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Ghana and Malta deepen Diplomatic relations through Tourism
Ghana and Malta have expressed their commitment to deepen relations in the fields of tourism and culture as well as trade and investment.
To this end, the two countries would establish special committees to work out the modalities for the attainment of this objective.
This was the outcome of a meeting between the President of Malta, Mr. George Vella and the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal when they later paid a courtesy call on Mr. Vella at his office in Malta last Monday.
Dr Awal was in Malta to attend a Mediterranean Tourism Investment forum organized by the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation.
The President described the relationship between Malta and Ghana as very cordial and express the need for both countries to step up cooperation particularly in the areas of tourism, culture, trade and investment.
He disclosed that tourism accounted for over 40 % of Malta’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and said the two countries could share knowledge and experience on tourism development as window for trade and investment.
Mr. Vella said Malta could be the gateway for Ghana to attract tourists and investment from the over 23 Mediterranean countries such as Turkey, Libya, Algeria, Egypt, Croatia, France, Italy, Spain, Greece.
Dr. Awal told the Maltese President that the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo’s government was implementing a number of initiatives aimed at transforming the Ghanaian economy and improving upon the lives of the people.
He said in the area of tourism for instance, forts, castles and heritage sites were being renovated and modernized to attract more tourists to the country.
The Minister said the government was ensuring that tourism and the creative arts contribute significantly to the country’s GDP and job creation, adding that Ghana was ready to share experiences with Malta in these fields.
He said that since tourism was a global economic activity without borders, it is imperative that no country is left behind in efforts to achieve sustainable tourism that protects the environment and the people.
Dr. Awal urged businesses and investors from Malta and the Mediterranean in general to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA) to deepen trade relations with Africa.
The Minister who was accompanied by Ghana’s Ambassador to Malta, Her Excellency Barbara Akuorkor Benisa also paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Malta, Mr. Robert Abela as well as the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Clayton Bartolo and Minister of Justice, Culture and local government, Mr. Owen Bonnici.
President Akufo Addo Re-Opens Renovated National Museum To Boost Tourism
On Friday, 10th June, 2022 the renovated National Museum was re-opened by the President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
This Museum which happens to be the oldest and largest in Ghana was intially opened in 1957, but closed to the public in 2015 for renovation.
The rehabilitated Museum now has additional exhibits and artefacts, and the inner road asphalted.
Curators of the National Museum have also added seven (7) of the vehicles used by former Heads of State, including three (3) E-450 Mercedes Benz vehicles, two (2) Nissan Patrols, a Limousine and a Toyota Land Cruiser to enhance visitor experience.
The renovation is part of ongoing government agenda to give the tourism industry the needed boost to serve as an effective tool for economic transformation.
The museum is open from 9am to 3pm each weekday.
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18th ‘Ghana Party in the Park’ launched by Akwaaba Group
The eighteenth edition of Ghana Party in the Park was officially launched by the Akwaaba Group on 7th June at the British High Commissioner Residence in Accra. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday 16th July in London.
The eighteenth edition of Ghana Party in the Park was officially launched by the Akwaaba Group on 7th June at the British High Commissioner Residence in Accra. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday 16th July in London. The CEO of Akwaaba Group, Dennis Tawiah said they anticipate a successful event especially with the support they’ve received from both the private and public sector this year. Partners for the upcoming festival include Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), EXIM Bank, Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), and KGL Foundation, among others.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey commented on the impact Tawiah has made in the entertainment industry when it comes to selling Ghana to the world for over two decades. His contribution to putting Ghana on the map has been recognized by many over the years and his work has also contributed to encouraging people to travel to Ghana every year.
“We’re here today to launch the forthcoming ‘Party in the Park’ in London. It is the opportunity to sell Ghana. Our food, our fashion, our music, film…our artwork,” Hon. Okraku-Mantey said. The deputy minister also mentioned the significance of the recent presidential launch of the Destination Ghana campaign encouraging continued engagement with Ghana through tourism. “Please be ambassadors and tell the whole world that you come from the centre of the world…Which is Ghana, more precisely, Tema.”
Ghana Party in the Park is celebrated as one of the biggest annual outdoor festivals for the Ghanaian community in the diaspora. The event is organised by the Akwaaba Group UK and this year has received great support. It’s expected to attract at least 10,000 attendees to celebrate Ghana through culture, food, fashion and music.
“The Ghana Party in the Park event is an important social fixture for the Ghanaian community in the UK, also mainland Europe and globally,” said the Deputy CEO of GIPC Yaw Amoateng Afriyie, who said he has participated in the event on many occasions. “It showcases the best of Ghanaian culture, arts, and food.” He noted that it’s become such an important event that has enjoyed many years of successful engagement and the bringing together of the Ghanaian community.
