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President Akufo-Addo Launches European Market Targeted “Destination Ghana” Campaign
The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Sunday, 3rd April 2022, launched one of his government’s flagship projects in our tourism sector, dubbed “Destination Ghana”, in London, United Kingdom.
The “Destination Ghana” London event is the first in a series of activities of the “Destination Ghana” project, which has, at its core, the objective of inviting and welcoming the rest of the world to visit Ghana.
Building on the successes of the Year of Return, and with the slow but steady recovery being witnessed in the tourism sector, after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Akufo-Addo noted that interest in nature-based adventure and leisure tourism has grown, offering new opportunities to visitors.
“Ghana has an abundance of these offerings, and that is what we are here to present to the world, using our historical connection with the United Kingdom as a launchpad,” the President said.
He was of the belief that the tourism industry offers a great avenue to deepen Ghana-Britain relations for the mutual benefit of the two countries, adding that “we can turn the tourism and hospitality industry into a major tool for the positive transformation of the Ghanaian economy, and into a win-win situation for investors”.
According to President Akufo-Addo, “Ghana is not only gifted with a rich culture, but is also the best place for doing business in West Africa, as well as the safest and most stable country in the Region, with a governance system that rests on the separation of powers, with an independent Judiciary promoting accountability in public life, and that respects the rule of law, human rights and the principles of democratic accountability. Indeed, she has been for several years the recipient of the largest foreign direct investments in West Africa.”
To this end, the President Akufo-Addo indicated that Ghana, over the last few years, in addition to the abundance of natural resources, has embarked on a product improvement plan, where several tourist sites in the country are currently undergoing site renovations.
These, he said, include the Aburi Botanical Gardens, modelled after the famous Kew Botanical Garden here in London, the Yaa Asantewaa Memorial Museum and the Kente Museum, both in Kumasi.
“Further, an aggressive sector skills development process, under the Ghana CARES Obaatanpa Programme, the one hundred billion cedi (GH¢100 billion) post-COVID economic recovery programme of the country, is currently ongoing, under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and its implementing agency, the Ghana Tourism Authority,” he added.
This year alone, President Akufo-Addo revealed that some $25 million would be expended to upgrade some of our iconic sites, including the famous Elmina and Cape Coast Castles, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, the Mole and Kakum Parks, and cultural Museums in Yendi in the Northern Region, Ejisu in the Ashanti Region, Akropong in the Eastern Region, and Ho in the Volta Region, under the Ghana Tourism Development Project, supported by the World Bank.
In addition to this, the President noted that funds will be directly injected into supporting SMEs in the hospitality and beverage sector, with negotiations currently ongoing with the World Bank.
“This forty-million-dollar ($40 million) project is expected to position the tourism and hospitality sectors as key drivers of social and economic development. Some of the benefits that the project is expected to bring are an enriched access to Ghana’s tourism market, better provision of tourism products and services, and the upgrading of skills in the labour force in the tourism, arts, and culture sector,” he added.
Ghana, the President said, needs the support of business partners the world over, and challenged the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and its agencies to ride on the back of the “Destination Ghana” project to help attract, by 2024, one million tourists annually from Britain and Europe.
“I have made my contribution by lifting, a week ago, virtually all the COVID-19 restrictions, including the opening of all Ghana’s borders, to enhance movements in and out of Ghana, whilst still maintaining the hygiene protocols, like the wearing of face masks at indoor gatherings,” he added.
“I want to invite you, here in London and Britain, Europe and the rest of the world, to the CENTRE OF THE WORLD, where longitude zero degrees crosses latitude zero degrees; where the bright sunshine enriches the quality of the skin and bodies of all; where music, dance and culture not only create fun, but also excite the body, soul and mind for spiritual growth. Indeed, I welcome you to Ghana, the CENTRE OF THE WORLD, to enjoy our famed hospitality, and take advantage of our favourable investment climate,” the President added.
