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New York City Mayor-elect Eric Adams to visit Ghana in fulfillment of promise
Mayor-elect Eric Adams will leave for a long-planned trip to the West African country of Ghana late Monday despite concerns over the new Omicron coronavirus variant in the continent’s southern region, his spokesman told The Post.
“I made a promise to myself that I would visit Ghana following the 400-year anniversary of slavery in America and the election, to show how far we have come and remember how far we still must go,” said Adams, who will be the city’s second black mayor.
The grim anniversary of slaves arriving in America passed in 2019. At the time, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi led a delegation to Ghana to mark the historical event and the West African country encouraged the descendants of slaves to travel to their motherland for a “Year of Return.”
“This election to me was, among other things, about resetting a negative narrative so that we can have a more just and united future. I will continue to be in contact with the transition team on our progress toward Jan. 1, and with the mayor on pressing matters including Omicron while I’m in Ghana,” Adams told The Post exclusively.
He will make the weeklong trip to Ghana with family. He’s expected to return Dec. 8.
Advisers had told The Post Sunday he was reconsidering the jaunt because of the Omicron variant that originated in southern Africa and has since spread to other countries around the world.
Mayor-elect Eric Adams said he made a promise to himself to go to Ghana following the 400-year anniversary of slavery in America, which occurred in 2019.
But Adams, who is fully vaccinated and recently received a booster shot, decided to keep to his plans. Ghana and South Africa are approximately 4,000 miles apart, even farther than the distance from New York to California.
“When it comes to COVID, I have said time and time again that I will follow the science and our public health professionals as a leader — and right now travel is banned only to south African countries out of an abundance of caution.
“Should the federal government change their guidance on travel, I will immediately follow it. Meanwhile, New Yorkers must remain vigilant about preventing the spread of COVID, including wearing masks and getting their vaccines and booster shots,” Adams said.
City Health Commissioner David Chokshi said Adams — or any other New Yorker — should feel free to travel abroad if they’re fully vaccinated.
Source: NYPost
2021 Ghana Arts and Culture Awards (GACA) Held
YouTube Music partners with Culture Management Group for Afrochella 2021
YouTube Music partners with Culture Management Group for Afrochella 2021 to amplify Black voices on the continent through its Future Insiders program for aspiring music professionals.
ACCRA, GHANA November 10, 2021
Culture Management Group, in partnership with YouTube Music today announced a groundbreaking collaboration to bring
musical programs to Africa, helping to develop the youth and provide assistance to aspiring music industry professionals.
This one day in-person event will be hosted at the Afrochella Music Museum on December 27th at 12pm GMT located at BBnZ Live.
Future Insiders is one portion of the Music Community Pillar of the Black Voices Fund creating opportunities for exposure and learning for young people across the globe. To date, Future Insiders has partnered with community facing organizations in New York, Los Angeles, The Bay Area, Rio de Janeiro, Houston, Atlanta, London,
Lagos, and now Accra.
In an effort to help amplify the next generation of Black voices, the Future Insiders program aims to give young professionals who are interested in a career in music and technology the opportunity to learn hands-on skills from legendary musical professionals and industry experts. During the event, there will be two production master classes, held in recording studios, on the Art of making beats with Ghanian producers, Juls, and Guiltybeatz.
In addition to production masterclasses, aspiring professionals will also have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers during a three-part panel series. The panels will offer the audience insight into a range of musical topics which will include:
- Future Voices of Africa: A rich conversation with the next generation of
voices and leaders in African music. - A Queen Leads: A session spotlighting the innovation and creativity led by
women in the music industry. - The Diaspora Effect: A discussion about the diaspora’s effect on the growth
of African music.
“We’re so proud to join #YouTubeBlack to bring musical education resources to Ghana. With the help of this program, we can continue to inspire and influence the next generation of young African artists,” says Abdul Karim Abdullah, CEO & Co-Founder of Afrochella. “Afrochella has always been a platform that elevates up and coming creatives and through this collaboration, we’ll be able to continue this impactful work in new and meaningful ways.
