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Tag: Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA)

  • GTA sets June 16 deadline for ‘December in GH’ event proposals

    GTA sets June 16 deadline for ‘December in GH’ event proposals

    The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has set June 16 as the deadline for the submission of proposals for the 2025 edition of December in GH, a month-long celebration of culture, heritage, entertainment, and reconnection.

    The Authority announced on Facebook that its portals are now open to accept event proposals from organizers, promoters, and cultural curators.

    “December in GH is more than a festive celebration, it is a movement that showcases Ghana’s vibrant spirit to the world. As we embrace the Black Star Experience, we are setting the stage for our biggest December season yet, and we look forward to innovative events that will elevate Ghana’s place as a leading destination for culture, entertainment, and heritage tourism,” the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTA, Maame Efua Houadjeto, wrote on the GTA’s Facebook page.

    The December in GH campaign continues to play a major role in boosting tourism, strengthening cultural industries, and reinforcing Ghana’s reputation as the gateway to Africa.

    It forms part of the Black Star Experience, the government’s flagship culture, arts, and tourism brand aimed at positioning Ghana as a premier tourism destination.

    This year’s edition, according to the CEO, promises to be historic, as she encourages all stakeholders to be part of this transformative journey.

    Annabelle McKenzie, Director of the International Affairs Secretariat, added that the call for proposals marks a pivotal moment in the planning process.

    “We’re excited to work with event organisers who bring fresh ideas and energy to December in GH. It’s a time when the global diaspora comes home to experience Ghana, its culture, warmth, entertainment, food and welcoming spirit. This year will have an even greater impact as we invite the world to be part of the Black Star Experience during one of the most vibrant times of the year.”

    The December in GH campaign continues to play a major role in boosting tourism, strengthening cultural industries and reinforcing Ghana’s reputation as the gateway to Africa.

    This year’s edition promises to be historic, and all stakeholders are encouraged to be part of this transformative journey.

    December in Gh is scheduled to run from December 1, 2025, to January 3, 2026.

    Event organizers are directed to channel all proposals through the official submission form: https://forms.office.com/r/xMVFeS20Fd

    For more information, please contact the International Affairs Secretariat at:+233 0240402408.

    Internationalaffairs@gta.gov.gh

  • Pikworo Heritage and Slave Camp positioned to boost tourism this festive season after refurbishment 

    Pikworo Heritage and Slave Camp positioned to boost tourism this festive season after refurbishment 

    The Pikworo Heritage and Slave Camp, located at Nania near Paga in the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region, is set to attract more tourists and boost the local economy following its recent redevelopment, commissioned by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).

    The refurbishment project includes the construction of a perimeter wall, frontage, summer huts, washrooms, and an administration block with a waiting area, reception, manager’s room, and a souvenirs display room. Remaining works include fencing, a graveyard, and landscaping.

    This initiative is part of the broader effort by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, through the GTA, to beautify tourist sites across the country, particularly those tied to the slave trade, with funding from the Tourism Development Fund. 

    The redevelopment aims to preserve the history and heritage of the region, attract more visitors, and act as a catalyst for job creation and socioeconomic development, especially for local communities.

    At the commissioning ceremony, Mr. Benjamin Anane, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GTA in charge of General Services, emphasised that the government is committed to redeveloping all of the country’s tourist sites to boost visitation and revenue. 

    “Tourism is one of the major foreign exchange earners of countries globally due to its value chain linkages,” he noted. He called for strategic investment in the tourism sector to ensure its sustainable development.

    “Ghana is the leading tourist destination in West Africa, but on a global scale, it is not particularly exciting because we are number eight in Sub-Saharan Africa, and our target is to get to the top five in the next five years,” Mr. Anane added. 

    He stressed that achieving this goal would require collective efforts from communities, traditional authorities, local governance structures, and the GTA to identify potential tourist sites and products, and invest sustainably in their development.

    “Every country has a strong point… in Ghana, it is a mix-bag of many things, but strong among them is our connection to the African diaspora through the Atlantic slave trade,” he explained. “Heritage sites such as this become important to sustain the diversity of interest in our tourism and also encourage domestic tourists to actively engage and explore the country.”

