From Biking to Hiking: Brussels Airlines’ Groundbreaking Journey through Ghana’s Heartland

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A vibrant entourage of nearly 100 hikers and bikers, representing Brussels Airlines (Lufthansa Group), descended upon Ghana on February 2nd, 2024, igniting an exhilarating adventure set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Volta region. In a historic twist, this year’s expedition, traditionally known as “Bike in Africa,” expanded its horizons to include “Hike in Africa” for the very first time. The spirited group was welcomed with traditional dancing and jubilant music, graced by the presence of Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), alongside key staff members. As part of the welcome, all participants were presented with Ghana branded hand-made wrist bands and in addition the leaders of the teams were decorated with beautiful hand-woven kente stoles.

 

The biking leg of the journey has seen fervent cyclists from across the expansive Lufthansa Group embarking on a challenging odyssey encompassing five stages. Their expedition commenced in Akosombo, a charming locale situated approximately 100 kilometers north of Accra, Ghana’s bustling capital. Meanwhile, the hiking contingent explored and camped at the scenic Shai Hills National Park and concluding alongside their biking counterparts in Akosombo.

On February 3rd, 2024, the cyclists embarked on their voyage with a scenic boat ride across the Akosombo River, before conquering the terrain with a rigorous ascent up the hills towards Ho. Simultaneously, the hikers commenced their day with an invigorating morning hike out of the serene Shai Hills Natural Reserve, their overnight abode. Transported to Amedzofe, Ghana’s highest village, the hikers embarked on two distinct 3-kilometer trails, one leading to Ote Falls and the other meandering through lush indigenous forests.

The following day saw the cyclists traversing a challenging uphill route from Ho to Biakpa, ultimately descending to their overnight sanctuary at Mountain Paradise in Biakpa, affording them a majestic vista of Mount Gemi. Subsequently, the cyclists embarked on a scenic descent from Mount Gemi, followed by a bus transfer to Mount Afadjato, where they partook in a local village tour, inclusive of a visit to a traditional distillery.

February 5th dawned with the cyclists conquering Mount Gemi, relishing a technical yet awe-inspiring downhill journey. A portion of the group paused en route to visit Leklebi Fiape Primary School, fostering memorable interactions with the enthusiastic school children. Following lunch and a brief respite at the Big Foot Safari Lodge, the group embarked on a 2.8-kilometer trek to the magnificent Wli Falls, where they rendezvoused with the hiking cohort for a joint aperitif. Amidst the backdrop of cascading Wli Falls, they exchanged anecdotes while sipping fresh coconuts, their campsite nestled near the falls’ base. A mesmerising spectacle ensued as thousands of bats emerged from the rocks, swirling overhead.

True to tradition, the expedition intertwines adventure with corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, in collaboration with help alliance, the aid organization of the Lufthansa Group. Concurrent with the sporting endeavours, participants will partake in Design Thinking workshops, fostering innovation and generating employment opportunities for local entrepreneurs. Notably, Bravehearts Expeditions LTD, a local enterprise specialising in tourism development in the Volta region, and Wasteman Ghana, a company dedicated to recycling plastic waste into sustainable materials, have been selected as CSR partners.
To ensure seamless coordination, dedicated support teams, inclusive of medical professionals and a media contingent, will accompany both biking and hiking groups, ensuring every moment of this extraordinary journey is captured and documented.

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GTA and COCOBOD Launch 2024 National Chocolate Week Celebrations

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The Ghana Tourism Authority in collaboration with COCOBOD and Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) will celebrate the National Chocolate Week under the theme “EAT CHOCOLATE, STAY HEALTHY, GROW GHANA” and sub themed: “EXPLORE GHANA, EAT CHOCOLATE ”.

Yesterday, the Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana Cocoa Board and partners under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, launched the 2024 National Chocolate Week Celebration at the Accra Tourist Information Centre (ATIC).

This year’s celebration is under the theme: “Eat Chocolate🍫, Stay Healthy💪🏾, Grow Ghana 🇬🇭” and sub-theme, ‘Explore Ghana, Eat Chocolate’.

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Launching the event on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Seth Adjei Baah, Board Chairman of the Ghana Tourism Authority said “Ghana is Cocoa and Cocoa is Ghana” and there is the need for Ghanaians to acknowledge all players adding value to cocoa to help grow the economy of Ghana.

