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BEYOND THE RETURN’ TO HOLD MASTERCLASS ON ‘THE BUSINESS OF MUSIC’
ACCRA, GHANA – 21ST November 2020 –
‘The Return Conversations,’ a pivotal part of the ‘Beyond The Return’ project, bridges the gap between the global African diaspora and Ghanaians thorough a series of dynamic and impactful panel discussions. On the 24th November, at 4PM GMT, a Masterclass is set to take place under the theme, ‘The Business of Music; Finding Innovative Ways to Market Ghanaian Music to the Rest of the World.’ The Masterclass will feature panelists in the music and creative arts industries from the USA and Ghana.
The panel will be moderated by Lydia Forson, an Actress and Frank Owusu, the Head of Operations for the Creative Arts Council. The Masterclass will focus on key areas in the music industry such as marketing, finance, technological advancements, new channels for distribution & sales, networking, and new trends.
“Bringing together music industry and creative arts professionals from Ghana and the USA will be instrumental in building relationships between continental Africans and the diaspora,” said Annabelle McKenzie, Manager of the ‘Beyond the Return’ Secretariat.
The program is being coordinated by the Ghana Tourism Authority and the ‘Beyond The Return’ Secretariat in conjunction with the Creative Arts Council and TheBridgeZone. According to Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority and Coordinator of the ‘Beyond the Return’ project, “Forging collaborations between Ghanaians and the historical diasporas is a key objective of ‘Beyond The Return.’ After a successful first edition of the ‘Return Conversations’ Masterclass, we will continue to foster collaborations between Ghanaians and the global diaspora in the music industry.’ C.E.O. of TheBridgeZone, Anthony Bart Appiah, says, “As the billion Dollar music industry undergoes changes due to the advent of streaming. This masterclass themed the business of music will help boost confidence within the Ghana creative industry. It will also begin the conversations in finding partnerships & collaborations between Ghanaians and the diaspora.”
Panelists include SONY Music President, Glyn Aikins, Music Producer, Trumpeter, Composer & Educator, Dontae Winslow, Composer, Guitarist & Producer, Vasti Jackson, Senior Integrated Media Specialist – Radio One USA, Coriya Burns, Award Winning DJ, Malcolm Xavier, and President, Creative Arts Council, Mark Okraku-Mantey.
The program will be broadcast worldwide on the social media channels for ‘Beyond the Return’ (@beyondthereturn), and Ghana Tourism Authority (@ghanatourismauthority), and locally on Hitz FM 103.9 and Y FM 107.9. For more information on this upcoming event, contact the ‘Beyond the Return’ Secretariat office by email at support@beyondthereturngh.com.
Tourism Minister Commissions Facilities At Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary
The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Barbara Oteng Gyasi has commissioned upgraded facilities at Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary in the Volta Region.
This is part of the Ghana Tourism Authority’s resolve to systematically enhance tourist sites across the country which isbeing funded by the Tourism Development Fund.
In her address, the Minister said, “the passage of the Tourism (Tourist Sites) Regulation 2019, LI 2393 has bolstered GTA’s desire to upgrade our tourist sites to enhance the overall quality of visitor experiences”.
Under this new law, it is mandatory for all tourist sites to be registered and licensed by GTA after satisfying the minimum requirements of functional governance structures, signage and public information, and public health and safety as specified in the law. This will transform the state of tourist sites and attractions in the country.
“Attractions are critical to the operationalization of tourism, because they provide the primary pull that draws visitors to a destination”. She added.
Mrs. Oteng Gyasi also said, plans have been laid to extend the site upgrade programme to cover the Slave Heritage Sites including Bono Manso, Salaga, Assin Praso, Assin Manso in the coming year. Also, GTA in collaboration with the Tema Development Corporation will undertake the upgrade of the Sakumono Beach into a model beach to expand the recreational options of residents in the Accra Tema area.
The Chief Executive Officer of GTA, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman said the Authority has a mandate to Market and Promote Tourism in Ghana.
“The Ghana Tourism Authority is focused on developing the domestic market potential through product improvement and aggressive market promotion. Thankfully, we can count on partners like the Tafi Atome community. Our partnership with the community is out of the vision to improve tourism products along the length and breadth of the country” he said.