    Mr. Wisdom Ahadzi, Upper East Regional Director of GTA, reinforced the idea that tourism development requires a collective approach. He urged the community to take ownership of the site and contribute to realizing its full benefits.

    Mr. Gerard Ataogye, District Chief Executive of Kassena-Nankana West, praised the government for its investment in the Pikworo Heritage and Slave Camp, noting that it would help increase visitation, boost the local economy, and create jobs for the youth. He called for private partnerships to further develop other local attractions, such as the crocodile ponds and Kukla shrine, to drive economic growth.

    Pe Asangchera Thomas Aluah, Divisional Chief of Kazigu, representing Pe Pwanalonga Charles Awiah Awampaga II, Paramount Chief of the Paga Traditional Area, highlighted the historical significance of the Pikworo Slave and Heritage Camp. He encouraged the public to visit the site and learn more about the history of the slave trade.

    A five-member committee was inaugurated to oversee the operations of the newly refurbished site, ensuring its long-term success as a tourism hub.

  • GTA projects $3bn in revenue from the ‘Beyond the Return’ programs for 2024

    GTA projects $3bn in revenue from the ‘Beyond the Return’ programs for 2024

    The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has set an ambitious goal to generate over $3 billion in revenue from its ‘Beyond the Return’ initiatives throughout 2024.

    This follows the impressive results of the Year of Return in 2019, where Ghana saw approximately 1.9 billion cedis from over 900,000 visitors.

    In a recent update to JoyNews from Parliament, Akwesi Agyemang, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Revenue Authority, revealed that Ghana expects to welcome at least 1.3 million tourists during the latter half of 2024.

    The first half of the year has already attracted nearly 600,000 visitors, with the second half traditionally showing stronger performance, particularly the last quarter, which often surpasses the earlier months.

    Agyemang expressed optimism about surpassing the revenue target, citing ongoing efforts to boost promotion in key markets, such as the U.K., which ranks third in visitor numbers behind Nigeria.

    The total revenue projection has been raised to around $3.8 billion, with hopes that the private sector will seize the opportunities arising from this influx.

    Additionally, significant upgrades are planned for major event venues, including the National Theatre, with renovations expected to be completed before December.

    Recent improvements include new air conditioning units, addressing a previous concern.

    The minister has directed the management to enhance the facilities further.

    Meanwhile, progress on renovations at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) has stalled due to delays in obtaining necessary parliamentary approval.

    Despite not being directly responsible, Agyemang emphasized the close collaboration with the venue’s management to ensure it meets high standards.

  • Salaga Slave Market to be unveiled by GTA as part of 2024 Emancipation Day celebrations

    Salaga Slave Market to be unveiled by GTA as part of 2024 Emancipation Day celebrations

    The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) is set to inaugurate the Salaga Slave Market and Wells in the Savannah Region as part of the 2024 Emancipation Day festivities.

    Scheduled from July 22 to August 1, 2024, these celebrations are organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MoTAC) under the theme, “Unity and Resilience; Building Stronger Communities for a Brighter Future.”

    Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Andrew Egyapa Mercer, along with Kpembe Wura Babanye Ndefosu II and GTA CEO Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, will lead the commissioning ceremony.

    Highlights of the event include a durbar at Pikworo Slave Camp on July 23, commemorating the enduring spirit of ancestors.

    There will also be a tribute to Dr. Efua Sutherland’s legacy, and the newly restored Salaga Slave Market will be unveiled.

    A wreath-laying ceremony at Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park is planned for July 25, followed by a durbar of Chiefs in Assin Praso on July 29.

    Cultural celebrations will take place in Elmina on July 30, and the festivities will conclude with a special night in Cape Coast on July 31, featuring a candlelight procession, ancestor honors, and poetry readings.

    The Emancipation Day Durbar at Assin Manso on August 1 will include wreath-laying to honor former enslaved Africans and a visit to Donkor Nsuo, the River of Return.