“We’re very excited to bring together the meaningful work of the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund with The Culture Management Group’s long standing efforts to support the artistic aspirations of African creatives,” says Addy Awofisayo, Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa, YouTube. “Afrochella has long been a beacon of light for young talent in Africa and we are thrilled to partner with them to further strengthen our commitment to empowering the next wave of Black voices.”
In response to COVID-19, Afrochella will continue to partner with the Ghanian government and public health officials to adhere to safety protocols and procedures to ensure our customers and partners have a healthy and enjoyable experience. Please visit https://afrochella.com/ to read about our safety enhancements and
COVID-19 protocols.
Entry to this event is limited to 100 attendees with RSVPs required. Tickets for the Afrochella Music Museum can be found here: https://afrochella.com/events. For more information on Afrochella 2021, please visit https://afrochella.com/ and follow @afrochella on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop about upcoming
events.
About Culture Management Group LLC
Culture Management Group LLC (CMG) is an African focused media management company introducing a diverse and innovative perspective to the African event space. Our primary focus is to highlight creative talent from and within the African continent via event management & marketing, cultural showcases, and digital documentation. CMG is also the parent company for Afrochella, an annual event located in Accra, Ghana.
About YouTubeBlack Voices Fund
YouTube announced the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund, a multi-year $100 million fund dedicated to amplifying and developing the voices of Black creators and artists and their stories. The fund was created through the idea of investing with an intention: to present fresh narratives that emphasize the intellectual power, authenticity, dignity and joy of Black voices, as well as to educate audiences about racial justice. The fund welcomed a global group of diverse artists to its inaugural Class of 2021, and through the resources provided — dedicated one to one support, seed funding, and training and networking programs — they have achieved incredible growth, not only on YouTube, but in their careers.
Contact:
Ashley Grant-Henriques
Afrochella Public Relations
+347-405-4860
press@afrochella.com
For YouTube Music:
Paul Pennington
paulpennington@google.com
Wizkid confirmed to perform at Afrochella 2021
Nigerian superstar, Wizkid has confirmed his appearance and performance at this year’s Afrochella music festival.
The popular African music carnival hosted in Accra, Ghana will come off this year in December. The show did not come off last year due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, with the world coming back to normal gradually, organizers of the music festival have announced that Afrochella is returning this year and Wizkid will be one of the headlining acts to perform.
This year’s show has themed “Made in Africa” Afrochella Festival 2021 will happen with a series of events in December with its mega show to be staged at the El Wak Stadium in Accra, Ghana on December 28th from noon till late.
“In the last five years, we’ve made a significant impact on Ghana and its surrounding communities through our Afrochella events,” says Abdul Karim Abdullah, CEO & Co-Founder of Afrochella.
“This year, we’re thrilled to return to El Wak Stadium with Wizkid to celebrate our fifth anniversary and to support the revitalization of Ghana’s travel & hospitality industry. We look forward to welcoming travelers back to the country to once again safely enjoy live events,” he added in a press release.
🔥The Moment You’ve All Been Waiting For.🔥
Performing Live: Big Wiz @wizkidayo 🦅
Tickets Available NOW!!! https://t.co/JzTQBwwe1k #afrochella2021 #bigwiz 🌍 pic.twitter.com/kuK9ElLPrv— Afrochella (@Afrochella) November 5, 2021
This year’s event will include other elements such as Afrochella Rising Star Challenge, Afrochella Music Museum: Exhibition History of Ghana, Scarecrow Art Installation, African Fashion Night Out in Collaboration with Debonair Afrikk, Afrochella Runway – Exhibition Space for Ghanaian Fashion Designers, Amapiano & Brunch and Afrochella Talks.
The lineup of mini-events for this year’s Afrocehella show is expected to kick off from 5th December and run through the month to early next year.
Source: Ameya Debrah
Brooklyn Names Street after Ghana
Brooklyn: November 4, 2021
The Borough of Brooklyn has named a street in Bed-Stuy after Ghana, highlighting the country’s leading role in building bridges amongst the global African Family. Bed-Stuy, has been a center of African-American culture since the early 20th century and has been home to several cultural icons.
