2018 Tour, Site and Coach Guides Training

In her bid to streamline the activities of tour, site and coach guides in order to maintain industry standards while creating a pool of professional to drive tourism, the Ghana Tourism Authority has organised training programmes for operators across the country. The Tour Guides Training Programme  was organised in collaboration with the Tour Guides Association of Ghana (TORGAG).

Strategy

The country was zoned into 5 groups to afford opportunity to as many people as possible to be trained as follows:

• Greater Accra/Tema –  ZONE 1, 12^TH  -14^TH  September,2018
• Eastern /Volta –  ZONE 2, 3^RD   –  5^TH  October,2018
• Cape Coast /Western –    ZONE 3 ,10^TH  –  12^th   October,2018.
• Brong Ahafo/Ashanti –   ZONE 4  ,18^TH  -20^TH  October, 2018
• Upper West/Upper East/Northern –  ZONE 5, 22^ND  – 24^TH October, 2018

The training was also to afford the GTA that opportunity to register, train and license Tour Guides as well as discuss related issues for an enhanced industry output.

Topics

The course structure for the straining consisted of both theory and practicals where field exercises were undertaken to give participants hands on experience. The Tour took the participants to tourist sites and attractions such as the GMMB Museum and Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.

Some of the topics treated Include:

• Tourism in Focus – Current Trends
• Tour Guiding Today
• Tourism Enterprises
• Tour Guide at Work
• Role, Function and Ethics
• The Tourism Product
• Tools of the Tour Guide
• Transfers and Check –in Procedures
• Communications, Presentations  and Interpretations
• Industry Safety and Security
• Practical Field Procedure
• Report Writing
• Classification of Tour Guides
• Professional Training
• Application, Licensing and Renewal Procedures

Amongst the course facilitators were seasoned professionals in the industry such as:

• Mr. Nkunu Akyea, Executive Member, TORGAG
• Mr. Cosmos Sracooh, Executive Member, TORGAG
• Mr. Kwaku Passah, Executive Member, TORGAG
• Dr. Biney, Security Expert

Certificates

Participants were at the end presented certificates of participation by dignitaries such as Mr. Isaac Adomako- Mensah (Dep Exec Dir./ F&A), GTA, Mr. Kuntaa Dominic Dekumwine (Head of Museums, GMMB) and Josephine Ohene Oseiwho represented the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Cathrine Afeku. Also Gracie the occasion were Mrs. Bella Ahu (GHATOF President and chairperson for the closing ceremony Mr. Awuku Yirenkyi (TORGAG President).

The participants expressed appreciation to the the organisers for making their long cherished dream a reality and promise to use the skills acquired in their various endeavours.

Accra, Ghana (CNN)Melania Trump spent her second day in Ghana touring a former slave outpost and learning about some of the country’s tragic past, as part of her first solo trip abroad as first lady.

After receiving ceremonial permission to enter the area, Trump made the brief motorcade drive to Cape Coast Castle, a massive compound on the beach that was built in the mid-1600s. Originally a timber and gold trading outpost, the structure morphed into a “slave castle,” one of about 40 or so similar outposts used by foreigners to trade and purchase slaves, taking them from West Africa and into lives of unwilling servitude.

“This is a very special place,” said Trump, after spending almost an hour taking a tour with the museum’s director, Kwesi Essel-Blankson. “I will never forget the incredible experience and the stories that I heard.”

Trump, who had changed from her heels into flat-soled shoes in order to walk the vast Castle grounds, climbed the stairs of the various levels of the fort, and spent several minutes below ground to see the dungeon, where the slaves were held in tight, dark and dank cells before being traded.

On the wall near the dungeon entrance was a marble plaque that Trump stopped to read: “This plaque was unveiled by President Barack Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama of the United States of America on the occasion of their visit to the Cape Coast Castle on the 11th day of July 2009.”

The first lady told the press her own visit to Cape Coast Castle was a memorable experience.

“The dungeons … what happened so many years ago. It’s really a tragedy,” she said.

Trump also walked through the fabled “Door of No Return,” an archway over a small tunnel that led from the main square of the interior castle down to the beach, where large waves crashed upon the shore. This was where the slaves would depart the castle and board slave ships. Trump laid a wreath of white flowers in memory.