Akwasi Agyeman added that further upgrades have been planned in the coming months “as we refocus attention on Domestic Tourism”. He also expressed how pleased the GTA is with the support they have received from the District Chief Executive of the Afadjato South District Assembly, Hon. James Etornam Flolu and the Chiefs and people of Tafi Atome.
Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, Volta Regional Minister, congratulated the Assembly for the enormous effort put into the upgrading of the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary. He again expressed his profound gratitude to GTA and the Ministry of Tourism for the thoughtful project that is aimed at harnessing the tourism and business potentials of the Afadzato South District and other sites in the region.
The Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary covers an area of 387sq km and is home to the True Mona and Patas Monkeys which have inhabited these forests over the past 600 years.
The Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary and Cultural Village project include the following facilities;
- A new Tourist Receptive Facility
- A modern 7-Seater Washroom (Toilet)
- Three (3) Visitor Rest Pavilions
- Wire Mesh and Bamboo fencing of the perimeter and,
- Paved grounds, Car Park, as well as, painting of existing structures.
By: Corpoate Affairs Dept.
Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Hosts First Diaspora Breakfast Meeting With ‘Beyond the Return’
The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and the ‘Beyond the Return’ Secretariat collaborated on the first ever Diaspora Business Breakfast Meeting which was held on Tuesday November 17, 2020. The event took place at the Marriott Hotel in Accra. The meeting was an official ‘Beyond the Return’ event which carefully aligns with one of the pillars for the campaign called, Invest in Ghana.
After the ‘Year of Return’ many diasporans wanted to explore business and investment opportunities in Ghana. Under the Invest in Ghana pillar for ‘Beyond the Return’, a committee has been formed that is chaired by GIPC with a goal to create programs and opportunities to support the diaspora in their journey towards investing in Ghana.
The event’s theme was ‘Creating Connections- Building Ghana, Together’ and was an opportunity to network and engage with the diaspora community. Speakers included, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta, CEO GIPC, Yofi Grant, Director of Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President, and Co-Chair of ‘Beyond the Return’ Steering Committee, Akwasi Awuah Ababio, Co-Chair for the ‘Beyond the Return’ Steering Committee, Kwame Acheampong Boateng Esq. and CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority and Coordinator for ‘Beyond the Return’, Akwasi Agyeman.
Director of Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President, Akwasi Awuah Ababio, addressed the attendees about the ‘Right of Abode’ and citizenship, stating that there to plans in place to work on those concerns. He also spoke on making provisions for the diaspora who are looking to relocate and resettle in Ghana. CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre highlighted important areas of business opportunities for the diaspora while speaking on the importance of taking advantage of our strengths and resources. “We can’t have a continent that is wealthy and yet our people are poor,” he said. “We must all do our bit to transform our nation.”
Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway was the Keynote Speaker and shared her experience about moving back to Ghana in 1993 when there was no structure in place to support returnees. She commended the collaborative effort between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, GIPC, Ghana Tourism Authority, the Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President and the Beyond the Return Secretariat. “There’s never been a time in the history of this country where you see so much interest and enthusiasm on the part of the diaspora who are willing to contribute their skills, technical know-how, and capital in support of government transformation agenda,” she said.
The Panel Discussion was moderated by Jerry Adjorlolo and featured Diasporans who shared their experiences and advice when moving to Ghana. They were, Head of Information and Public Affairs Embassy of Ghana USA, Kofi Tonto, Real Estate Developer; Ayi Mensah Park, Kofi Anku, CEO of GUBA Enterprise, Dentaa Amoateng, and Senior Social Protection Specialist, World Bank Group; Founder of Ahaspora, Christabel Dadzie.
In closing the event, Akwasi Agyeman said that we need to tell our story and it starts from us. “We need to open our arms to our brothers and sisters out there, it’s a collaborative effort,” he said. “We’re not just talking about the Ghanaian diaspora, we’re talking about the historical diaspora as well,” he said.
2020 Ghana Arts and Culture Awards Held
The 2020 Ghana Arts and Culture Awards came off on Saturday 14 November 2020 at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra. The Ghana Arts and Culture Awards seeks to reward individuals and brands excelling within the Arts and Culture industry in Ghana. The event was in partnership with the National Commission on Culture, Ghana Tourism Authority, National Folklore Board and Tourism Society of Ghana under the auspices of Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. The event was also sponsored by American Cola, Verna Mineral Water, Ceejay Multimedia and the Ghana Tourism Authority.
In all, there were 26 categories for various awards on the night.