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On his part, the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman asked Ghanaians to embrace cocoa and chocolate, and join in the efforts in positioning Ghana as a cocoa/chocolate destination.

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The Deputy CEO of Cocoa Board, Mr. Ray Ankrah, said as part of their efforts to further enhance the already increased consumption levels of cocoa, the COCOBOD has put in place steps to enable artisanal cocoa producers to purchase beans directly from their Cocoa Marketing wing. The Managing Director of CPC, Mr. Kojo Ofori Sarpong assured the public that there would be enough chocolates for everyone this year.

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Activities for this year would be centered at the Chocolate City at the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange, which would host an exhibition for Chocolatier, Family Day and School Children Day, Cook-Off competition, Cocoa Quiz Competition for Senior High Schools, and a Chocolatarium (summit for chocolate industry players).

Other activities include a Tour With A Bar of Chocolate and visits to churches and mosques, Cocoa Quiz Competition for Senior High Schools and Sharing of Chocolates at Tourist Sites across all 16 regions of Ghana.

In addition, the partners intend to create Chocolate Zones in selected regional capitals to provide visibility for the consumption campaign and serve as a one-stop for the sale of cocoa products during the week-long celebration.

#ChocolateWeek2024 #ChocolateCity #EatChocolate #StayHealthy , #GrowGhana #NationalChocolateWeek #EatGhanaChocolate

 

 

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About National Chocolate Week

The National Chocolate Week Celebration begun in 2021 as part of the renewed marketing and promotion collaboration amongst stakeholders to expand the scope of the Chocolate Day celebration. Since then, the Chocolate Day celebration which was instituted in 2005 became the Chocolate Week with a new logo and expanded activities. The Ministry of Tourism instituted the Chocolate day to coincide with Valentine’s Day which falls on 14th February every year, to boost the domestic consumption of Ghanaian chocolate and other cocoa-based products. Over the years, the celebration has been held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

The annual week-long celebration has been a partnership between the Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana Cocoa Board and the Cocoa Processing Company and other Chocolatiers.

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Newly Constructed Bonwire Kente Museum Set To Open Tomorrow 10th January

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The Bonwire Kente Museum is set to be commissioned on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Bonwire in the Ashanti Region.

The Kente Museum is a key part of the craft villages circuit project initiated by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture under the Ghana Tourism Development project. It is spearheaded by the Ghana Tourism Authority and is one of the many ongoing product development initiatives, including the Paga Crocodile Pond, Pikworo Slave Camp, Salaga Slave Market and Wells, Tano Boase Sacred Grove and the Denkyira Kyekyewere Eco Park, among others.

This purpose-built facility is expected to boost tourism, create job opportunities, and generate revenue, particularly for the youth in the area.

As part of the commissioning, a Governing Board responsible for overseeing the facility will be inaugurated. The Museum features a reception area, office space, an exhibition centre, a showroom, a video room, and washroom facilities.

Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, expressed his gratitude for the contributions of the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Simon Osei Mensah, the Chief of Bonwire, Nana Bobie Ansah II, the MP of the area Hon. John Kumah, the Bonwire Kente Weavers Association, the Ejisu Municipal Assembly, and all other stakeholders and individuals involved in bringing the Bonwire Kente Museum Project to fruition.

ISSUED BY THE GHANA TOURISM AUTHORITY

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GTA and partners introduce a welcoming December atmosphere with Akwaaba Village

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The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in partnership with the Ghana Exim Bank, the Ghana Trade Fair company and the Ghana Airports Company Limited have announced a month-long family-oriented bazaar, Akwaaba Village, as part of its December in GH activities.

This exciting initiative is designed to offer memorable experiences, promote Made in Ghana goods, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Ghana through music, food, and art.

December in GH has, in recent times, been named as one the best months to experience Ghana and be a part of the history-making activities of the motherland.

The Akwaaba Village will take place from December 15th, 2023, to January 8th, 2024, near the Hajj Village, located close to the Airport Roundabout. This family-friendly celebration aims to bring people together in a festive atmosphere, fostering a sense of community and highlighting the vibrant spirit of Ghana, including its art, food, music, and nightlife.