Day two in #Ghana was so impactful. My visit to Cape Coast castle was a solemn reminder of a time in our history that should never be forgotten. Thank you to Chief Osabarima Kwesi Atta & the chieftains for the warm welcome & cultural ceremony. #FLOTUSinAfrica2018 pic.twitter.com/pdf9yrmQL8

— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) October 3, 2018

At the end of her castle visit, Trump signed the guest book, telling the press she wrote, “thank you for your warm welcome. With love, Melania Trump.”

The “Year of Return, Ghana 2019” is a major landmark marketing campaign targeting the African – American and Diaspora Market to mark 400 years of the Slave Trade.

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is leading the project in collaboration with the Office of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, the Panafest Foundation and the Adinkra Group of USA.

The project is also aimed at making Ghana the focus of activities to commemorate the landing of the first enslaved Africans in the English colonies in North America and also to offer huge opportunity to entrench Ghana’s leadership.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive Offer (CEO) of GTA Mr. Akwasi Agyeman who also doubles as the coordinator, National Steering Committee of the project said, “The ‘Year of Return, Ghana 2019’ is a year of celebration; we will celebrate the resilience of the African. Like Joseph in the bible who was sold to slavery and later connected to his brothers, there was a celebration and in 2019 there shall be a celebration for Africans in Diaspora.”

Mr. Agyeman made an appeal to Ghanaians in the Diaspora to return and added that, the concept of ‘Year of Return’ would help reaffirm Ghana’s prominence and tag as the beacon of Pan-Africanism.

Patrons who attended the “The Year of Return, Ghana 2019” unveiling were treated with a spectacular rich cultural display at the National Theater over the weekend.

The play, ‘Alkebulan Awakening’ which was performed by the National Theatre of Ghana, portrayed the deep beauty associated with the long-lived repercussions of the Middle Passage and addressed topics of identity, mental liberation and the beautiful African spirit.

Source: happyghana.com

The Tour Guides Registration,  Licensing andTraining programme was held from 12th – 14th September,  2018. The Greater Accra / Tema Region began and lasted for 3 days.  The First 2 days were theory class training whilst the 3rd day was the practical field work training.

The Tours on the 3rd day took course participants to various tourist sites and attractions including the GMMB Museum and the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.

Certificates were presented to Course Participants at the Closing Ceremony.

The Dignitaries present advised the participants to be Ambassadors of Tourism wherever they find themselves

The President, H. E. Nana Akufo-Addo cut sod for project which involves an enhancement of the immediate surroundings of the Elmina Castle. It includes the following;  Receptive Facility that will provide a dignified welcome to visitors, a reverential garden, improved parking spaces, an event grounds, waterfront seats , busts of iconic Ghanaians, Africans and African-American, arts and craft shops and improved washrooms.

The project places emphasis on the sites UNESCO heritage status and will build on the strong participation of the Community, enhancing visitor experience in the surroundings of the Castle and Elmina in general, and drawing linkages with existing tourism inventory in the area. These include the old Dutch cemetary, Fort St Jago, Bethel Methodist church , the Elmina Fish Market and the Coconut Grove Bridgehouse.

The sod-cutting was done at a Durbar held at the forecourt of the Elmina Castle. Hon. Catherine Afeku, Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture used the opportunity to present 5% of proceeds of revenue from Elmina Castle to the Traditional Council as their share. She added that use of technology for revenue collection at attractions is part of government’s efforts to bring transparency in its work.

Hon. Afeku added that the project coincides with the activities celebrating 400years since slavery which will be marked in 2019.

Nana Kondua VI used the opportunity to thank the President for listening to fishermen and postponing the “off-season” fishing period. He further urged him to support him and other chiefs to take up the sanitation fight.

Leading the formation of Women In Tourism (WIT) is CEO of Staple Travel & Tours Limited and current President of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA), Mrs. Nancy Quartey Sam who also doubles as the first president of WIT.

Speaking at an announcement dinner at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Accra, Mrs. Sam said the formation of the group marks the beginning of a formidable gathering of women to do good for the society.

She noted women have been doing a lot for the country in many sectors, especially in the tourism sector, indicating the formation group is meant to ensure that there is collaborative effort to increasing the participation of women with different backgrounds in the sector.

South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Ms. Lulu Xingwana, who graced the occasion praised the contribution of women in the struggle against apartheid in her country, noting that is not told much.