Check the full list of winners below;
Lifetime Achievement Award
• Dr. Daniel Amponsah (Agya Koo Nimo)
Honorary Award
• Ama Ata Aidoo
Honorary Award
• Akosua Adjepong
Special Award
• Ali Ajami (Marketing Manager Twellium Industrial Company)
• Mercy Asiedu Agyemang Duah
• Mohammed Adjei Sowah (Mayor of Accra)
Outstanding Cultural Personality of the year
• Nana Krobea Asante Kwahu Mpraeso Adontenhene
Cultural Heritage Entrepreneur of the year
• Afua Krobea Asante (Azmera)
Corporate Support for Arts and Culture
• Twellium Industrial Company
Traditional Music Group of the year
• African Music and Dance Foundation
Traditional Dance Group of the year
• Akuma Dance Ensemble
Cultural Television Programme of the year
• Amammere – Royal TV
Cultural Radio Programme of the year
• Eleafe Le Gbe (Volta Star Radio)
Ghanaian Visual Artist of the year
• Mohammed Awudu
Ghanaian movie of the year
• Love and Tradition
Ghanaian Fashion Designer of the year
• Chapters Couture
Ghanaian Artiste of the year
• Ssue
Spoken Word Artist of the year
• Torgbui Olokodzoko
Art Festival Event of the year
• Wormane Festival
Indigenous Caterer of the year
• Dima3nsa Restaurant
Discovery of the year
• Nathaniel Amewugah
Arts and Culture Media of the year Television
• TV Africa
Arts and Culture Media of the year Photography
• Clickseezy Photography
Arts and Culture Media of the year Blog
• Si Hene
Arts and Culture Media of the year Radio
• Adom FM
Outstanding Theatre Performance of the year
• Accra We Dey
The night also witnessed energizing cultural dance and music performances from Sherifa Gunu, Baka Dabri, Akuma Dance Ensemble, Shidaa Cultural troup and African Dance and Music Foundation. The Mayor of Accra, Mohammed Adjei Sowah, Executive Director of National Commission on Culture Mrs Janet Edna Nyame, Chief Servant of Mesukkah Organization Ministry International, Prophetess Mercy Coffie CEO of Aunty Aku systems, Deputy Corporate Affairs Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi ,Bessa Simons Ag. President MUSIGA, Mrs Brandina Djaba Wear Ghana Ambassador, Director for Centre for National Culture Greater Accra.
Beyond the Return Edition of the 5th Annual Anwamoo Festival
The fifth edition of the Anwamoo Festival was on Sunday 15th November at Eat Rite Joint in Dome, Pillar 2 in Accra. This year’s edition was an official ‘Beyond the Return’ event that perfectly aligns with the ‘Celebrate Ghana’ pillar. It was a full day celebrating good food, music and great vibes.
The festival attracted over 1000 people and was created to bring people together and encourage healthy networking especially among social media personalities and the youth to promote development. Afua Foriwaa Boafoah is the Founder of this event and she said that the team is considering expanding the event into other regions of Ghana. She said that up until now the event has always been in the Greater Accra Region and feels an experience in another region would be great.
Maame Broni, the Media Liaison Officer of the event, said the turnout was spectacular. It was a big surprise because she said the team feared the current Covid-19 pandemic would hinder people from coming to participate in the festival. Nana Akua Abu Bonrah, was tasked to be the protocol officer and did the necessary things to follow Covid-19 protocols including spacing the seating, tables and providing hand sanitizer to all the patrons.
The Anwamoo Festival was a family-friendly event and all attendees were treated to free food and drinks all day. A cooking competition between four men provided entertainment for everyone as the DJ played music throughout the day into the evening.
The men who competed in the cooking competition had a wonderful time dancing while cooking and being cheered on by their friends and family. In the end Ebenezer Acheampong of Kwabenya, of Soccabet emerged the winner and received a number of prizes from the event’s sponsors. Kojo Shugga, who was second place danced all through the competition. Nothing kept his spirits down through the entire day. Opoku Mastero from Xcape was third place and Kwabena Sasu of Sukura placed in fourth.
CEO of GTA, Akwasi Agyeman adjudged CIMG Marketing Man of The Year
It was excellent awards night at the 31st Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIMG) National Marketing Performance Awards as corporate entities and individuals who excelled at their respective businesses and marketing roles have were awarded. CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority was adjudged the marketing man of the Year 2019 for his sterling performance in making Ghana the tourism destination of choice in Africa with the sucessful Year of Return campaign.
