fashion Show /Exhibition 22nd – 24rd March, 2019 and Ghana Fashion Industry Honours /Awards 31st March 2019.
The only way Ghana Fashion can grow and impact on our economy is to wear what we produce.
Source: Newsgh
In the Year of Return, what is African Diaspora returning to?
Celebrations have begun in earnest to commemorate 400 years since the first enslaved Blacks reached the shores of the new world, United States of America.
While the idea is to attract the African Diaspora to every nook and cranny of the continent, Ghana as the leader of Pan-Africanism has taken the initiative to be the central point for the celebrations. For the thousands Diasporans that are expected to troop in, one would ask, what are they returning to? For starters, Ghana is one of the countries in Africa which played a very significant role in the Transatlantic Slave Trade, becoming one of the biggest purveyors of human cargo to the Americas and Europe. Evidence abounds in the many slave dungeons, forts and castles strewn across the length and breadth of the country.
These monuments which have since become World Heritage Sites are concrete reminders of our crude and cruel history and cue that never again shall the Black man allow himself to be at the receiving end of such gross injustice and dehumanizing brutality. Following this era of darkness was colonization which also saw Ghana playing a pivotal role in this “legal slavery” until March 1957 when it became the first Black nation south of the Sahara to declare independence from its colonial imperialists. Independence brought along so many things including “Ghana.” The country was previously referred to as Gold Coast.
In 1960, Ghana attained absolute sovereignty when it became a republic, ending a period of unwanted colonization and foreign dominance. The struggle for independence for Ghana had been spearheaded by the man described by many as African Man of the Millennium, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. This man was so passionate about Black liberation that he made it his life’s work and his famous line on Ghana’s Independence Day, “Our independence is meaningless unless it is linked up to the total liberation of the African continent,” was in furtherance to his disposition as a Pan-Africanist.
It is instructive to note that following that momentous speech, over 30 African nations broke free from colonial rule in the next decade. His charisma and strength of purpose towards a free and strong Black continent attracted the likes of Maya Angelou, George Padmore, and W.E. B. Dubois to Ghana with most of them staying for years to work to consolidate the independence that had been won.
With that, Ghana became the mecca for Blacks in the diaspora who love to embark on the pilgrimage to discovering their ancestral roots. Since then, the West African country has played host to several visitors of black descent both known and unknown with the first Black President of the US, Barack Obama coming into the country on his first visit to Africa after his inauguration in 2009.
In addition to this is the fact that Ghana was the first African country to commemorate Emancipation Day and together with the Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival (PANAFEST) and other initiatives such as the Joseph Project, have given the opportunity for the Diaspora community worldwide to come home to become part of the global African Renaissance.
Fast forward to 2019, the Year of Return where Ghana has opened its doors even wider to receive the thousands who would want to be part of the celebrations. Again, why come to Ghana? Ghana continues to be the beacon of hope for Africa. With a current Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of nearly $50billion, the country has become an investment paradise attesting to its relatively conducive atmosphere for doing business. It is one of Africa’s fastest growing economy. Its capital city, Accra has become a melting pot of artistic and cultural excellence with an ever-growing skyline which gives it a more picturesque look by the day.
There is little or no argument to the fact that Ghana is the centre of the world being the closest landmark to the point at which the equator (0° latitude) and the prime meridian (0° longitude) intersect. This makes it pretty much accessible no matter which part of the world one is emigrating from. Ghana’s democratic credentials make it the envy of her peers in Africa. Having ushered itself into democratic dispensation since 1992, the country has had six peaceful general elections since that period.
Peace and security define the hallmark of Ghana as much as its legendary hospitality of the citizens. The peace is fuelled by the sense of community and camaraderie that exist among Ghanaians; visitors will find the people as some of the most gregarious in the world.
So welcome to Ghana where you will not just find our internationally acclaimed Jollof Rice, but Banku with grilled Tilapia, Waakye with its accompaniments, Tuo Zaafi and the almighty Fufu with Aponkye Nkrakra or Palm nut soup and the many varieties of soups not just satisfying, but also are sure to bedazzle your taste buds. As much as you might find pizza, burger or hot dogs anywhere you go across the country, roasted plantain with peanuts, buff loaf, and roasted maize are reliable tummy fillers anytime, anywhere. Asana and Sobolo will help drown these foods for easy digestion.
You will find in Ghana, like in every other nation on the planet, a country which is far from being perfect but in acknowledging this, citizens are making efforts at ensuring their comfort in their own way.
