The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority(GTA), Akwasi Agyeman has revealed that Ghana has become a globally noted country for exhibition of rich African culture and the celebration of Pan-Africanism.
Speaking at the launch of ‘December in GH’ first batch of listed events for 2023, held at the Accra Tourism Information Centre, he noted that this year marks the fifth in succession since its debut in 2019, complimenting the ‘Year of Return Ghana’ 2019 campaign.
He noted that event companies and organizers all over the world constantly prompted the GTA to give an alert on when the events are scheduled to start this year, which would help them make all necessary preparations towards the imminent season of celebrating Africa. He hinted that event organizers take approximately five to six months to prepare effectively for their trips to Ghana. “This is the launch of the annual ‘December in GH’ for the fifth time; the feedback we have gotten over the years about the previous ones have been amazing; The feedback we have gotten from event organizers is massive; their patrons wanted to know when we finally endorse so that they commence preparations.”
Mr. Akwasi Agyeman described the event chain as an avenue for connection with Africans all over the world to enjoy the distinctive culture of Africa. According to him, the high demand of the diaspora to visit Ghana especially in the festive season has generated a tremendous amount of revenue for the state, and many other industries in the private and government sector. “The influx of visitors directly inject revenue into our country,into the economy, bolstering our local business and generating opportunities for our young people especially short term appointments during the period.”
He urged all Ghanaians to join in making Ghana a home to all who desire to experience the Ghanaian-made eco-system of unity in Africa, through culture, entertainment, adventure, and many others within the scope of Beyond The Return initiative.
Beyond the Return is a ten year initiative, themed as the “A decade of African Renaissance”. It is the follow-up-to the successful ‘Year of Return’ campaign in 2019 that invited the global African diaspora to visit Ghana.
Beyond The Return is upheld strongly by seven pillars, geared towards engagement and building strong relations with the diaspora community.
‘December in GH’ promises to bring about a constant atmosphere of African heritage and Ghanaian unity through the events that have been endorsed under the alignment of at least one pillar of Beyond The Return; Experience Ghana, Celebrate Ghana, Invest in Ghana, Brand Ghana, Give Back Ghana, Diaspora Pathways to Ghana, and Promote Pan-African heritage and Innovation.
By: Kobina Baidoo