Source: presidency.gov.gh
Ghana set to Launch Destination Ghana Tourism campaign
Pan African Heritage World Launches First Digital Museum
The Pan African Heritage World Museum, being constructed in Ghana, is launching the first digital museum in the world on May 5, 2022.
The event coincides with the UNESCO-declared African World Heritage Day which is an opportunity for people of the world, and particularly Africans, to celebrate the continent’s unique cultural and natural heritage.
The Pan African Heritage World Museum, also known as Pan African Heritage Museum, is an international NGO-registered project inaugurated by Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo, to provide the environment to preserve and curate the unique history, arts, culture and indigenous knowledge of Africans and people of African descent.
Projected to be completed for commissioning in August 2023, the Museum’s promoters have created the Digital Version of the galleries for public viewing to start from May 5, 2022.
The Launch event, being held in collaboration with UNESCO, will be beamed worldwide from the campus of the African University College of Communications, in Accra, Ghana. Speakers expected at the function include the UNESCO Representative in Ghana, Mr Diallo Abdourahamane, and the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal. Messages are expected from Representatives of the African Union Commission, Diaspora African Forum, All-Africa Students Union, Young African Leaders Forum, and the Association of African American Museums.
“This is a unique moment for us”, says the Museum Founder and Executive Chairman Kojo Yankah; “we are making history, not just in presenting for the first time the history, culture arts and achievements of Africans and people of African descent in one museum, we are also breaking grounds in giving the world the first Digital Museum ahead of physical construction”.
Professor Molefi Kete Asante of Temple University and chairman of the Curatorial Board of the Pan African Heritage Museum, adds :”We are proud of our African heritage….this is a great event for us”.
The event will be available from the Museum’s website : www.pahmuseum.org
Contact: Ruby Ofori, Communication Coordinator rubyofori@pahmuseum.org
GTA Engages Stakeholders, Event Organizers On Kwahu Paragliding Festival
The Ghana Tourism Authority has engaged with Event Organizers and Stakeholders in Accra to look at ways of bringing them together to organize the 2022 Kwahu Paragliding festival.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority Akwasi Agyeman, in addressing the gathering said, ‘GTA in consultation with the necessary authorities intends to organize the Paragliding festival. He said this year’s event will not be business as usual but most importantly, it will be streamlined as follows: licensing of event organizers, merchandising, adherence to Covid-19 safety protocols among others’.
Traditional Authorities, the Islamic Authorities, Council of Churches, Immigration, Fire Service, Police, Ambulance, NADMO among others have been engaged ahead of time by GTA to ensure a successful celebration after the two year break due to Covid-19 and it’s accompanying restrictions.
He also added that the Authority will be producing a Kwahu Easter Guide which seeks to inform tourists and the general public about the various events and activities and other vital information about the upcoming festivities. Hoteliers, event organisers and other stakeholders will also have the opportunity of advertising in this guide.
The Paragliding event is set to be launched on 16th March, 2022. The proposed fee for flying is GH¢550. This include GH¢50 for Rapid test for passengers before they are allowed to fly.
A Local Organising Committee (LOC) have been put in place to do the underground work. They include representatives from the District and Municipal Assemblies, Kwahu Traditional Authority and other Institutions.
Other activities earmarked for the event are hot air balloon, food bazaar, Kwahu Gwaso, pool parties, musical concerts, church service and the like.
Other personalities present at the meeting were Mr. Ekow Sampson, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Operations, GTA, Mr. Ben Anane Nsiah, Director of Planning, Development & Investment, GTA, Mrs. Alisa Osei Asamoah, President of Tour Operators Union of Ghana, Mr. Seth Ocran, President of Car Rentals Association of Ghana.
The rest are Mr. Ahmed Naaman, CEO of Dodi Travels, Mr. Jones Nelson, Director of Corporate Affairs, GTA , Mr. Emmanuel Frimpong, Executive Secretary of Ghana Tourism Federation, representatives from the the Tour Guides Association, Multimedia and Angel group of Companies
Call For Event Submissions – 2022 Kwahu Easter Festival
The Local Organising Committee and the Ghana Tourism Authority have announced a call for event organizers to submit proposals for endorsement and inclusion in the calendar of events of the 2022 Kwahu Easter Paragliding Festival.