In past years major artists have performed at the event including Sarkodie, Fuse ODG, Mr. Eazi, Stonebwoy and more. This year’s lineup is yet to be announced. Tickets for the event can be purchased online through the Ghana Party in the Park website www.gpitp.com/tickets.
By: Ivy Prosper
GTA Calls For Event Proposals for ‘December-In-GH’ 2022
Call For Event Proposals for ‘December in GH’ 2022
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has announced a call for entries for event organisers and promoters to submit their proposals for inclusion in the calendar of events for the much anticipated ‘December in GH’ campaign for December 2022.
This announcement comes at a time when the Authority prepares an anticipated increase in international arrivals with the easing of travel restrictions worldwide.
The project being cordinated by the Beyond the Return (BTR) Secretariat invites all event organisers interested in having their event endorsed as an official ‘Beyond the Return’ program, to submit formal proposals. The team is accepting proposals for events taking place from November 1, 2022 to January 10, 2023. The team encourages all interested in holding events to consider activities that can engage the global African diaspora, continental Africans and Ghanaians .
According to the CEO of the Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, “The vision is to have events that can bring together the global African community to celebrate the holiday season in Ghana. For the past 3 years since we launched the December in GH program, Ghana has become the place to be during Christmas” .
“We all know that every December, Accra becomes the cultural hotspot of Africa with so many events happening and thousands from the diaspora spending their holidays here,” said Annabelle McKenzie, Manager of the Beyond the Return Secretariat. “Ghana is a diverse and beautiful country with so many places to explore. That’s why we encourage all event organisers to consider planning their events, festivals, concerts, and activities in other regions outside Greater Accra. We want the ‘December in GH’ vibe to be experienced not only in the capital city, but across the country.”
An official calendar of events will be released once event organisers have submitted proposals and they have been reviewed by GTA for endorsement. Proposals can be submitted using this link: https://forms.gle/vRj6ZE6hBZozQ4uu9 or completing the form below.
‘Beyond the Return’ is a ten-year initiative with a theme of ‘A Decade of African Renaissance.’ with seven pillars as its foundation. Each of the pillars are significant to the mission of continued engagement with the diaspora community as well as continental Africans. The seven pillars are Experince Ghana, Celebrate Ghana, Give Back Ghana, Invest in Ghana, Brand Ghana, Diaspora Pathways to Ghana and Promote Pan African Heritage and Innovation. It’s important that potential event organizers consider how their event connects with the pillars when planning.
More information about Beyond the Return can be found on the website www.beyondthereturngh.com.
Information from Ghana Tourism Authority can be found at www.visitghana.com.
Neenyi Ghartey VII, Paramount Chief of the Effutu Traditional Area Endorses Yotofest22
The Paramount Chief of Efutu Traditional Area, Neenyi Ghartey VII has given his blessings to this year’s Youth in Tourism in Festival (YOTOFEST22).
The week-long event is jointly being organised by the Tourism Society of Ghana(TOSOGHA) and the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) from July 19 to 24 in Winneba.
Neenyi Ghartey VII gave his seal of approval when organisers paid a courtesy call on him on Monday, June 6 to officially inform him about the Festival.
Expressing his delight, the Paramount Chief said he was very enthused about the prospect YOTOFEST22 has for opening up the area for tourism activities.
“This is a great initiative and a wonderful one for our youth and tourism. And that is why I am happy Winneba is hosting it and I assure you of my full support,” he said.
Neenyi Ghartey VII added that he was optimistic of a very successful event after which he hinted that Winneba would want to annex the Festival for future celebrations.
YOTOFEST22 is the third edition since its inception in 2018. This year’s has been expanded with a line-up of stellar activities planned. They include: clean up exercise, beach art festival, townhall durbar, youth tourism business pitch, awards’ ceremony among others.
YOTOFEST22 will be held with focus on youth, tourism and sanitation.
Executives of Pan – African Heritage Museum Pay Courtesy Call On Minister For Tourism
On 1st June, 2022, the Executive body of the Pan African Heritage Museum (PAHM) led by its Executive Vice Chairman, Ladi Nylander paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Awal to discuss issues of interest to the sector in respect of the Pan African Heritage Museum (PAHM).
The Leader of the delegation, Mr. Ladi Nylander informed the Hon. Minister that the chairman and founder of the PAHM was currently in the United States of America (U.S.A) on a related engagements of the PAHM.
Discussions with the Hon. Minister centered on the pillars of the Beyond the Return which dovetails into the overall objectives, vision and agenda of the Pan African Heritage Museum (PAHM). They include; Experience Ghana, Diaspora Pathways to Ghana, Brand Ghana, Give Back Ghana, Promote Pan – African Heritage and Innovation, Celebrate Ghana and Invest in Ghana.