And that is why it is imperative that you take a trip to Kaneshie, Makola or Okaishie markets to get a better understanding of the entrepreneurial side of the average Ghanaian, and that is when you are in Accra. Kumasi, the second largest city and capital of the Ashanti Kingdom also has very large markets with many others across the country that are worth seeing. In the evenings, the mini versions of these markets can be seen as well, adding to the vivacity of the country’s nightlife especially within city centres and big towns.
Ghana has birthed some of the finest human resources in the world. Kofi Annan (Former UN Secretary-General), Abedi Pele, Azumah Nelson (Sports Icons), Komla Dumor ( Former BBC Broadcaster), Prof. Francis Allotey (Mathematician and Physicist), Prof. Kwabena Frimpong Boateng (Physician and cardiothoracic surgeon) Ashitey Trebi-Ollennu (Robotics Engineer at NASA) are a few of the many who have helped and continue to shape the world in their respective work disciplines. These are beside the many others around the world who trace their ancestry to the motherland. Boris Kodjoe, Oswald Boateng, Idris Elba, Jerome and Kevin-Prince Boateng, Abraham Attah, Bozoma Saint John are just a handful who are still giant strides in their fields of endeavour.
Nature’s best secret is kept here on this west coast of Africa. The flora and fauna, the large expanse of rainforest, the national parks, and botanical gardens are just a few of nature’s provisions which define the green in our national flag. Pristine beaches, waterfalls, lakes, and rivers (both and natural) will ensure that an adventure with water is made complete. Home to the friendliest crocodiles, a large variety of monkey species and birds, the country’s wildlife is one of the most diverse in the world.
On the arts scene, you hear in Ghana some of the best sounds in the world; so whether you are a jazz, R&B, Hip Hop fan or like to hear authentic African Highlife music, then you are welcome. Ghana has produced Music Greats such as the Osibisa Band, Kojo Antwi, Daddy Lumba, Amakye Dede, Rocky Dawuni with young acts such as Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, Samini, Shatta Wale, Fuse ODG and many others flying high on the global music scene. A vibrant film industry also thrives in Ghana and has birthed Ghallywood and Kumawood; the respective English and local language speaking sub-industries.
A visit to the many art markets and centres in every part of the country gives visitors inkling into how creative the local people are. Here, all manner of artifacts can be seen, and the world acclaimed Kente fabric is a further testament to the sheer brilliance and creativity of the Ghanaian. With intricate patterns and a splurge of assorted colours, Kente gained much more notoriety when the Congressional Black Caucus of the US Congress wore it in protest during President Trump’s first State of the Union address.
Festivals are ostentatious part of the Ghanaian culture; there is practically a festival or two being celebrated at different parts of the country all throughout the year. Peak festival periods, however, are between, July and November where one can be witness to a rich and beautiful display of traditional dance, chiefs and queen mothers in their full regalia propped up in palanquins and an endless display of street activities. Like many other celebrations in Ghana, festivals are always elaborate and the pomp and pageantry that accompany them are a sight to behold.
Sweetening all this is the tall list of activities that have been planned to commemorate the Year of Return, so yes, there are many reasons why should be in Ghana in 2019.
And if for nothing at all, one thing is guaranteed, the warmth of the smiles of the friendliest people on earth that meet you right at the airport in Accra to Zabzugu in the north; who knows, it might give you a clue as to how happy our ancestors were living on their own land.
By: Samuel Obeng Appah, Content Editor – VoyagesAfriq Travel Magazine
Ghana is home, we are coming – Jamaica endorses Year of Return
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett and the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange have jointly endorsed the “Year of Return, Ghana 2019”.
The Year of Return is an initiative of the government of Ghana which is intended to encourage people of African descent to visit Ghana.
Related Story: CNN Travel lists Ghana as place to visit in 2019
Both Ministers commended the President and people of Ghana for taking this initiative to cement Ghana’s Pan African Legacy dating from the relationship amongst leaders of the Caribbean and Ghana.
Honourable Grange said Jamaica looks forward to a successful year of return. “We will work with Ghana towards a successful year. Jamaica observes the international Decade of People of African Descent and so it is very timely that we work together.”
She added that “as Jamaicans, we’re proud to see that our Reggae music will form the soundtrack for the Year of Return.”
The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Ghana, Hon. Catherine Afeku led the delegation made up of Members of Parliament (MPs) and representatives of Ghana Tourism Authority(GTA). The delegation included Hon. Alex Agyekum, Hon. Kobla Wayome, Hon. A.B. A Fuseini, Hon Kofi Amoakohene and Mr. Akwasi Agyeman of GTA.
Related Story: Year of Return to attract 500,000 from diaspora
Hon. Afeku said Ghana is ready to welcome the global African family home. “The ease of Visa acquisition, upgrades of Tourism and hospitality facilities, capacity building are all being tackled through an inter-ministerial committee with anticipated positive results.”