Making the announcement and the presentation at a “Destination Ghana” event at Weeksville Heritage Center, Councilman Robert E. Cornegy, Jr., on behalf of the people of Bed-Stuy and the Borough of Brooklyn, commended Ghana for the Year of Return initiative and the follow up Beyond the Return project.
The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture , Hon. Dr Ibrahim Awal and the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman have been staking Ghana’s claim and engaging several business and opinion leaders in the city of New York to promote the destination .
The street to be named Bed-Stuy/Ghana Way , cements the strategic partnership between Ghana and Brooklyn. Dr. Awal in thanking the Council member, threw an invitation to the audience made up of politicians, business leaders , clergy and students to build on the goodwill for mutual growth . The CEO, Akwasi Agyeman presented programs lined up this December in Ghana and a proposed Independence trade mission in March 2022.
85 year old Dr. Leonard Jeffries Jr., a well known Pan- Africanist who was in the audience was elated for seeing this day in his lifetime that Ghana will forever be part of the rich history of Bed-Stuy and Brooklyn.
3rd Ghana Arts and Culture Awards Set for November, 2021
All is set for the 3rd edition of the Ghana Arts and Culture Awards happening on 20th November 2021 at Alisa Hotel, North Ridge. The aim of the event is to reward excellence within the arts and culture industry and also promote tourism in the Country.
The event has recognized the works of individuals who are projecting the Ghanaian Arts and Culture. Wiyaala was awarded the Ghanaian Artiste of the year in 2019, Former Mayor of Accra Mohammed Adjei Sowah for promoting the Arts industry, Agya Koo Nimo also received a lifetime achievement award in 2020 for his great contribution towards the arts , Ghana Tourism Authority also received Cooperate support for Arts and Culture in 2019, Ssue has also won the Artiste of the year in 2020, Azmera Restaurant indigenous caterer of the year in 2019 and many others.
The event is in-partnership with the National Commission on Culture, Ghana Tourism Authority, National Folklore Board, Tourism Society of Ghana and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. The event is also proudly sponsored by Alisa Hotel, Verna Natural Mineral Water, Mcberry Biscuit , Planet Drinks and Ceejay Multimedia. The event will start exactly 6pm and its strictly by invitation.
By: Atta Kakra Kusi
2021 ‘December In Gh’ Schedule of Events
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ACCRA, GHANA – November, 3, 2021 – Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Beyond the Return Secretariat officially announce the highly anticipated schedule of endorsed events for December in GH (December in Ghana).
The official calendar includes activities for the month of November 2021 through early January 2022. Some of the most highly anticipated events are back this season including Afrochella (December 28), A Taste of Ghana (December 27), Polo Beach Club (December 26-January 2), Little Havana (December 26), and GUBA Cruise (January 2). “We’re excited to share all the events happening in Ghana for the holiday season,” said Ms. Annabelle McKenzie, Director of the Beyond the Return Secretariat.
The Events
Click to Download/View December In Gh Events
This year’s activities also includes programs happening in other regions that will give travellers to Ghana an opportunity to explore other parts of the country and partake in the various cultures. “We’ve endorsed events happening in other regions including the Volta Region, Upper East, Western, and Bono East.” Ms. McKenzie said. “It’s wonderful being able to engage with Ghanaian communities outside of Greater Accra.” Events outside of the capital city include The Volta Fair (Volta Region), Bolgatanga International Arts & Crafts Fair (Upper East), The Feok Festival (Upper East), Samanpiid Festival (North East) and Kids in Tourism (Ashanti, Bono, Bono East & Central).
As Ghana continues to be the destination of choice in West Africa during the holiday season, it’s anticipated that thousands of travellers will be arriving in the country throughout the coming weeks. With the Covid-19 pandemic still a concern, the Ghana Tourism Authority will work with the security agencies to ensure that event organisers comply with protocols set in place by the National Covid-19 Task Force and the Presidential Advisor on Health, Dr. Anthony Nsiah Asare. “Guests will be required to present Covid-19 vaccination cards prior to entering all the events that are going to be endorsed,” explained Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority. Face masks would also be mandatory for all guests from age five and above with temperature checks taken upon entry and sanitizing stations throught event venues. Although the event schedule has been released, event organizers interested in having their programs included as part of the official calendar can still submit their proposals to the Beyond the Return Secretariat via email at support@beyondthereturngh.com.
