As part of preparations for its 50th Anniversary celebrations, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) organized a draw for industry fun games set to take place on Saturday, August 19.
The draw, which was held on August 17th at the Obetsebi Hall, saw all the representatives from all participating teams.
Under the theme “Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism Development 50 years and Beyond,” the Anniversary festivities promise a blend of retrospection, camaraderie, and spirited competition.
This event will take place on the Ridge Church School Astroturf, adjacent the George Padmore Library.
Deputy Chief Executive of the GTA, Ben Anane Nsiah, emphasized the significance of the upcoming activities, stating, “Our engagement on Saturday is part of a series of events planned to mark the 50th anniversary of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).”
Mr. Anane recounted the organization’s evolution from its origins as the Ghana Tourist Control Board to becoming the Ghana Tourist Board, and finally adopting the GTA moniker in November 1973. “Fifty years is indeed a substantial span to celebrate alongside our esteemed partners and collaborators who have been instrumental in our journey,” Anane added.
With a lineup comprising agencies from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, as well as private sector operators, the industry fun games will be a highlight of the commemorative festivities. A plethora of esteemed organizations, including the Ghana Tourism Development Company, Ghana Museum and Monument Board, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, and the National Theatre of Ghana, among others, will partake in the celebratory games.
The games have been divided into competitive and noncompetitive categories to cater to varying interests.
Enthusiasts of competitive sports can anticipate engaging in soccer, table tennis, tug of war, lime and spoon races, sack races, scrabble matches, and a 50-meter dash. On the other hand, the noncompetitive category boasts engaging pastimes like ludu, playing cards, bottle flipping, eating contests, ampe, musical chairs, oware, drafts, playing cards, and jenga.
The soccer matches, a pinnacle of the event, will feature six teams: GTA, MOTAC, NCC, TOUGHA/TORGAG, GHA/GHAPROHA, and TOSOGHA.
Following the draw, which determined the match-ups, the initial clash will witness GTA compete against GHA, followed by a face-off between Car Rentals Association and GHA, and a showdown between TORGAG and MOTAC. The soccer games will be played with seven players on each side, and each half will span 15 minutes.
Beyond the competitive spirit, the industry fun games strive to fortify the bonds of partnership, collaboration, and wholesome rivalry among sister agencies and private sector operators. As the commemorative events persist, the GTA remains dedicated to advancing sustainable and inclusive tourism development well into the future.