Ms. Xingwana also commended members of the group for coming together to help project tourism, and urged them to visit South Africa to enjoy all the good things that her country has to offer all category of travelers.

Present at the ceremony were the Zimbabwean Ambassador and outgoing Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Mrs. Pavelyn Tendai Musaka, Queenmother of Anomabo Traditional Area and CEO of Wankwam Beach Farm, Nana Nbrabo Dabo I as well as sister of the President, Ms. Marigold Akufo-Addo.

The Country Director of South African Airways (SAA), Ms. Gloria Mensah and the West Africa Trade Relations Manager of South African Tourism (SAT), Mr. Mohammed Tanko Kwajaffa, whose organisations sponsored the meeting, commended the women and assured them of their respective support to explore South Africa in particular and African tourism in general.

General Secretary, Madam Tosan Katherine Woode won a SAT and SAA sponsored five-day trip to South Africa for winning a draw held for participants of the dinner.

An operatic singer, Elsie and highlife musician Akosua Agyapong gave thrilling performances entertain the gathering.

Below are Executives of the newly formed Association:

Nancy Sam (President)

Christine Dadson (Vice President)

Tosan Katherine Woode (General Secretary)

Actress Edinam Atatsi (Deputy General Secretary)

Sylvia Dadson of Staple Travel & Tours (Treasurer)

As part of its objective to develop domestic tourism, through Ghanaian culture and creative arts, the Ghana Tourism Authority under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and its partner agencies has outdoored the “See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana, Feel Ghana” campaign in a bid which also aimed at igniting the ‘’I am Ghanaian’’ spirit.

The campaign which was launched in the gardens of the Christiansburg castle, a former slave holding and administrative seat of colonial government in demonstration of Ghanaian ownership of her heritage and destiny, seeks to invoke the spirit of nationalism through sounds, distinct sights and the fusion of traditional food drawn from each of the 10 regions of Ghana.

The multimedia integrated campaign is expected to provide a platform for existing cultural and historic events such as traditional festivals and new initiatives like PANAFEST. It is also to identify and engage entrepreneurs whose innovation in providing goods and services supports domestic tourism with value chains for small and medium size companies.

The campaign will revisit viable and stalled previous efforts to rebrand historic sights and market Ghana as well as become a one stop shop for where one can find what he/she needs in the tourism space.
In her keynote address, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Catherine Afeku noted that the campaign was to mark the beginning of a re-awakening of a sense of national pride adding that the feeling of believing in ourselves should reaffirm our individual conviction and thus inform our contribution towards the development and promotion of Ghanaian tourism.

“We are mindful of the fact at this time in our history where creative and cultural industries contribute so much to economies all over the world, the Ghanaian creative and cultural industries should be given the boost for them to operate effectively” she added.

According to her, a little push therefore should put Ghana in a brisk and more favourable competition thus the institutionalization of the “See, Eat, Wear, Feel Ghana” campaign.
Ghana has a huge tourism potential with an exciting range of products from culture, eco-tourism, heritage, beach and conference tourism serving as unique ingredients of any enticing destination.

The Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda I and II stipulates the need to forge a holistic and integrated approach towards enhancing the economic viability of cultural institutions and the resourcefulness of practitioners as well as developing local markets and gaining access to international markets.

The GSDA also affirms that the development of cultural villages as critical appendages to tourism is fast gaining economic relevance as a source of revenue generation and employment creation.

Findings by UNCTAD indicates that in 2000 trade in cultural goods and services worldwide was valued at US$ 2.2 trillion and continues to grow at 5% annually. Available statistics on total exports of Ghanaian handicrafts shows an increase of 47% from US$ 2.78 million in 2010 to US$ 4.099 million in 2012.

It is therefore envisaged that the campaign would further forge a holistic and integrated approach towards enhancing the economic viability of our cultural institutions and the resourcefulness of practitioners, reviving traditional technologies, developing local markets and gaining access to international markets with citizens as the main actors.

Key activities outlined for the campaign over the months of July, August and September include: an integrated campaign to promote and support cultural festivals and events, profiling of people, little known stories and factoids and the creation of an integrated Ghanaian Business Database- enabling a meeting of industry, tradition, culture, technology and the diaspora.