Come March 2019, the Jamaica-Ghana Homecoming Festival (Jagha) will feature as part of the activities to commemorate the year of return and celebrate African survival.
Source: Ghanaweb
2019 Chocolate Day Marked
Ghana: 2019 National Chocolate Day marked
The national Chocolate Day celebration was instituted in 2005 to coincide with Valentine’s Day which falls on February 14 every year.
This year’s theme dubbed, “My Chocolate Experience” focused on the need for Ghanaians to patronize and consume locally made chocolate and other cocoa-based products to promote our heritage, agro-tourism and promote healthy living.
In his speech, Managing Director of the Cocoa Processing Company, Nana Agyenim Boateng said, in season of love, where people share gifts and hampers to loved ones, there’s no perfect way to show the heights of your love than with chocolate from Ghana. “It says it all,” he added.
However, he noted that the local chocolate market has seen low patronage as compared to consumption of imported chocolate to the country over the past decade.
According to him, Ghanaians consume only 400 grams of chocolate daily compared to other developed countries that consume twice the number.
The global chocolate market is worth some 103.28 billion dollars and has been estimated to reach approximately 161.56 billion dollars by 2024. In 2017, it is estimated $45 million worth of chocolate was imported into the country.
Ghana’s major producer of Chocolate, the Cocoa Processing Company produces 2000 metric tons of chocolate annually, yet low patronage has proved to be challenging hindering value addition over the course of time, thus the necessity for campaigns to boost local consumption.
Nana Boateng emphasised the need to inculcate the habit of consuming cocoa and locally made chocolates into Ghanaians. He consequently urged parents to give their children chocolates and other cocoa based products to boost their energy as well as improve brain function.
Chocolate is a powerful source of antioxidants, reduces cholesterol levels, good for the heart and blood circulation, reduces stress, improves memory in old age, helps in digestion, increases alertness and general vitality. Cocoa has over 300 compounds with three of them being Travino-Anti Oxidant, Troboman and Magnesium. The health and nutritional benefits are just enormous.
The National Chocolate Day is a Ghana Tourism Authority in partnership with the Ghana Cocoa Board, the Cocoa Processing Company and under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Source: Voyages Afriq
National Chocolate Day celebrated in Accra
The 2019 National Chocolate Day has been held in Accra with a call on the public to make the consumption of locally made cocoa products a daily exercise.
That would not only offer them an opportunity to make the most of the health benefits of cocoa, including improved blood circulation but also contribute to maximising the local processing of cocoa which is produced in the country.
This year’s celebration, on the theme: “My Chocolate Experience,” was held at the forecourt of the National Theatre yesterday.
The celebration, marked every February 14 to coincide with Valentine’s Day, is targeted at boosting the local consumption of cocoa-based products and to promote local tourism.
It was organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in collaboration with the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the Cocoa Processing Company (CPC).
The event
The scores of participants included dignitaries from the GTA, COCOBOD, schoolchildren and stakeholders in the cocoa processing and marketing industry.
The celebration was characterised by performances by cultural troupes, a demonstration on cocoa recipes, exhibition of cocoa-based products among other activities.
Various cocoa products such as chocolate, cookies, soap, pomade and literature on the nutritional benefits of cocoa were displayed by diverse cocoa processing companies and individuals who had pitched camp at the event.
The COCOBOD also presented hampers to some individuals who had, in diverse ways, contributed to promoting the consumption of cocoa-based products in the country.
Mr. Benedict Obuobi and Ms. Edna Adu-Serwaa, both journalists at the Graphic Communications Group Limited, were among five other persons who emerged winners in the Digital Campaign Competition on the consumption of cocoa introduced by the COCOBOD as part of the 2019 National Chocolate Day.
From left-right: Dr Emmanuel Agyemang Dwomoh, Mr Akwasi Agyemang, Ms Adelaide Ahwireng, Board Chairperson, Ghana Tourism Authority, and Nana Adwoa Dokua, COCOBOD board member, enjoying cocoa drink during the celebration
Local Processing
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in charge of Agronomy and Quality Control at COCOBOD, Dr Emmanuel Agyemang Dwomoh, stated that the government’s vision that 50 per cent of cocoa produced in the country should be processed locally could only be achieved if there was a significant increase in the local consumption of cocoa.
He said as of 2018, the annual local consumption of cocoa per person was 0.52kg and described it as inadequate for a country that is recognised as the world’s second largest producer of cocoa.