  • Ghana is yet to fully tap into its tourism potential – GTA CEO

    Ghana is yet to fully tap into its tourism potential – GTA CEO

    The CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Akwasi Agyemang, highlighted that Ghana has yet to fully exploit its tourism potential.

    While acknowledging the significant progress made, he emphasized the substantial opportunities for further growth.

    Agyemang mentioned that international arrivals, which reached around 1.1 million by the end of 2019, saw a decline in 2020 due to COVID-19.

    However, by 2023, the industry had not only recovered but exceeded pre-pandemic levels.

    He also noted the remarkable increase in domestic tourism.

    In 2017, approximately 500,000 Ghanaians engaged in local tourism, a number that surged to 1.4 million by 2023, reflecting a substantial rise in local tourist activity.

    Speaking on the JoyNews AM show, Agyemang highlighted the sector’s growth in cruise tourism, stating that there was a time when a cruise ship might dock at Ghana’s ports, Tema or Takoradi, only once every two years. In contrast, nearly 10,000 cruise passengers arrived in 2023 alone.

    These statistics, he noted, demonstrate the positive impact of the GTA’s efforts in marketing, licensing, and regulation. Yet, Agyemang believes that much more can be done to fully realize Ghana’s tourism potential.

    He pointed out the interconnected nature of tourism with other sectors such as road infrastructure and sanitation. “People are beginning to understand that the impact on tourism cannot be isolated from health, sanitation, or road conditions,” he said.

  • Ten most visited tourist sites in Ghana

    Ten most visited tourist sites in Ghana

    The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has just released its highly anticipated 2023 report, showcasing the most sought-after tourist spots across the country.

    Ghana‘s allure to global travellers has been steadily growing, culminating in an impressive surge in tourist numbers as outlined in the report.

    A total of 1,157,632 tourists embarked on journeys to explore various renowned sites within Ghana.

    Leading the pack was the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, drawing in a remarkable 208,577 visitors despite reopening only in July 2023 after extensive renovations.

    Following closely in second place was the National Museum with 166,884 eager guests, while Kakum National Park in the Central Region secured the third spot with 159,271 nature enthusiasts.

    The Kumasi Zoo proved to be a major attraction, hosting 142,518 visitors and claiming the fourth position, followed by the iconic Cape Coast Castle with 101,134 visitors rounding up the top five.

    Further down the list, the Aburi Botanical Gardens took sixth place with 93,719 visits, closely followed by Elmina Castle in seventh place with 78,870 tourists.

    Eco-tourism gem Bunso Arboretum ranked eighth with 78,203 visitors, followed by the Accra Zoo in ninth place with 71,137 visits.

    The Manhyia Palace Museum completed the top ten with 57,319 visitors.

    The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) attributed this surge in tourist numbers to ongoing innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing the tourism experience across the country.

  • DKB proposes tax waiver for Arts sponsors as Ghana’s creative industry seeks relief

    DKB proposes tax waiver for Arts sponsors as Ghana’s creative industry seeks relief

    In a bid to enhance support for the showbiz industry, Ghanaian comedian DKB calls for tax rebates for companies sponsoring cultural and arts activities, drawing inspiration from successful models in Nigerian states.

    Speaking with Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, DKB proposes a policy offering tax holidays to sponsors of showbiz events, aiming to stimulate increased investment in the vibrant entertainment sector.

    “It’s a bill I will present to parliament, possibly through a very good MP who understands creative arts. A couple of states in Nigeria have this tax rebate concept when your corporate social responsibility does not only involve buying Jollof and giving them to poor people on the streets but also sponsoring creative arts.

    So if you sponsor creative arts, at the end of the year when you are filing your tax returns you get a tax rebate,” DKB stated.

    Deputy Head of Corporate Affairs at the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi, discloses plans for a stakeholder engagement between GTA and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to address taxation concerns within the cultural and creative industries.

    Against the backdrop of complaints from the creative arts industry about tax burdens, DKB’s call gains momentum.

