The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) celebrated its 50th-anniversary milestone with a grand awards dinner held at the Accra International Conference Center (AICC).
The ceremony, attended by esteemed guests, recognized the outstanding contributions of staff, boards of directors, and pioneers who have dedicated themselves to advancing the nation’s tourism industry.
Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Industry, expressed that the event marked a historic moment in the Ghana Tourism Authority’s journey. The celebration aimed not only to commemorate five decades of achievements but also to promote Ghana’s rich culture, heritage, warm hospitality, and picturesque landscapes. He highlighted the positive impact of the leadership under the President, emphasizing the significant growth in both domestic and international tourism over the past year.
Agyeman announced the establishment of new tourist sites across various regions, including Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Nzulezu, Kintampo, Gusheku, among others. Ongoing infrastructure improvements at Paka, Salaka, Tanokoase, and more were also highlighted, showcasing the commitment to enhancing the overall tourist experience.
In a few weeks, a museum in Bonwiere is set to be commissioned, and the annual report has been published to provide essential data for the tourism industry’s growth and development.
President Nana Addo Dankwa, in attendance, commended the pivotal role played by GTA in promoting Ghana and fostering growth in the tourism sector. He reflected on the success of the “Year of Return” campaign, established in September 2019, as a significant milestone in bringing individuals of African descent back to their roots.
As the GTA commemorates its Golden Jubilee, President Dankwa encouraged staff and stakeholders to look forward to more years of unlocking the potential within Ghana’s tourism sector. He emphasized the immeasurable potential that lies ahead and urged continued commitment to sustainable tourism practices, innovation, and the preservation of cultural assets.
Mr. Mark Okraku Mantey, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, expressed gratitude for the achievements, emphasizing the importance of the Golden Jubilee as a reason to celebrate the ministry’s dedication to promoting tourism in Ghana.
The awards ceremony, presented in various categories, honored outstanding individuals from each department, region, and special recognitions for the longest-serving staff, CEO Special Award, Best Regional Office, and Best Performing Department.
In an interview, Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi, an award winner from the Corporate Affairs Department, expressed enthusiasm for the occasion, stating that it serves as a challenge to do more and a source of inspiration to elevate the tourism industry to unprecedented heights.
Best performing staff in each department presented by GTA Board Chair, Seth Adjei Baah
Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi – Corporate Affairs Department
Mary Agyan Mensah – Audit Department
Kamal Giwa – Human Resource Department
Ruth Bruce – Finance Department
Comfort Aniagyei – Standards and Quality Assurance Department
Sabina Gyabeah – Administration Department
Stanley Ansah – Research, Monitoring And Evaluation Department
Agartha Ofori Sampong – Marketing Department
Alexander Kofi Asiaw – Tourism Development Fund Department
Antoinnet Dela Melchisedec – Product Development and Investment Department
Doris Delong – Directorate Offices
Best performing Staff in Each Region, Driver of The Year Regional and Head Office presented by Chief Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, John Yao Agbeko
Shine Dela Gowonu – Greater Accra Region
Maxwell Odame – Eastern Regiom
Selorm Apkle Danku – Volta Region
Emmanuel Lawer – Central Region
Aaron K. Wogormebu – Western Region
James Ekow Arthur – Western- North Region
Gloria Acheampong – Ashanti Region
Philomena Owusua Fordjour – Bono Region
John Akamboi Adams – Bono East Region
Lawrence Jortuotey – Ahafo Region
Fuseini Abdul Rahim – North East Region
Frank Owusu Boakye – Northern Region
Joseph Azika – Upper East Region
Elizabeth Gbeele – Upper West Region
Paul Azoneere Akunaba – Savannah
Gifty Ofeibea Senanu – Tema
Frank Sefa – Oti Region
Driver of the Year(Head Office) – Dennis Tawiah
Driver of the Year (Region) – Dominic Forson
Longest Serving Staff , CEO special Award, Best Regional Office and Best Performing Department presented by Chief Executive Officer of GTA and Deputies: Akwasi Agyeman , Benjamin Anane Nsiah and Ekow Sampson
George Kampre – Longest Serving Staff
Philomena Baidoo, Collins Akwerh – CEO Special Award
Best Regional Office – Volta Regional Office
Best Performing Department – Research, Monitoring and Evaluation