The 2022 Kwahu Easter Paragliding Festival which has gained international recognition since its inception resurfaces this April after 2 years of inactivity due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The Kwahu Easter festival which is one of the flagship events on the tourism calendar is being organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to coincide with the Easter festivities, to promote domestic tourism and draw international visitors to Kwahu.
In this regard, the Call for Event Submissions for the 2022 Kwahu Easter Paragliding Festival is now open to stakeholders to have their event considered as part of the 2022 Kwahu Easter Festival events.
To have your event listed as part of the festival, please visit: https://forms.gle/p91VufUBS1W6huHr7
The deadline for submission is the 26th of March after which the Local Organising Committee will review and endorse the proposed events for inclusion in the Kwahu Easter Guide/Directory.
Ghana – Korea to Deepen Tourism and Culture Relations
Ghana and South Korea have underscored the need for both countries to collaborate and seize the opportunity to deepen their cultural and tourism ties.
Despite the disruption caused by the Covid 19 pandemic, both countries still see the need to tap into their comparative advantage and reserves to forge closer collaboration in tourism, sports, and culture.
This was the outcome of a bilateral meeting held between Ghana’s Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal and the Minister for Culture, Sports and Tourism of South Korea, Mr. Hwang Hee in Seoul at the weekend.
Mr. Hee expressed the need for South Korea and Ghana to intensify their relationship more in the tourism, sports, and culture space.
According to him, 60 per cent of South Koreans go abroad every year for tourism purposes, hence the need for both countries to deepen the tourism ties by taking advantage of such opportunities.
He said Koreans are deliberately trained to go abroad to learn other cultures and Ghana has some unique cultures, traditions that will be of importance to the people of Korea and vice versa.
For his part, Dr. Awal noted that Ghana has a unique and rich culture that will excite people from South Korea.
He said Ghana prides itself with her rich culture that depicts the lifestyles of both traditional and ethnic groups, adding that the country has about 32 Forts and Castles which is a unique selling preposition.
According to Dr. Awal there is a need for Ghana and South Korea to come up with a deliberate programme to promote both countries tourism and cultural heritage.
GTA Promotes Ghana As Preferred MICE Destination at Meetings Africa Conference and Exhibition
Early this year, TIME Magazine named Accra as one of the World’s Greatest Places to visit. According to TIME’s 2021 World’s Greatest Places, Accra is now easier to access with the many flights that come into the country daily, a key destination for visitors interested in connecting with Africa’s history and its people’s heritage as well as great place for the Arts and leisure.
Riding on the back of this, the Ghana Tourism Authority, under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, is taking advantage of the opportunities Ghana has to market our country as a Preferred MICE Destination. The Authority’s MICE Director Mrs. Betty Kobi who has several years experience as a destination marketer is leading a delegation to the 2022 Meetings Africa Conference and Exhibition being held at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa from February 28 – 02 March 2022.
According to Mrs. Kobi, Ghana is taking this opportunity to market the country internationally at the Meetings Africa Conference and Exhibition to highlight Ghana’s unique location as the centre of the world for business, leisure, culture, heritage, nightlife and entertainment, and Conventions as well. “For us it’s about the opportunities it presents for us to close deals and show the rest of the continent that Ghana is an emerging force on the MICE tourism scene in Africa. Ghana must be your next Conference destination” she said.
The theme for the 16th year edition of Meetings Africa 2022 will continue its’ theme of “Shared Minds. Shared Economies”. The key objective of this theme is to demonstrate how African tourism entrepreneurs continue to make strides in reaching economies of scale by leveraging shared resources. Utilising this strategic business platform will enable us to restore the bridges between exhibitors and buyers in order to compete on a global scale.
About Meetings Africa
Meetings Africa Conference and Exhibition showcases Africa’s diverse offering of services and products where African associations and African meetings industry professionals can partner to help transform our continent.