“December is one of the most anticipated months in Ghana by tourists globally, as they seek to come to the country and experience the rich culture and a warmth of the Ghanaian people. We are happy to introduce the Akwaaba Village as a highlight of our December in GH 2023 festivities. This activation is not just a celebration; it’s an invitation for families and visitors to immerse themselves in the warmth and hospitality that Ghana is renowned for. Akwaaba Village is a testament to our commitment to promoting local tourism and creating meaningful connections. We invite everyone to join us in making this an unforgettable experience for all.” said Akwasi Agyeman, Chief Executive Officer, GTA.

With the aim of creating memorable experiences and promoting local tourism attractions and culture, the Akwaaba Village will have a lot to offer both Ghanaians and foreigners, young and old alike.

Key Highlights expected from the Akwaaba Village will include: cultural showcases where guests will experience the diversity of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage through captivating performances, traditional music, and dance Visitors to the Akwaaba Village will also get to indulge in a culinary journey with a variety of local Ghanaian dishes that showcase the flavours and specialities of different regions in Ghana. There will be a display from local artisans offering an opportunity to purchase unique handmade souvenirs.

“Akwaaba Village is made possible through the collaborative efforts of valued partners who share our vision for promoting cultural celebration and local tourism. We extend our sincere gratitude to Ghana Airports Company Limited, Ghana Trade Fair, and Exim Bank for their unwavering commitment to fostering cultural promotion and tourism in Ghana Together with these esteemed partners, we are confident that Akwaaba Village will offer an immersive experience that showcases the best of Ghana’s cultural heritage,” Mr. Agyeman added.

The Akwaaba Village will be the perfect place for cultural lovers and knowledge seekers of the rich heritage of Ghana to partake in music workshops, schooled on Ghanaian games of strategy and broaden their knowledge on the rich Ghanaian heritage.

The Ghana Tourism Authority encourages families, tourists, and the general public to mark their calendars for this extraordinary celebration of Ghana’s culture and hospitality.

Interested vendors can call 059 708 4223 or 059 742 3304 to be a part of this history-making event.

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Ghana Tourism Authority Celebrates Recent Success with Cruise Ship Arrivals at Takoradi Harbour

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Accra, Ghana, 6th December 2023 – The Ghana Tourism Authority is thrilled to announce the recent influx of luxury cruise ships to the Takoradi Harbour, marking a significant milestone in expanding Ghana’s tourism offerings and attracting more visitors to the country. From March to December of this year, a total of seven prestigious cruise liners have made port calls, showcasing Ghana as a premier destination on the African cruise circuit.

The participating cruise ships  that have berthed at the shores of Ghana include the MS Azamara Journey, MS Insignia, MS Zuiderdam, SH Vega, MS Silver Sea, MS Mariner, and MS Voyager. The considerable increase in port calls follows the Authority’s consistent marketing efforts and its  participation in Sea Trade exhibitions in recent times.

Working hand in hand with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, as well as other stakeholders such as the Ghana Police and Immigration, the Ghana Tourism Authority’s regional office in the Western Region has ensured a seamless and enriching experience for the visiting tourists. A comprehensive range of pre-arranged tours are organised allowing passengers to explore the cultural and natural wonders of Ghana.

Beyond its cultural significance, the resurgence of cruise visits to Takoradi  is expected to drive economic activity by generating employment opportunities for tour operators, tour guides, car rentals, and various local businesses offering packaged tours to these visitors.

The success of the recent port calls and the fulfilment of tourists’ expectations has set the stage for more frequent cruise ship visits in the coming year. The Ghana Tourism Authority looks forward to building upon this achievement and continuing to promote Ghana as a must-visit destination for cruise travelers.

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XCINEX CORPORATION OF USA AND GHANA TOURISM AUTHORITY PARTNER TO EXPAND GLOBAL REACH FOR GHANAIAN ARTISTS AND CONTENT CREATORS TO BOOST GHANA’S TOURISM AND CREATIVE ECONOMY

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Accra, Ghana 5th December 2023 – In a landmark agreement, XCINEX Corporation, a San Francisco based tech company pioneering the world’s first pay-per-viewer streaming marketplace, and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) have announced a strategic collaboration. This partnership is set to revolutionize the way Ghanaian artists and content owners/creators connect with audiences worldwide, leveraging XCINEX’s innovative new VENUEmobile platform, now available on the App Store and on Google Play.