Beyond the Return is a 10-year initiative and a follow up to the successful Year of Return in 2019 that attracted thousands of visitors to Ghana. The theme for the initiative is ‘A Decade of African Renaissance’ and its foundation has seven pillars that touch on the areas Ghana is working towards in strengthening relations with its diaspora community. Each of the events have their own unique traits that will align with the pillars which are; Experience Ghana, Celebrate Ghana, Give Back Ghana, Brand Ghana, Promote Pan-African Heritage and Innovation, Invest in Ghana and Diaspora Pathways to Ghana.
For more information contact the office by email on support@beyondthereturn.com. Alternatively you can make contact via Whatsapp on +233 24 040 2408. Visit the website for updated information on activities at www.beyondthereturngh.com
Beyond The Return Announces ‘December In GH’
ACCRA TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE
25TH OCTOBER, 2021
Beyond the Return has officially announced “December in GH’ activities this year. The announcement was made during a press conference at the Accra Tourism Information Centre on Monday 25th October. The Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, member for Beyond the Return Steering Committee, Mr. Kwame Acheampong Boateng Esq., and Deputy CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, Technical and Operations, Mr. Ekow Sampson were present.
President Nana Akufo-Addo has approved that the events could go on provided they adhere to the strict covid-19 protocols outlined in collaboration with the National Covid-19 Task Force and the Presidential Advisor on Health, Dr. Anthony Nsiah Asare.
Events like Afrochella is one of the highly anticipated events that has already been approved with their date announced for 28th December. Other events coming include Polo Beach Club, Rhythms on da Runway, GUBA Awards, Taste of Ghana, Kwanzaa in Ghana, Diaspora Transition, and Ahaspora Conference will soon be announcing their dates. The Beyond the Return Secretariat is still engaging with event organizers and some events have already been confirmed but committed to adhering to the required protocols. Contactless ticketing is being encouraged as much as possible where tickets can be scanned on mobile devices. By 1st November the full list and calendar of events will be placed on BTR websites.
Guests at the events will be required to present covid-19 vaccination cards before entering all the events that are going to be endorsed and guests ages five and upwards will be required to wear face masks. Temperature checks would be completed before entering all events and entry sanitizer systems will be used along with hand sanitizer stations located throughout the event venues.
The covid-19 pandemic affected tourism on a global scale, the sector has had to find ways to recover from the challenges experienced. According to Dr. Awal, Ghana’s tourism sector suffered losses of eight billion cedis last year. Ghana is expecting about 150,000 foreign arrivals between now and December. The World Bank’s 13 million cedis has already been disbursed to support the tourism sector.
We are launching ‘Destination Ghana’ in the USA and the aim is to increase tourism. It will be launched in Los Angeles and New York. “We want to make Ghana a world tourism destination.”
About December In GH
Ghana has over the year’s gradually become the preferred destination for many from across the world seeking alternatives to snowy Christmas and New Year celebration. The country has seen a rising number of people visiting during the Yuletide with their family and friends to #ExperienceGhana and #ShareGhana. The past years have also seen many Hollywood Stars including Naomi Campbell, Boris Coudjo, Hisham Tawfiq, Lupita Nyong’o, Samuel L. Jackson, T.I., Cardi B and many more visit during the Year of Return.
The Ghana Tourism Authority partners several event organiser to host many events to provide several option for everyone through November to January dubbed “December In GH”. Some of the major events include Afrochella and Afro Nation.
Riali Consult, White Sands, La Villa Boutique emerge Winners at International Travel Awards
Ghanaian travel and tour operator, Riali Consult has won the ‘Best Travel Company in Ghana 2021’ at this year’s International Travel Awards.
In a message announcing Riali as winner, organisers said, “We are happy to inform you that Riali Consult Limited has shown itself as a brilliant representative of the excellent services in the global tourism industry, and after a thorough jury evaluation, we are pleased and excited to announce Riali Consult Limited as a winner of International Travel Awards as Best Travel Company in Ghana 2021.