This years CIMG wards was held at the Labadi Beach Hotel on Saturday, November 14, 2020.
Some other tourism industry players who won awards on the night include, Sunseekers Tours for the hospitality support service.
Labadi Beach Hotel was also adjudged Hospitality facility (Hotel) of the year 2019.
Indigenous Catering Facility of the year 2019 went to Bush Canteen, East Legon.
Below is the list of award winners:
Marketing Man of the Year – Akwasi Agyeman, CEO Ghana Tourism Authority
Marketing Woman of the Year – Patience Akyianu, Group CEO, Hollard, Ghana
Marketing Practitioner of the Year – Edwin Amoako, Marketing Manager of Fanmilk
Marketing Student of the Year – Regina Manu
Hall of Fame – Elite Category (over 10 years)
Motor firm – Toyota
Retail outlet – Melcom
Hall of fame (Below 10 years)
Insurance company (Gen) – Vanguard Assurance and Enterprise Insurance
Insurance Company (Life) – SIC Life
Motor Firm – Japan Motors
Bank – Ecobank
Petroleum – Goil
Airline (Domestic) – Africa World Airlines
Media
ATL Commercial – Vodafone Too Much Data
BTL Commercial – Vodafone Gigabit Net 4G
New Media Commercial – MyJoyOnline.com
TV Programme – Vodafone Healthline
Radio Programme – Joy FM Super Morning Show
Business
Insurance company (Life) – Prudential Life
Insurance company (General) – Hollard Insurance
Hospitality facility (Hotel) – Labadi Beach Hotel
Hospitality (Allied & Support Services) – Sunseekers Tours Limited
Petroleum company – Total
Real Estate – Lakeside Estate
Private Health Facility – Lister Hospital
Postal and Courier Service (Domestic) – Not awarded based on merit
Postal and Courier Service (International) – Not awarded based on merit
Corporate Pension Trust – Enterprise Trustees
Media Organisation – The Multimedia Group Limited
Motor Firm – Silver Star Auto Limited
Bank – Stanbic Bank
Rural Bank – Atwima Kwanwoma Rural Bank
Finance House – Profin Ghana
Savings and Loans Company of the Year – Opportunity Int Savings & Loans
Indigenous Catering Facility – Bush Canteen
Telecom Company – MTN
Telecoms (Allied & Support Services) – Not Awarded
Internet Service Providers – Internet Solutions
Marketing-Oriented Organisation – MTN
Airline of the Year (Domestic) – Not awarded on merit
Airline of the Year (International) – Ethiopian Air
Manufacturing Company – Polytank Ghana Limited
Afro-based Company – RMG Ghana
Digital Media – MyJoyOnline.com
Retail Outlet – Electromart
Micro-finance – Not awarded based on merit
E-commerce – Jumia
Not-for-profit Organisation – Invest in Africa
Product
Manufacturing – Fan Yogo
Service – Hollard Araba Chatbot
Emerging Brand – Transitions
CIMG President’s Special Award
Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II – Asantehene
Gexim Bank’s Tuesday Market
PRESS RELEASE – 2020 December In Ghana Events
The ‘Beyond the Return’ Secretariat is excited to release the official events schedule for November and December 2020. The events have been chosen after a careful review to include cultural events, festivals, performances, entertainment, business, and educational activities that amplify the pillars of ‘Beyond the Return’. DecemberInGH will be an exciting time filled with events and festivals that will create memorable experiences for Ghanaians and diasporans to See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana, and Feel Ghana.
The Ghana Tourism Authority, coordinators of the ten- year project and the ‘Beyond The Return’ secretariat will work closely with event organizers to ensure that COVID-19 protocols are followed. “It’s been a challenging year for everyone so it’s great to have something to look forward to,” said Annabelle McKenzie, Manager of the ‘Beyond The Return’ Secretariat. “We’re pleased to announce the schedule of events because many Ghanaians and Diasporans have already been asking about the DecemberInGH activities.”
Proposals for November and December events are still being accepted. Event organizers are encouraged to submit proposals for events in all regions and not only focus on the Greater Accra Region. Proposals can be submitted on the website at www.beyondthereturngh.com.
