The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) recognized and rewarded the efforts of its hardworking staff with a grand dinner buffet and glamorous awards night on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, marking 50 years of promoting tourism in Ghana.
The Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), was selected as the perfect venue for the august event themed, ‘Unleashing The Next Level’, hosted dignitaries and sector stakeholders from the various Ghana Tourism Authority precincts situated nationwide.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Benjamin Anane Nsiah while giving the welcome address, described the night as a very important function of the year. He explained that the night was set aside to appreciate staff and acknowledge a couple of individuals who have gone beyond the call of duty to ensure the smooth execution of all policies and initiatives introduced within the year.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, deemed it an honor to be part of the GTA’s Golden Jubilee. He explained that the endless efforts of these individuals have been evident in various projects that have successfully been commissioned within the year. “The Ghana Tourism Authority has been very dedicated to promoting tourism in Ghana. This year we have not only managed to establish one of the state’s most visited tourist sites in Accra, which is the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park but also when you go to other regions, even the Volta Region we have brought many tourist sites to life. I encourage all staff to continue to work together to promote tourism in Ghana even as we also mark this year with our Golden Jubilee, we also pay tribute to pioneers and staff that are working hard to keep Ghana at the top of tourism destinations.”
Guest of Honor, His Excellency President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, acknowledged the establishment of the Ghana Tourism Authority and its remarkable journey geared towards promoting Tourism in Ghana. He applauded GTA for impressive performances which by no doubt have enhanced the eagerness of foreigners all around the world. “It is with considerable pride and joy that I join you at the climax of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Ghana Tourism Authority. This occasion gives us the opportunity to reflect on the remarkable journey GTA has undertaken and the impressive performances that have unfolded throughout the years. Indeed over the past 50 years, GTA has played a pivotal role in promoting Ghana as a prime tourism destination; our rich cultural heritage, breath-taking landscapes and the warm hospitality have captured the hearts of travelers from all corners of the globe.”
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey, delivered a speech on how far the authority has come. He hinted that 50 years of promoting tourism in Ghana required a lot of passion and dedication to be made possible.
He acknowledged H.E Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo for giving the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and conducive environment for the ministry to freely operate and make Ghana a globally recognized tourism destination.
He stated that this milestone gives the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture a reason to celebrate and appreciate all who have played a role in making this possible. “This milestone serves as a testament to the authority’s resilience in enhancing Tourism in Ghana. As we celebrate this Golden Jubilee let us re- affirm our dedication to promoting Tourism in Ghana. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Ghana Tourism Authority and our stakeholders. May the next 50 years be a testament to our commitment and dedication to making Ghana a number one go to tourism destination.”
Other notable guests at the event were, Director of Diaspora Affairs, Office of the Presidency, Akwasi Awua Ababio; Chief Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, John Yao Agbeko; Officials from the Queen Mothers Foundation; GTA Board Chair, Seth Adjei Baah; GTA Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Ekow Sampson; GTA Board Members: Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Yoofi Grant ;Madam Cecilia Sheitu Nyadia (Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology); Madam Fati Lily Soale (Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs); Madam Comfort Yamoah; Madam Dentaa Moateng MBE and ex-staff of the Ghana Tourism Authority.
With excitement the awards were presented in batches, in accordance to the ‘Best Performing Staff from each Department’, followed by the ‘Best Performing Staff From Each Region’, ‘Best Regional Office’, ‘Longest Serving Staff’, ‘CEO Special Award’ and the ‘Best Performing Department’. Below are the list of awards;
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 Diwaah – 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
The night was dignified with a special musical rendition, performed in the Ghanaian indigenous dialect, Asante Twi by Ghanaian gospel musician, Kwesi Oteng. The GTA was thrilled to also have popular Ghanaian rapper Kofi Kinaata as a surprise act of the night, giving them back to back classic hits to dance and sing along.