The VENUEmobile platform offers a unique and dynamic experience for content creators and artists from Ghana to stream their local filmed and live contents to Ghanaians in the diaspora and their global audience on a pay-per-viewer basis guaranteeing one ticket per-viewer whilst preventing fans from casting the streaming content to any screen or recording it. What is more, content creators and artists from Ghana are not required to make any upfront payment to stream on the platform.

This collaboration opens a new chapter for Ghana’s tourism and creative sector. By providing artists in Ghana access to VENUEmobile, XCINEX and GTA are facilitating a global stage for local talents. This unprecedented access empowers Ghanaian artists to broadcast their performances to an international audience, transcending geographical limitations.

Touching on the collaboration, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, the CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority stated that “this partnership is expected to significantly boost the exposure of Ghana’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. By showcasing Ghanaian music, dance, and other performing arts on a global platform, the initiative will ignite worldwide interest in Ghana’s tourism and culture. This increased visibility is anticipated to spark a surge in tourism, as global audiences are drawn to explore the vibrant culture they experience through VENUE. We are hoping endorsed December in GH events will take advantage of this platform opportunity to reach a global audience and generate additional revenues”

According to Mr. Cihan Fuat Atkin, the Co-Founder & CEO of XCINEX Corporation, “this agreement promises to generate additive revenue streams for Ghanaian artists. In a world where digital access is key, providing artists with the tools to reach a wider fan base is crucial. This initiative offers a sustainable and innovative way for artists from Ghana to monetize their art and offer inclusivity to their fans worldwide, contributing to the overall growth of Ghana’s tourism and creative economy.”

The strategic collaboration between XCINEX Corporation and the Ghana Tourism Authority promises to bolster tourism, enrich the global cultural landscape, and open new revenue channels for Ghanaian artists, content creators and government, fostering a vibrant future for Ghana’s creative industry.

For further information, please contact:

Ghana Tourism Authority: info@visitghana.com

XCINEX Corporation: paul@xcinex.com

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2023 ‘December in GH’ Calendar of Events Outdoored

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Final Calendar for December in GH 2023 Events Calendar outdoor

ACCRA, GHANA – The highly anticipated final calendar for December in GH 2023 events has been announced today. Presented by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Beyond the Return Secretariat (BTR), the calendar highlights several events across the length and breadth of the country which bring numerous benefits to the entire tourism and creative arts  ecosystem.

Since its launch in 2019 by GTA as part of The Year of Return, December in GH has become a major highlight on Ghana’s cultural and tourism calendar, attracting visitors from around the world who are eager to experience the nation’s vibrant heritage , arts and entertainment scene. This year’s calendar promises an even more spectacular showcase, offering a platform to explore Ghana and connect with several local communities  during the festive season. The collaboration between the Ghana Tourism Authority and event organizers is instrumental in making December in GH a resounding success each year.

Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, expressed his excitement and gratitude for the unveiling of the December in GH calendar, stating, “We are thrilled to present the final calendar for December in GH 2023. This year’s events promise to showcase the best of Ghana’s culture, music, heritage, and entertainment scene. We extend our gratitude to all event organizers for their support in partnering with the Authority to make  this a truly memorable and impactful celebration.”

Ms. Annabelle McKenzie, Director of the Beyond the Return Secretariat, shared her enthusiasm,  saying, “The unveiling of the December in GH calendar marks the culmination of months of careful curation and collaboration. We are proud to offer an unforgettable experience that fosters deeper connections within the global African diaspora and our local Ghanaian community.”

According to data from the Ghana Tourism Authority,  December in GH activities  contribute significantly to the tourism value chain and ecosystem, creating a positive impact on various sectors especially for SMEs. The events generate increased tourism demand, leading to higher hotel occupancy rates, restaurant visits, transportation usage, and local artisan sales. This surge in economic activity benefits business owners, creatives, and entrepreneurs, as well as the local communities . Moreover, the December activities contribute to the preservation and promotion of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.

Detailed information about the events listed in the final ccalendar can be found on www.decemberingh.com, and will be continuously promoted on social media platforms and official websites. We encourage everyone to follow Ghana Tourism Authority and Beyond the Return on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok,  for updates and further details.

About Ghana Tourism Authority & Beyond the Return

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), operating under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, plays a vital role in promoting, marketing, regulating, and licensing tourism in Ghana. GTA is also the overseeing body for the Beyond the Return Secretariat. Beyond the Return is an initiative that seeks to deepen connections between Ghana and the global African diaspora, focusing on cultural, educational, economic, and social exchanges.