‘Beyond the Return’ is a ten-year project with a theme of ‘A Decade of African Renaissance.’ The project is the follow up to last year’s successful ‘Year of Return, Ghana 2019’ campaign. During the ‘Year of Return,’ Ghanaians and Diasporans attended cultural & entertainment events, participated in community service projects, and contributed to the economic advancement of Ghana.
More information about ‘Beyond The Return’ and the official calendar can be viewed on the web at www.beyondthereturngh.com and www.visitghana.com.
Kempinski, Azmera, Land Tours & Tang Palace retain titles at National Tourism Award
November 6, 2020, Accra
Several tourism industry players were awarded at the 13th National Tourism Awards held on Friday November 6, 2020 at the National Theatre.
It was a night that celebrated personaliites who have contributed to or excelled in the tourism industry in the year 2019.
This year’s celebration which was under the theme: ‘Growing Tourism Beyond The Return, COVID-19’, saw several awardees and individual from across the country troup to the National Theatre in their beautiful Ghanaian apperals.
Kempinski Hotel (Gold Coast City) emerged the 2019 5-Star Hotel of the Year for the 2nd year running while Tang Palace Hotel also emerged the 4-Star Hotel of the year also for the second consecutive year.
The National Theatre the venue for the event was replete in depiction of various tourism products in the country. The entrance was set to depict the entrance of the famouns Larabanga Mosque. Within the foyer of the National Theatre was a miniature walkway depicting the Kakum canopy walkway. There were crocodiles also depicting the Paga Crocodile pond and Hans cottage friendly crocodiles.
Serving as backdrop backdrop for the beautiful performances and presentations was a presentation of the Kwame Nkrumah memorial park which to complete the warm and welcoming tourism environment of the night.
The event was chaired by Daasebre Anyimadu Katamanto II, Kwabenghene / Okyeman Gyaasehene who called for the re-introduction of local foods like Apapransa in the menu of restaurants and hotel sto boost domestic tourism.
Hon. Akosua Frema Osei opare, Chief of Staff who was the Guest of honour and keynote speaker lauded the efforts of the tourism Ministry and the Ghana Tourism Authority in the fight agaist corona and efforts to revive the industry. She pledged governments continuous effort to support the industry.
Addressing the audience the sector Minister outlined the several steps taken by the Ministry to suopport the tourism industry which was most hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. She expressed hope of the sector bouncing back due to its great potential and capability in revitalising economic growth in Ghana.
On his part, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), organisers of the event, urged industry players to join GTA to pull resources together to help revampt and develop the industry beyond COVID-19.
Culture, warmth and rhythm was at play all night and was lazed with beautiful stage performances by Foster Romanos, a Comedian and the reggae dance hall king Samini who treated the audience to great dance tunes from his repertoire.
Popular communication experts and media personality George Quaye, more popularly known as Aboagye of Taxi Driver fame was the MC for the day.
Below is a full list of awards winners
Accommodation
5-Star – Kempinski Hotel (Gold Coast City) – Accra
4 Star – Tang Palace Hotel – Accra
3 Star – Aqua Safari Resort – Ada
2 Star – Grace Garden Hotel – Takoradi
1 Star – Asantewaa Premier Hotel – Fumesua, Kumasi
Guest House – West Wing Guest House – Spintex
Budget Hotel – Almond Tree Guest House – Elmina
Serviced Apartments – Red Mango – Takoradi
Hostel – Banvillas Hostel – Kentinkrono
Food & Beverage
Restaurant Grade 1 – Azmera Restaurant – Roman Ridge
Restaurant Grade 2 – Buka Restaurant – Osu
Restaurant Grade 3 – Hot Ernesto Restaurant – Takoradi
Fast Food – Papaye – Spintex Road
Airline Catering Services – Servair – Airport – Accra
Drinking Bar – Treasures Pub – Haatso
Traditional Catering – Agbenorxevi Chop Bar – Ho
Night Club/Pub – Crescendo Lounge & Pub – Labone
Travel Trade
Tour Operator – Land Tours – Accra
Travel Agent – Satguru Travels – Osu
Car Rentals – Atlas Rent – A – Car, Dansoman
Airline Of The Year – Air France – Klm
Site Guide – Robert Morgan Mensah, Cape Coast Castle
Tour Guide – Yao Dzide Freelance, Accra
Visitor Attraction – Cape Coast Castle, Cape Coast
Tourism Writer Of The Year – Samuel Obeng-Appah, Voyage Afriq
Tourism Broadcast Programme – UTV Heritage Ghana, United Television
Tourism Oriented Media
Television – TV3
Radio – Okay Fm
Print – The Mirror
Online – Voyage Afriq
Consistent Payment Of Tourism Levy – Accommodation
White Sands Beach Resort & Spa – Gomoa Fetteh – Winner
Consistent Payment Of Tourism Levy – Food & Beverage
Moti Mahal Restaurant – Asokwa – Winner
Honorary Awards
- Osabarima Kwesi Atta Ii Parmount Chief, Oguaa Traditional Area.