The Sandton Convention Centre will host Africa’s MICE practitioners and other international delegates from 28th February to 2nd March 2022.
Over a dozen African convention bureaus have already confirmed their participation. The countries include Rwanda, Botswana, Kenya, Ghana, Malawi, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Zambia and Mozambique.
GTA to climax Chocolate Week Celebration with ‘The Chocolatarium’ Summit
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) is hosting the first ever Chocolate Business Summit dubbed ‘The Chocolatarium’ to discuss the business of chocolate and its contribution to the growth of the economy.
The Chocolatarium, is in partnership with the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Ghana Exports Promotion Authority (GEPA), EXIM Bank and Cocoa Value Addition Artisans Association of Ghana (COVAAGH).
The event, scheduled for 9am on Monday, 21st February, 2022 at the Kempinski Grand Hotel, will see in attendance high profile personalities such as the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon. Dr. Mohammed Awal, the Chief Executive officer (CEO) of GEPA Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, CEO of COCOBOD Mr. Joseph Boahen-Aidoo, CEO of GEA Mrs. Kosi Yankey-Ayeh and CEO of GIPC Mr. Yofi Grant.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman speaking on the maiden edition of this event noted that this summit seeks to bring together stakeholders within the chocolate value chain to discuss ideas on value creation, and funding for artisanal chocolate manufacturers.
He added, “After a successful observance/celebration of the 2nd edition of the National Chocolate Week, the GTA is introducing the Chocolatarium Business Summit to highlight ways in which we can reap the economic benefits of chocolates while promoting its consumption. We will also explore ways to boost chocolate sales for local chocolate manufacturers. This summit promises to be edifying and insightful.”
Individuals and businesses interested in participating and exhibiting their products and services at the Chocolatarium Business Summit are encouraged to register by sending their details to chocolatarium@visitghana.com.
or register below:
Why You Have To Visit Accra, The Greatest City In Africa
Accra has been announced by TIME Magazine as one of the World’s Greatest Places 2021
According to TIME assessing the Ghanaian capital has become even easier this year due to increased airline activity starting with last fall’s debut of Qatar Airways flights from Doha. Also, the new thrice-weekly United Airlines service from Washington, D.C. and many other airlines offering flights and connections to many parts of the globe.
In the field of Arts, ADA, a contemporary gallery that launched late last year, showcases the work of emerging creatives—such as paintings by Nigerian artist Eniwaye Oluwaseyi and South African artist Zandile Tshabalala—from across Africa. Beyond the many art galleries, Ghanaian artists have shot to the international scene with great works including Kwame Akoto-Bamfo’s Ancestor Project – portraits of Africans who were imprisoned, kidnapped or coerced into slavery. A new architecture school, the African Futures Institute (AFI) debuts at the end of July, with a focus on cultivating regional talent. The AFI is the brainchild of Lesley Lokko, the founder and director of the Graduate School of Architecture in Johannesburg, in collaboration with award-winning Ghanaian architect David Adjaye. Accra also has become the biggest centre of creative modern art due to the ever-growing annual Chale-Wote festival which went on a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic but said to bounce back bigger this year according to organizers.
Next year, the Pan African Heritage World Museum is also scheduled to open. It will house archives, exhibits, galleries and a theater, with the aim of being a key destination for visitors interested in connecting with Africa’s history and its people’s heritage.
Beyond the Art, Accra has become a MICE hub with several major event organiser choosing to host their events in Ghana like the Nation Media Group’s Kusi Ideas festival held in December 2021 with participation from 3 African leaders namely; President Akufo Addo, President of Ghana, Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda.
Above all is the annual Afrochella Festival by which celebrates Africa’s Culture and vibrant work of African Creatives and Enterpreneurs has become a rallying point and pivot in making Ghana the preferred destination for Christmas and New Year celebrations which has been dubbed #DecemberInGH. ‘Afrochellans’ experience art and creative activations from the continent, celebrate African music, and taste premium and cultured cuisine. The festival is said to be the ‘party with purpose’.