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Government Announces ‘Non-Pre-Approval’ Visa-on-Arrival for ‘December in GH’ 2023

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Government working through the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior and Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Ghana Tourism Authority has announced the scraping of the requirements for the “Pre-approved” visa on arrival regime for this year’s December In GH 2023 celebration.

By this, visitors traveling to the country will not be required to have “pre-approved” Visa-On-Arrival” before they are allowed to board flights into the country. Rather, visitors and travelers would just have be allowed to board flights and be issued Visa-On-Arrival at the airport upon their arrival at a fee of $150.

It will be recalled that a similar step was taken last year with Visa-On-Arrival being reduced to $75.

Below are the releases.

 

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‘Return Conversations: Role of Film and Music in Uniting Global Africans’ Event Held To Strengthens Ties between Ghana and the Diaspora

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Accra, Ghana – July 25, 2023 – The Ghana Tourism Authority as part of the Beyond the Return project has successfully hosted another edition of the ‘Return Conversations’ on July 25, 2023, at the Accra International Conference Centre. Themed ‘Role of Film and Music in Uniting Global Africans,’ the event brought together key stakeholders and luminaries from the music and film industries in Ghana and the United States, sparking thought-provoking discussions and fostering unity and interconnectedness among Global Africans.

 

 

The event featured captivating panel discussions, expertly facilitated by industry leaders and engaging speakers. The conversations delved into the ways in which film and music play a pivotal role in unifying Global Africans and fostering mutual growth and prosperity.  This year hip-hop artist Ludacris came to Ghana and worked with local artists including Sarkodie to produce new music.  Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa and Popcaan have all worked with local Ghanaian artists to make music that shines a spotlight on our local talents.

 

 

Most recently the film ‘Coming to Africa: Welcome to Ghana’ opened at Silverbird in Accra and Kumasi.  One of the panelists, PY Addo-Boateng, was a producer and actor in the movie.  The film was an example of the fruits of collaborative efforts between the diaspora and Ghanaians in the film industry.  

The event showcased an exceptional lineup of speakers, each making significant contributions to their respective fields. 

 

 

 

Speakers included:

  • Jason Carter: CEO, ONE Music Festival. He is a visionary leader with over 20 years of lifestyle marketing and business start-up experience. Carter is the founder of the One Music Festival and is renowned for fostering collaboration and cultural exchange between artists worldwide.
  • Jasmine Young: Director, Warner Music, and Blavatnik Center for Music Business – An influential figure in the music industry, advocating for artists’ rights and innovative music strategies.
  • Trigmatic: Renowned Musician and supporter of arts and culture. The celebrated Ghanaian musician uses his music as a powerful tool to address social issues.
  • Rocky Dawuni: Multiple Grammy-nominated artist and philanthropist. Dawuni, a critically acclaimed Ghanaian music icon, consistently advocates for the betterment of society and addresses environmental and social causes through the power of music.
  • PY Addo-Boateng: Music Executive, Film Producer, Actor, and Event Producer. A multifaceted creative force contributing significantly to the entertainment industry in Africa.
  • Robert Hardy: Film and TV Director, Film Producer, and Screenwriter. A seasoned professional with an impressive body of work in the film industry.
  • Juliet Ibrahim: Multiple award-winning Actress, Film Producer, Author, and Entrepreneur. A talented artist with notable contributions to the film and entertainment industry in both Ghana and Nigeria.
  • Ama K. Abebrese: Award-winning Actress, TV Presenter, and Producer. An accomplished performer and television personality with a passion for storytelling.
  • Socrate Safo: Director, Filmmaker, and Director for Creative Arts at the National Commission on Culture. A prominent figure in Ghana’s film industry, advocating for the development of creative arts.
  • AJ Johnson: Veteran Actress, TV Producer, Life Coach, and Philanthropist. Widely recognized for her roles in the movies ‘House Party’ and ‘Baby Boy’, Johnson is a multifaceted personality dedicated to empowering others and making a positive impact. Her passion for bridging the gap between Ghana and the diaspora is unwavering.

 

With so many platforms around the world expressing more interest in African content, the time is now for Ghana to work towards building an industry that can make a global impact. Partnering with the diaspora is one of the ways to develop and increase our reach to audiences. “I see the potential for greatness in our music and film industries,”  said Annabelle McKenzie, Director of the Beyond the Return Secretariat. “The diaspora and Ghanaians can come together to tell some of the great stories from Africans and African Americans. Although we have some cultural differences due to being on different continents, we have so much more in common than we realize. This makes for great potential when it comes to storytelling in a unique way.”