The auspicious and colourful occasion saw the exhibition of made in Ghana products which comprised foods, handicrafts, clothing, drinks and a lot more. It was graced by personalities from a broad spectrum of society, including members of the diplomatic corps, public officials, and members within the arts, culture and the creative fraternity with entertainment being provided by the likes of Okyeame Kwame, Nana Asaase, Ghana Dance Ensemble, Abibigroma and others.

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has presented certificates of participation to winners of the National Chocolate Day 2017 Social Media campaign at a short ceremony at the GTA Headquarters in Accra.

The competition organized as part of the celebrations for the National Chocolate Day was to drive interest and awareness of tourist sites in the country.

Addressing the participants, the Ag. Chief Executive Officer of the GTA, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, congratulated the winners for the keen interest shown in participating in the competition. He said the Authority in the coming weeks will be coming out with a marketing strategy for the country. Mr. Agyeman further urged the winners to partner GTA in its quest to promote domestic tourism.

About 2000 people participated in the competition which was run on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The seven-day online quiz competition was to reward winners to have overnight stays in some hotels and visit some tourist attractions across the country and also to encourage domestic tourism.

The award winners who were those who answered all daily questions correctly are Emmanuel Aboagye Mensah, Ezekiel Ola Quansah, Helina Agyeman and Aquila Mpomaa Boamah. The rest are Nana Oye Boamah, Akua Twum and Mawunya Darke.

Ghana has been elected to serve on the Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) at the 21st session of the General Assembly of the UNWTO held in Medellin, Colombia.

The Executive Council is the UNWTO’s highest decision making body and responsible for ensuring that the organisation carries out its mandate.

The General Assembly is the supreme organ for the UNWTO. Its ordinary sessions are held every two years and attended by delegates from UNWTO‘s Full and Associate Members.

It is considered the most important global meeting of Tourism Ministers, senior tourism officials, and high level representatives from the private sector.

Ghana’s election was in recognition of its efficient hosting of the Brand Africa conference in Accra in August this year, and its special role in the affairs of the international tourism body.

The election was also to underscore the Government’s commitment towards the development of tourism, culture and creative arts in the country.

Commenting on Ghana’s election, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, who led Ghana’s delegation to the global tourism conference in Colombia, said the election puts Ghana on the spotlight in global tourism.

She praised His Excellency President Mahama for his commitment to the promotion, marketing and development of tourism in Ghana.

She revealed that Ghana’s image on the international tourism scene was soaring and more needed to be done to maximise the benefits in terms of arrivals and revenue.

She alluded to the fact that Ghana’s election was in recognition of the Ministry’s prudent and efficient policy interventions in using tourism as a tool for poverty alleviation and economic empowerment.

Ghana has been listed among 36 countries to be visited by travellers in 2016. The list was compiled by a group of 35 experienced and well-travelled bloggers from around the world, who specialise in adventure travel, ecotourism, cultural travel and family travel.

Ghana continues to find a sustainable means of expanding and harnessing its tourism potential in order to attract local and foreign tourists alike.

In recent times, the country’s Tourism Ministry and its implementing agency, the Ghana Tourism Authority have continued to introduce and expand a wide array of tourism related programmes and activities in order to sustain interest and increase earnings within the sector.

A member of the group who usually writes about the country, Elin Reitehaug reiterates this by a short summary on the country’s tourism sector; ‘’you are invited’’ is the standard phrase uttered when Ghanaians start eating. As a traveler in Ghana, you are always invited. Hike Afadjato, the highest mountain in Ghana, or go bird watching on a canopy walk in the rainforest of Kakum National Park, the country’s first protected area. To spot elephants, visit Mole National Park.

In Bolgantaga you’ll discover the rich culture of the Frafra people, known for weaving the world-famous Bolga baskets. In Elmina and along Cape Coast you’ll find several castles and forts recognized by UNESCO. Enjoy the beaches, which are popular for locals during weekends and holidays, when families and young people come to swim and play. Learn to play drums from energetic musicians at the Art Centre in Accra, or attend cultural events such as festivals and traditional celebrations of birth, marriage and death.’

The list also comprised countries such as, Quebec, South Africa, India, Bolivia, Brazil, Botswana, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Colombia, Cuba, Ethiopia, Greenland, Madagascar, Mauritius, Canada, South Africa, among others and was put together by Green Global Travel, an Ecotourism, Nature/Wildlife Conservation and Cultural Preservation Magazine.