The delegation expressed appreciation to the Hon. Minister through the Deputy Minister, Hon Mark Okraku Mantey for gracing the occasion during the Launch of the Digital Museum on 5th May, 2022. It offered the team the opportunity to have confidence in the government’s resolve to support the PAHM.
The Executive Director of the PAHM, Prof Pashington Obeng stated that it is the hope of the PAHM to have the needed support and assistance from the Presidency and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. He noted that the team believes that all hands-on-deck is important to create the needed partnership. He further said that the museum will not just be a place for people to come through and experience the artifacts and African relics but it will also be concerned about the local community involvement thereby creating jobs and employment. He assured the Hon. Minister that seminars and workshops will be organized in Senior High Schools, Universities, etc. across the country to empower the youth to create jobs and help them understand African culture, history and heritage.
In his remarks, the Hon.Minister said culture defines us as a people and therefore he is personally inspired by the concept and brains behind the Pan – African Heritage Museum currently operating digitally until the construction is over to have the physical experience. He noted that African Americans undertake trips to destinations where they can connect with their roots and history and therefore this is timely.
The Hon. Minister informed the PAHM team that the Ministry targets 2 million visitors by 2024 and beyond to generate 5 billion dollars for the Ghanaian economy. He said, per statistics, each tourist spends on the average an amount of $2,500.00 in the country, when they visit and this energizes the economy. He said, for this year, the target of the Ministry is 1 million tourists as part of Destination Ghana and Beyond the Return campaigns.
The Hon. Minister reiterated government’s commitments to create jobs and employment through private sectors and one of such initiatives worthy of support is the PAHM which aims at also involving the local community and creating opportunities for the youth of this country.
The Hon. Minister was emphatic that, the ministry is working assiduously to make tourism the number one contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He again noted that, the very foundations of tourism are culture and heritage therefore, it is the resolve of the Ministry to support the private sector to push our Cultural Heritage across the length and breadth of the globe.
On the opening of the National Museum, the Hon. Minister was emphatic that it will finally be opened on Friday, 10thJune, 2022. The leader of the delegation, Mr. Ladi Nylander on behalf of the team took the opportunity to congratulate the Hon. Minister and his Deputy for the good works they continue to do for Mother Ghana. He made it clear that the Hon. Minister had been specific and measurable in his dealings and hope his tenure of office will be successful.
Mr. Nylander made it known that, the Pan African Heritage Digital Museum is one of a kind in the world and the first. He noted that there are about 3,000 museums in Europe and only 200 in Africa. None of these has a digital version. He took the opportunity to invite the Hon. Minister and his Deputy to the launch of the second phase of the Digital Museum of the PAHM Scheduled for August 31st, 2022 which is earmarked as “Africa Day”.
Present in the meeting were the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Mark Okraku Mantey, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. John Yao Agbeko, the Special Advisor to the Hon. Minister, Nana Sarfo Kantanka, the Executive Director, Ghana Musuems and Monuments Board (GMMB), Mr. Kingsley Ofosu Ntiamoah and the Deputy Head of Corporate Affairs, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr. Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi.
The PAHM delegation included the Executive Vice Chairman, Ladi Nylander, the Executive Director, Prof. Pashington Obeng. Other members of the delegation included; Dr. Sam Mensah, Nana Ama Yankah, Mr. Charles Eghan, Mr. Bobby Banson, Mr. Kofi Yankah and Kofi Karikari.
Mayor Of New York, Eric Adams Made Tourism Goodwill Ambassador
The Mayor of New York, Mr. Eric Adams has expressed his determination to support Ghana’s tourism drive aimed at making the country the tourism hub of Africa.
In this regard, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and the office of the New York Mayor will work out joint strategies to achieve the desired results.
Mr. Adams was speaking after the conferment of the title of a Tourism Ambassador bestowed on him by the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal in New York at the weekend on the sideline of a Global Citizen Prize and Summit.
The Global Citizen Prize and Summit seeks to recognize the work of remarkable changemakers working to take exceptional actions to end extreme poverty in their own communities and foster social change across the globe.
Mr. Adams expressed his readiness to help increase the number of tourists from New York in particular and the United States in general to Ghana, adding that Ghana has all the attractions to enhance international tourism.
New York is the most populous and wealthiest city in America. It is also the commercial and financial capital of the USA.
“I have been to Ghana, and I enjoyed my stay in that beautiful country, Ghana is a peaceful country with a globally respected precedence”, Mr. Adams emphasized.
He noted that the launch of ‘The Year of Return’ project by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was a clear indication of Ghana’s commitment to rally the black race and unite them to their motherland.
Dr. Awal on his part, stated that America is the biggest source of international arrivals to Ghana, accounting for about 30 % of all tourists over the years.
He said the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture’s goal is to attract two million international tourists to Ghana annually from 2024 and added that the support from the New York mayor would help achieve this objective.