CEO of Riali Consult, Mrs. Alisa Osei-Asamoah said the award inspires the company to go higher in bringing memorable travel adventures to their patrons. “We are encouraged by this award to offer more competitive travel and tour services to our clients. At Riali Consult we are very firm about delivering excellent and top notch services and this award gives credence to what we have been doing all these years,” she said.
A very delighted and thankful Mrs. Osei-Asamoah added that “we could not have achieved this without the magnanimous support of all those who voted for us and the organisers who nominated us in the first place. I’d also like to express my profound appreciation to the super amazing and exceptional team at Riali Consult who work round the clock to ensure client satisfaction always. This recognition is truly humbling for us all.”
Other Ghanaian businesses that were adjudged winners in the International Travel Awards include;
- La Villa Boutique Hotel – Best Boutique Hotel In Ghana
- White Sands Beach Resort – Best Beach Resort In Ghana
- Diamond Travel Consultancy – Best Emerging Travel Company In Ghana
- Discover Africa Destinations Tourism and Trading LLC – Best inbound Tour Operator in Ghana 2021
About Riali Consult
Riali Consult has been in operation since 2004. It is an inbound tour operator focusing on markets in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa. It also organises tours all across Ghana and has been at the fore of promoting domestic tourism.
The company covers all aspects of travel arrangements for both leisure, business and special interest tours destinations for varying markets. As a Travelife partner, sustainability is a key practice in its operations.
About International Travel Awards
The travel and tour company focuses on providing quality hospitality and efficient services which are delivered with professionalism for both domestic and international visitors.
Organised and presented by Golden Tree Event Tourism Marketing, International Travel award is crafted to honor the excellent performers in the tourism and travel industry around the world. The participants are from Tourism boards, travel companies, hotels, villas, apartments, attractions, theme parks and tourism individuals.
Ghana’s Tourist Arrivals To Grow By 47% In 2021 – Fitch Solutions
Tourist arrivals into Ghana is expected to grow by 47% this year, following easing of Covid-19 restrictions, a report by Fitch Solutions, has revealed.
This is coming from a contraction of 65% in 2020, due to effects of Covid-19 which triggered restrictions in some sectors of the economy.
“Ghana’s tourism sector has been negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions. In 2021, we forecast tourist arrivals to grow by 47.0% year-on-year”, the report stated.
The Ghanaian economy grew by a paltry 0.4% because many sub sectors including the hospitality registered negative growth rates. This is because economic activity came to a standstill or fell drastically last year.
But a further easing of the lockdown by the government and an improve condition globally due to vaccinations of majority of the populace has sparked tourist arrivals in the country.
According to Fitch Solutions, the rollout of vaccines and the easing of restrictions for inbound tourists is key for the recovery of the country’s tourism sector.
“We project the growth in tourist arrivals to remain positive in 2022, expanding by 28.4% year-on-year. The positive growth in tourist arrivals in 2021 and 2022 bodes well for hospitality businesses such as restaurants and hotels and recreation and culture establishments.”
Further, the research arm of ratings agency, Fitch, said the positive growth in tourist arrivals in 2021 and next year will improve the wage and employment prospects of people employed in this sector.
According to the Ghana Statistical Service, the Hotel and Restaurants sub sector was the third fastest growing in the second quarter of this year.
Ghana’s tourism sector has been negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions. In 2021, we forecast tourist arrivals to grow by 47.0% y-o-y. However, this growth is from a low base following an estimated 65.4% y-o-y contraction in tourist arrivals in 2020. We believe that the rollout of vaccines and the easing of restrictions for inbound tourists is key for the recovery of the country’s tourism sector. We project the growth in tourist arrivals to remain positive in 2022, expanding by 28.4% y-o-y. The positive growth in tourist arrivals in 2021 and 2022 bodes well for hospitality businesses such as restaurants and hotels and recreation and culture establishments. This will improve the wage and employment prospects of people employed in this sector.
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