There are more event organizers looking for venues and places in Accra to host events due to the increasing numbers and interest. Thus the Ghana Tourism Authority’s #DecemberInGH campaign has seen several event organiser booking venues years ahead to be sure they can host their events.
Indeed, Accra is the place to be and when you are around do not forget to book and experience the city on the newly launched city tour buses. It is time for everyone to #ExperienceGhana and #ShareGhana
By: GTA Digital
Ghana To Host The World Day for The African and Afro-descendant Culture (WDAAC) 2022
Each year, the World Day for the African and Afro-descendant Culture is celebrated on the 24th of January in recognition of the many vibrant cultures of the African continent and African Diasporas around the world. The event also promotes these cultures as an effective lever for sustainable development, dialogue, and peace. Promoting the African and Afro-descendant cultures, as rich sources of the world’s shared heritage, is crucial for the development of the continent, and for humanity as a whole.
UNESCO adopted the 24th of January as the World Day for the African and Afro-descendant Culture at the 40th session of the UNESCO General Conference in 2019. This date coincides with the adoption of the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance in 2006 by the Heads of State and Government of the African Union. Celebration of this day also aims to promote the widest possible ratification and implementation of this Charter by African States, thereby strengthening the role of culture in promoting peace on the continent. The Day was an initiative of Mr. John Dossavi, President of African Network of Cultural Promoters and Entrepreneurs (RAPEC) and backed by the Republic of Togo. The proposal to proclaim January 24 as the World Day of the African and Afro-descendants culture was submitted by Liberia, Mozambique and Togo and examined by the UNESCO Executive Board at its 207th session.
From January 24-26, Ghana will be celebrating this day to highlight the contributions of cultures of the African continent and the African diasporas around the world, as well as their role in driving sustainable development, dialogue, and peace. This year’s celebrations will be led by the African Network of Cultural Promoters and Entrepreneurs (RAPEC), the government of Ghana with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and its agencies, the Associations of African Universities (AAU) with the support from UNESCO. Some of the series of activities include:
1) A colloquium to stimulate the intellectual discourse around critical themes common to Africa and people of African descent such as the Incorporation of the African History and Culture in Education/Curricula and in the Creative and Cultural Industries, and Reconciliation.
2) A musical “High Life” night with special performances from some of the finest Ghanaian artists and a statement from the Grammy Award Nominee, Rocky Dawuni who is an Ambassador for JMCA.
Since the African and Afro-descendant culture is a rich source of the world’s shared heritage, it is crucial to promote it for the development of the continent and for humanity. There is much to learn, share and celebrate on the World Day for the African and Afro-descendant Culture. UNESCO and all the partners encourage everyone through the country to join the celebrations through various activities such as debates, conferences, workshops, cultural events and presentations and/or exhibitions.
Stakeholders:
- African Network of Cultural Promoters and Entrepreneurs (RAPEC)
- Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC)
- United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- Association of African Universities (AAU)
- African Union (AU)
- Pan African Historical Theatre Festival (PANAFEST)
- Musician Union of Ghana (MUSIGA)
- Ghana Culture Forum (GCF)
- Pan African Writers Association (PAWA)
- Diaspora African Forum (DAF)
- Ghana National Commission for UNESCO
- Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA)
- National Commission for Culture (NCC)
For more information, kindly contact:
- David Ahadzie (RAPEC) – +233 244 115 225
- Oumar Diagne (RAPEC) – + 233 264 279 701
- Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi (Ghana Tourism Authority) – +233 246 313 444
- Ahuma Bosco Ocansey (MUSIGA) – +233 24 338 2474
- UNESCO Accra Office– +233 302 740 840
Read more:
- World Day for African and Afrodescendant Culture | United Nations
- World Day for African and Afrodescendant Culture (unesco.org)
- http://www.jmca.in/
- Visit Ghana – World Day For African & Afrodescendant Culture Celebrated To Promote Arts, Culture & Heritage
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