The Accra International Conference Center on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, by efforts of the Ghana Tourism Authority, was adorned with lights and the uplifting echoes of indigenous African music, to set the right atmosphere for the honorary edition of the National Tourism Awards 2023.
The honorary edition of the National Tourism Awards is an award scheme which is set to reward a carefully selected number of industry stakeholders for their hard work and unwavering passion in making Ghana a globally preferred tourism destination.
The event commenced with a sentimental music rendition by Ghanaian singer,Naa Amanua. Thrilled guests sang along with immeasurable elation to the back to back performances of Ghanaian classics.
Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority; Akwasi Agyeman touted the august occasion as a time to celebrate all who have made investments through time, energy and innovative ideas as contributions to the development of Tourism in Ghana. “The Honorary Tourism Awards serve as a testament to our commitment to excellence in the tourism sector . Tonight, we recognize the exemplary individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond to elevate Ghana’s tourism industry. Through their unwavering passion, dedication and innovation, they have not only contributed to the economic growth of our nation but also elevated the tourism experience visitors from all corners of the globe.”
Guest Speaker for the occasion, Neenyi Ghartey VII acknowledged stakeholders and members of the Ghana Tourism Authority, for all efforts made to honor dedicated men and women within the tourism sector. He noted that the tourism sector also thrives on the contributions made by the private sector in various ways.
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. Mohammed Ibrahim Awal, also commended all staff of the Ghana Tourism Authority for giving the outside world an eye opener and making Ghana the number one preferred destination especially during the festive season. He believed that the efforts made by GTA have sparked the interests of citizens nationwide to invest in domestic tourism, which in hand has created domestic revenue generators. “Today is a very wonderful day for Ghana and Africa as we celebrate and honor individuals who have continually made efforts for the past one year. There is still work to be done; we are not done but we must honor these people to encourage them and motivate them to do more. Ghana has become the number one tourism destination globally and I congratulate and appreciate all stakeholders and GTA staff for hard work done.”
Below is the full list of awardees.
Best Tour Guide – Mr. Kwaku Passah
Tourism Innovation and Technology – Mr. Samuel Afari
Tourist Attraction Site Development – Mr. Kwame Akoto-Bamfo
Contribution To Tourism Development – Mr. Frank Apeagyei
Contribution To Tourism Development – Mr. Eric Johnson
Academia-Contribution to Tourism Development – University of Cape Coast (Dept. of Hospitality And Tourism Management)
Trade Associations- Contirbution To Tourism Development – TOUGHA
Traditional Ruler – Contribution To Tourism Development – Naa Sintaro Iddrisu Mahama
Regional Initiative – Contribution To Tourism Development – Hon. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah
Tourism Development – Mr. Samir Kalmoni
Tourism And Cultural Development – Okatakyie Nana Anim
Tourism And Cultural Development – Nana Ama Serwaa Bonsu
Artistic Support to the Tourism Industry – Okyeame Kwame
Artistic Support to the Tourism Industry – Ibrahim Mahama
Social Media Marketing – Online Media Presence – Wode Maya
Active Promotion Of Tourism – Mr. Kojo Bentum
Tourism Promotion – Enimil Ashon
Tourism Promotion – Mr. Lucas Candid Mensah
Dedication to Long Service – Mr. Nkunu Akyea
Dedication To Long Service – Mr Kwaku Darkoa
Tourism Investment – Mr. Frank Nana Buah
Tourism Investment – Nana (Dr.) Adu – Sarkodee Afryie
Tourism Investment – Mr. Zibrim Yamusah
Tourism Investment – Hon. Bryan Acheampong
Life Time Award – Contribution To Tourism Development – Mr. Kwame Ofosu Bamfo
Other special guests who graced this wonderful event were, Board Chairman of Ghana Tourism Authority ;Mr. Seth Adjei-Baah, Chief Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture; Mr. John Yao Agbeko, Vice President of the Ghana Tourism Federation; Dr. Kwesi Eyison, Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority (Ada); Mr. George Nkrumah Ansere, Head of Corporate Affairs for the Ghana Tourism Authority; Rev. Jones Haruna Nelson and Deputy Head of Corporate Affairs; Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi, President of the Ghana Progressive Hotels Association, Rev. Gyeeda Asandoh, President of the Ghana Hotels Association, Dr. Edward Ackah – Nyamike Junior, Miss Tourism Ghana Beauty Queens and Miss International Africa with Chaperon, and Directors and Staff of the Ghana Tourism Authority.
The night saw special appearances made by Kaakyire Kwame Appiah, Samini and Andy Dosty which got all guests on the dance floor jamming to some old time Ghanaian classics.
The Honorary Edition of the Ghana Tourism Awards, themed, ‘Celebrating 50 years of Ghana’s Tourism Excellence’ doubled as the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Ghana Tourism Authority. Formerly known as Ghana Tourism Board, the Ghana Tourism Authority proudly marked 50 years of gradually changing the narrative regarding Tourism in Ghana and climbs it’s way up to becoming a globally recognized epitome of the Ghanaian heritage and rich African Culture.