    Various creatives, including musicians Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, Samini, Kojo Antwi, Diana Hamilton, Celestine Donkor, and Wendy Shay, organize personal events alongside major ones.

    DKB’s proposal aligns with concerns raised by industry figures, including comedians OB Amponsah and Lekzy DeComic, as well as George Quaye, the team lead for ImageBureau.

    They collectively urge the government to explore more favourable approaches to integrate arts-related events into the tax framework, acknowledging the industry’s financial challenges.

  • GTA re-launched the Experience Ghana, Share Ghana campaign

    GTA re-launched the Experience Ghana, Share Ghana campaign

    In line with its commitment to promote Domestic Tourism in Ghana, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has re-launched the ‘Experience Ghana, Share Ghana’ to promote domestic tourism campaign in Kwahu in the Eastern region.

    The campaign is under the Ghana Tourism Development Project (GTDP) being undertaken under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

    The campaign which is intended to stimulate domestic and regional tourism was tied to the 2023 Kwahu Paragliding Festival to give patrons a four-day exciting, fun flying experience on the Odweanoma Mountain at Atibie-Kwahu.

    Speaking at a brief opening ceremony of the 15th National Paragliding Festival, CEO of GTA, Akwasi Agyeman, said the initiative was launched a few years back to accelerate the pace of tourism through a renewed focus on both domestic and visitations from the West African region.

    “We are also using this occasion to promote the ‘Experience Ghana, Share Ghana’ Campaign. As we know, we have been very aggressive on our domestic tourism promotion over the last few years. We are kick-starting the ‘Experience Ghana, Share Ghana’ Campaign to start the process.”

    “As part of this year’s festival, we have been joined by some cyclists to climb the mountain. We have also added other exciting activities such as hiking, camping for those who want to spend the nights on the mountain, a bonfire dinner, and a dancing competition to project Odweanoma Mountain as a unique tourist attraction on its own where tourists can paraglide, hike, bike, camp, and have events to promote domestic tourism”, he noted.

    Mr. Agyeman added that there will be another paragliding event in September this year dubbed ‘corporate paragliding’ in Kwahu as part of GTA’s 50th anniversary activities.

    He paid tribute to the vision bearers of the Paragliding festival and commended the chiefs and people of Kwahu for their support, the GTA team especially the eastern regional team and all stakeholders of the event.

    On his part, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, said the Kwahu Paragliding plays a major role in Ghana’s Domestic and International tourism.

    “This event is very important to the Tourism Ministry, the Government of Ghana and the people of Kwahu for its contribution to the Kwahu Easter celebration. This plays a major role in Ghana’s Domestic and International tourism. In 2020, GTA targeted to make Ghana the number 1 tourism destination in West Africa by 2026, but in 2022 we emerged the first because of Government’s viable decision in the tourism ministry”.

    “Kwame Nkrumah Park and Bonwire Museum are almost ready. And in two weeks, we are cutting sod for 5 Amphitheatres. The Creative arts school is 70 percent ready in Kwadaso, Kumasi. Culture policy is in the making, All-Africa Games is coming off next year in Ghana and the President of the Republic is coming to Kwahu to launch the Abetifi Stone Age Park. The Tourism Ministry is here to push domestic tourism and work towards it to become the number one contribution to GDP and I believe we can do it”, he revealed.

  • Guyana artiste Kaiya pays courtesy call on Ghana Tourism Authority

    Guyana artiste Kaiya pays courtesy call on Ghana Tourism Authority

    Guyanese artiste, Kaiya, has paid an official visit to the offices of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in Accra together with her management team, LINMART Media Solutions, led by the CEO, Nii Amarh Amarteifio.

    The artiste who is in Ghana for the second time, was received by the Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Akwei Agyeman and his lieutenants, including Socrates Safo, on January 24, 2023.

    The Chief Executive Officer of GTA, Nana Kwesi Agyemang, welcomed Kaiya and the team and appreciated her for choosing to come to Ghana. He opined that there are lots of opportunities here in Ghana for those in the diaspora to come and explore.