The Minister said that Ghana has a rich and diverse culture as well as over 30 forts and castles which make the country an attractive tourism destination.
Dr Awal noted that tourism is not just a source of leisure but also an opportunity to promote trade and investment.
He congratulated Mr. Adams for being the second black mayor of New York.
Regularization of Status For Illegal Tourism Enterprises – Registration And Licensing Of Tourism Enterprises And Payment Of 1% Tourism Levy
Ghana Tourism Authority, AFROCHELLA sign Memorandum of Understanding
Accra, May 12, 2022
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with the AFROCHELLA Team to strengthen the already existing conversation on promoting Ghana’s tourism potentials.
The MoU, under the directive of the Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture, is also to allow the two institutions to collaborate and support each other to attract more tourists into the country annually, and work towards making Ghana the preferred destination in the world.
Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, the Tourism Minister, said through the MoU, the GTA and the AFROCHELLA Team would have a stronger conversation now and not limit tourism to fun and leisure but as an opportunity for trade and investment.
He said Ghana’s environment was safe for both local and international tourists to do business and invest, adding that they could take the opportunity to promote Ghana’s attractions from forts to castles, to beaches, parks among others.
He said the Ministry’s target was to bring in two million people into the country annually, and as such charged the team through their AFROCHELLA Festival to bring in more than 20,000 people into the country this year.
Dr Awal said, “Since the inception of the AFROCHELLA Festival six years ago, you have demonstrated a lot and we know that you can achieve this target. Our current image alone makes people want to come into the country, so support us with your network to bring in these people to have fun, leisure, do business and invest.”
“We must move as a country from our current state to the desired destination, and tourism is the key to getting Ghana to that destination.”
He pledged the Ministry and the GTA’s support to the team to achieving its target and making Ghana the preferred tourism destination.
The Minister later decorated and unveiled the team as tourism goodwill ambassadors to help promote Ghana’s tourism globally.
Mr Abdul Karim Mohammed Awal Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, AFROCHELLA, said the festival was one that celebrated African culture as a whole and the signing of the MoU with the GTA was a further step to improving on its mandate.
He said the aim was to make Ghana one of the biggest gateways to Africa through their festival which had already drawn a lot of attention to the country, saying with the official support from government and the Ministry now, they hope to strengthen that bond and bring in more people and development to the country.
“This year our target is to have over 20,000 people come to the festival, so with this partnership and the Minister outdooring us as tourism ambassadors we are hopeful of achieving this target and even more by bringing more attention to the festival and Ghana as a whole.”
Mr Abdullah said in the diaspora people were looking forward for opportunities to come back home to invest and stay, adding the festival provided the right opportunity to get them into the country to trade and invest and improve the local economy.
He expressed appreciation to the GTA for the continuous support over the years and assured that this year’s festival which would be held for two days would drive into the country the right people to invest in the country’s economy.
Other members of the AFROCHELLA team include, Mr Ken Agyapong Jr, Mr Edward Asafu Adjaye Kobina, Vernell Akyeampong and Alvin Bekoe.
AFROCHELLA is a Ghana-based festival designed to highlight and elevate thrilling and thriving millennial talent from and within Africa. The festival features a festive celebration of Ghanaian culture in the form of art and fashion installations, live painting, the best of African cuisine, live performances, among others.
Source: GNA
Asamoah Gyan unveiled as Tourism Goodwill Ambassador by Minister
Accra, May 12, 2022
The Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal on Thursday unveiled Asamoah Gyan as one of Ghana’s Tourism Goodwill Ambassadors.
The Minister, during a short ceremony to unveil the renowned footballer, said Gyan had gained prominence over the world and it was important to appreciate him as a country and tap into his expertise and connections around the world to promote Ghana’s tourism.
He said as a tourism goodwill ambassador, it was important for him to identify local tourist sites in Ghana patronize and advertise them for people both locally and internationally, to be attracted to them and visit them regularly.
“Be the light for Ghana’s tourism. When you visit such places, portray good images about them and show to the world though your influential social media handles, for people to be encouraged to also visit, and it will have a great impact on the Ghanaian economy.”
Mr Gyan commended the Minister and government for reposing in him such confidence to be able to project Ghana’s tourism in the global space.
He said as a footballer, he had gone a long way in his career to project Ghana to the world and would try his best to also showcase Ghana tourism in anyway.
Mr Gyan assured the Minister that he would not relent in his efforts to use his exposure and expertise to help portray Ghana’s tourism destination globally not only to improve the local economy, but also to make Ghana the preferred tourism destination in the world.
“I have been a very patriotic citizen for the nation, and this unveiling has come at a right time for me, and I am hopeful and ready to deliver to the admiration of all Ghanaians.”
Source: GNA
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