 

 

” The Return Conversations is a gathering of minds where we embark on a journey to Bridge the gap. In a world that often divides is, this platform has opened up opportunities for us to use story-telling and the universal language of Music to unite us and celebrate our rich heritage” , said Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA). 

The event was a success as stakeholders in the film and music industry were in attendance including young up and coming artists who were there to network and learn from seasoned professionals. The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture was the special guest. Other attendees included Juliet Asante, CEO of the National Film Authority , Seth Adjei Baah , Board chair of GTA.

 

Beyond the Return Campaign – A Decade of African Renaissance

The event was part of Beyond the Return’s continued efforts since 2020 to connect with the diaspora community in the arts and business. The Beyond the Return campaign is a 10-year initiative with the theme, ‘A decade of African Renaissance.’ It operates under the Ghana Tourism Authority and is the follow-up to the successful Year of Return campaign in 2019, which witnessed an overwhelming response from the global African diaspora to come back to Ghana. The purpose of such events is to find ways to work together towards a common goal of building stronger connections in business, film, music, and entertainment overall. The talents in Ghana and the diaspora have the power to come together and create something great, and it all begins with dialogues where collective goals and visions can be forged.

For more information on the Beyond the Return campaign, please visit the website: www.beyondthereturngh.com.

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Campaign To Promote Domestic Tourism Tours Central & Western Regions

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The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) as part of its ‘Experience Ghana, Share Ghana’ campaign has visited Kakum National Park, Cape Coast Castle, and Elmina Castle in the Central Region, and Nzulezu, Bisa Aberwa Museum, and Ankasa Resource Reserve in the Western Region.

The move by the GTA is to encourage domestic tourism in the country and market both popular and unfamiliar tourist sites domestically and internationally.

Speaking on why Ghanaians need to visit castles and forts in Ghana, Robert Morgan Mensah, Head of Education at the Castle, said it is important to learn about Ghanaian history and to honour the memories of those who suffered during the slave trade.

“It is fascinating to learn about the different powers that occupied and fought over the same piece of land over the centuries. The dungeons, governor’s residence, tunnels, and other areas give visitors a glimpse into the harsh realities of the transatlantic slave trade. It is again significant to know the symbolism of the Door of No Return and the Door of Return and the role the castle played in the propagation of Christianity in Ghana”.

Benjamin Amoah, a tour guide trainee at Elmina Castle, also noted that visiting the castle offers a chance to appreciate the architecture and craftsmanship that have survived for over five centuries.

At Kakum National Park, Mr. Samuel Dunkwa, Assistant Wildlife Officer with the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission of Ghana, revealed that the park has a gift shop where visitors can purchase locally made clothes, jewelry and artifacts.

“Currently, Kakum National Park has diverse plant and animal species, with more than 100 mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, such as the canopy walkway, nature walks, treehouse camping, and watching butterflies. There are also recreational facilities like a children’s park and an amusement park where visitors can host small programs. The park has restaurants that serve delicious local food and a gift shop where visitors can purchase locally made cabins, clothes, and artifacts. The waiting area is also well-furnished and equipped with movies of animals in their natural habitat”.

On his part, Sam Isaac, Tourism Officer in-charge of Ankasa Reserves Area, said that the Ankasa National Park offers visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of Ghana’s nature and unique wildlife. “The park is easily accessible by road and can be visited as a day trip or as part of a longer trip to the Western Region. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers, bird watchers, and anyone interested in exploring Ghana’s rich nature”.

The team further visited Nzulezu, a community noted for its distinctive architecture, with houses built on stilts above the water. The community is also known for its traditional fishing practices. It has its own school, church, and clinic, and residents rely on the lake for transportation, food, and water.

Finally, the team made a stop at the Bisa Abrewa Museum, a private Pan-African Museum that showcases the rich history and culture of Africa and Africans in the diaspora. It features over 200 artifacts, including statues, arts, pictures, and vessels made of gold, bronze, and brass, some of which are 400 years old.

The Domestic Tourism campaign is under the Ghana Tourism Development Project (GTDP) being undertaken under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

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