    Nana Agyemang added that the historic link between Africa and those in the Diaspora can never be discounted as their roots are here in Africa.

    Kaiya for her part, complemented what she has seen and experienced in Ghana, as she believes she is from Ghana.

    She expressed her delight in everything she has seen here, and according to her, there is no difference between what we have here and what Guyana and the Caribbean have.

    Kaiya is in Ghana to promote her music as well as do some collaborations with a couple of the top Ghanaian musicians.

    She is billed for a collaboration with Samini before she leaves.

    She is currently in Ghana, shooting two of her music videos for her songs Love Portion and So Nice.

    Since her arrival in Ghana a week ago, she has been on several radio stations to promote her songs and will soon commence her TV promotional tour.

    She is billed to perform at Jamrock Pub at East Legon this Friday.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Ghana Tourism Authority has stopped me from serving food in penis-shaped pots – Shugatiti

    Ghana Tourism Authority has stopped me from serving food in penis-shaped pots – Shugatiti

    Ghanaian socialist who doubles as a nudist, Shugatiti, has detailed the challenges she has faced with government agencies ever since she opened a restaurant in Accra.

    The business owner famed for serving food in genital-shaped clay pots has announced that the Ghana Tourism Authority has served her a letter asking her to desist from using her controversial pots.

    According to the authority, her space isn’t safe for children.

    “Ghana Tourism Authority served me a letter discouraging me from the use of my penis-shaped pot. They indicated that it isn’t safe for children. So now, we no longer serve with those pots…ever since I opened my shop, government officials have been disturbing me. You can’t operate a business in Ghana if you’re not strong.”

    Shugatiti, in an interview with actor Kwaku Manu on the ‘Aggressive Show’ added that Ghanaian lawyer Maurice Ampaw has been the root cause of the continuous criticisms and constant visits from authorities.

    Back in 2022, the famous lawyer known for condemning indecent exposure by celebrities and the general public chastised Shugatiti and urged authorities to close down her restaurant.

    Shugatiti, who cannot fathom why Lawyer Ampaw has been on her case, wonders if he might be interested in her.

    “That man, I guess he loves me, reason why he comes after me. I don’t understand him, and I haven’t offended him…I don’t have his contact details I would have called to question him. He aggressively talks about me on television meanwhile, I haven’t offended him. I have never met him,” she said.

    Also commenting on the lawyer’s call for the closure of her new business, she said: “I saw it as one of those things, people will always talk…I see it as normal because no one has served me with a court document. I saw it as one of those things.”

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Traditional leaders urged to support the government to promote tourism

    Mr Spencer Doku, Director of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has urged traditional leaders and District Chief Executives to help in the development and promotion of tourism sites in their regions.

    He said tourism was one of the mechanisms that could be used to fight poverty in the regions.

    Mr Doku made the call during an orientation and training workshop on Ghana Tourism Development Project (GTDP) funded by the World Bank to regulate tourist sites.

    The event, organised by the GTA in Tamale, was to create a working and knowledge sharing database platform with the stakeholders to improve the standards, facilities, and services at tourist sites.

    Mr Doku encouraged traditional leaders to use their rich culture and heritage to boost tourism in the country.

    Mr Tanko Zakaria, Communication Specialist at GTDP advised Management of tourist sites to focus on customer care service, which was one of the keys to promote tourism.

    Mr Zakaria said “Customer service helps to build a loyal customer base and boosts strong relationships with customers.”

    Mr Isaac Opirah, Savannah Regional Director of GTA called on the stakeholders to market tourist sites globally by generating brand awareness to attract customers to visit the sites.

    He encouraged the stakeholders to use the internet as one of the modern tourism marketing strategies to promote tourism and locally made products.

    Mr Gameli Dzordzorme, Project Focal Person of GTDP at GTA, said the project was being implemented by the government through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and funded by the World Bank to improve the performance of tourism in targeted destinations in the country.

    He added that the project would strengthen the tourism-enabling environment, tourism skills development and the tourism branding and marketing, and support tourism enterprises to enhance their businesses.

    Source: GNA