Dr Dwomoh said an increment in the consumption of cocoa-based products would lead to an increase in demand and supply, which, he added, would have a direct bearing on the rate at which cocoa was processed locally.
“Africa contributes about 70 per cent of global cocoa production but can only account for three per cent of domestic consumption of cocoa products. This cannot be accepted considering the volumes of cocoa beans we produce as a continent,” he contended.
Hospitality industry
For his part, the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr Akwasi Agyemang, urged players in the hospitality industry to lead the campaign on the consumption of cocoa-based products in the country.
He appealed to them to include cocoa recipes on their menus to boost exposure to cocoa-based foods and encourage consumption on the part of their customers.
The Managing Director of the Cocoa Processing Company, Nana Agyenim Boateng, pledged the company’s resolve to continue to add value to the country’s cocoa in a bid to create wealth and employment opportunities for the citizenry.
He, therefore, appealed to the general public to patronise the company’s variety of products to enable it to garner enough revenue and expand its operations.
Source: Graphic Online
Tourism Act and Regulations Are To Develop Sector
Mr. Alex Boakye, Director, Standards and Quality Assurance, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has said the revised Tourism Act (2019), would expand the mandate of the Authority.
This he said would reposition the industry by ensuring strict compliance with laid down regulations on facilities and their management.
He said the new regulations would boost the nation’s tourism growth and also guarantee the safety and delight of patrons.
The Director said this when he took stakeholders including tourism operators and Municipal and District Chief Executives in the Volta Region through the Draft Bill of the 2019 Tourism Sites Regulations Act in Kpando on Friday.
Mr. Boakye said the aim was to have sites in good shape and safe for public use towards automatically generating the needed reviews to direct tourist traffic to the country.
Mr. Elvis Gyampoh, Kpando Municipal Chief Executive said security was a key feature that must be well provided for in the Act.
Togbui Kodzoga V, Chief of Kpando Gadza who chaired the forum said the people of the region must show more interest in its tourism potential and create opportunities to enhance their livelihoods.
He said the region had invested little in tourism, particularly in the middle and the northern belts, despite an abundance of sites and cultures.
Togbe Kodzoga called on the GTA to work more with local authorities to develop sites into iconic locations.
The New Act demands best practices and standards in management, layout, access, services, security and sanity.
These would include strict codes for hygiene and maintenance and also records on activities, patrons and staff.
The new Act would reposition the Tourism Authority to bring recalcitrant operators to book.
Source: GNA
Year of Return: AAAG Ghana launches Black History Month 2019
Ghana today begun the celebrations of this year’s Black History Month with a launch, joining the US, Canada, UK Ireland, and the Netherlands to commemorate month dedicated to remembering important people and events in the history of the African Diaspora.
The theme for the celebration is “Black Migration: Exploring our roots and beyond. The launch which was held at the W.E.B. Dubois Centre in Accra, had in attendance a broad spectrum of dignitaries including the US Ambassador to Ghana, CEO of GTA, PANAFEST Foundation, Director of the W.E.B. Dubois Centre, Director of Diaspora Affairs at the at the Presidency, President of the Women in Tourism Ghana, Honorary Consul of Trinidad and Tobago, members of the African American Association of Ghana (AAAG) and the general diaspora community in Ghana.
The observation of Black History Month is part of the many activities earmarked for the Year of Return – Ghana 2019 and it is being spearheaded by AAAG and the Year of Return Secretariat.
President of AAAG, organisers of the event, Gail Nikoi, in a speech said that it was extremely important that we come together for Black History Month, especially in the this Year of Return, acknowledging and giving honour to both those who perished during the journey to the Americas and those who survived.
On her part the US Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Stephanie Sullivan said: “As we celebrate Black History Month, we recognize both the challenges and achievements of African Americans. This week at the US Embassy, we had an amazing Black History Month programme held by our staff as we recognised that Black History is American History. Black migration in the United States, as well as globally have created important connections that have both challenged and inspired us.”
Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, Akwasi Ababio said government working to ease the process of reintegrating African Americans into Ghana. He mentioned that those who have successfully acquired Ghanaian citizenship will soon be introduced and that opportunities are being created for more diasporans to come into the country.
As part of the celebrations, the AAG will host for days, Dr. Nia Imara, the first African American woman to earn a PhD in astrophysics from University of California, Berkley and currently lectures at Harvard. She is expected to interact with almost 3,000 students in several different regions about science technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Dr. Imara is due for Ghana next week.
The African American Association of Ghana is committed to facilitating the cultural, social, educational and economic integration of African American and other people of African descent returning from the Diaspora into Ghanaian society.
Source: Voyages Afriq
Call Center: 0307007100