- Nana Kodwo Kondua Vi Parmount Chief, Edina Traditional Area.
- Kofi Akpabli – Tourism / Travel Writer.
- Hon. Mohammed Adjei Sowah Mayor Of Accra.
- Miss Delphine Brew- Hammond(Miss Tourism Ghana)
- Sunseekers Travel & Tours
- The Adinkra, Washington Dc
- Panafest Foundation – Cape Coast
- Diaspora Affairs, Office Of The President
- Media Majique And Research System, Accra
- Kids In Tourism
Third Edition of Worlafest Officially Endorsed by ‘Beyond the Return’
Worlafest is a festival of arts and music that was created by Ghana’s renowned musician, Worlasi. This year’s event is the third edition and takes place on Saturday 7th November 2020 at Alliance Française. This time it’s an officially endorsed ‘Beyond the Return’ event and promises to take you on a journey through art and music.
During the day, the festival will host an art exhibition from 2pm-5pm that features a selection of artists curated to represent the various talents in Ghana. Artists in the exhibition include, Abena Oyiwaa Art, Joblek, Sara Black, NiiOdai, James Mishio, Lawrence Torto, and Teloe.
Worlasi himself is also a painter and animator who wants to elevate the work of local talent through this event. His creative inspirations come through life experiences and observing the world around him then translating it into his music and art. Worlasi will be performing some of his new music during the concert which is slated for 7pm-10pm.
Tickets for the event are 100 GHS to attend in-person. Purchase your tickets online at www.ayatickets.com. If you can’t make it to the event, you can also purchase tickets for 30 GHS by going to www.worlafest.com and watch online from the comfort of your home.
Follow Worlafest on Instagram @worlafest for updates and more information on artist performances at the event.
‘Beyond the Return’ – Health & Wellness With Self-Care Sunday
Make your health and wellness a priority this weekend at ‘Self-Care Sunday’, a ‘Beyond the Return’ endorsed event with a focus on taking care of yourself through activities that promise to improve your body, mind and spirit. ‘Self-Care Sunday’ takes place on 8th November at the Rehab Beach Club from 10am-5pm. Araba Babs Ofori-Acquah, is a Certified Well-Being Coach, and the Founder of Self-Care Sunday.
Miss Ofori-Acquah said the idea for Self-Care Sunday came to her in a flash of divine inspiration. “Wellness is something that has been commodified and made exclusive in many ways,” she said. “With gyms and fitness studios charging high prices. There are many ways to be well, but people are missing out either due to high costs, stigma associated with activities such as yoga, or lack of education around different ways that we can look after ourselves.”
Taking care of ourselves is something that’s often ignored in the daily hustle and bustle of our lives. For most of us, we wake up, go to work, school, attend events, participate in activities, take care of children, family members and so much more. Your days are so packed with doing things for everyone else, that you ignore your own needs. This event aims to shift our thinking and prioritize healthy living through fun activities.
The event includes high speed fitness, afrobeats yoga, high intensity interval training, twerk fitness, a Zen Zone by the beach, and a wellness market. An important element at the event will be the Conscious Conversations which includes important talks and workshops including men’s mental health, diet and nutrition, benefits of waist beads and more.
Self-Care Sunday is unlike any other ‘Beyond the Return’ event and Ofori-Acquah says that “Health and wellness is key to Ghana’s prosperity, and is an important consideration for any diasporans making the return home.” Her goal is for her event to act as a wellness sanctuary for all Ghanainas, returnees and diasporans. “I believe we’ll create a high energy, positive atmosphere that will help people feel at ease.”
The event aims to educate people on practicing self-care in an open, inclusive environment at a reasonable cost. Tickets to the event are 150 GHS and can be purchased by registering online using this link: bit.ly/SCSnov. Information about the event is also available through Whatsapp on 0596041984.