The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) recently achieved distinction by receiving the Outstanding Tourism Event in Africa award for its innovative initiatives, “Year of Return” and “Beyond the Return,” during the GOGE Africa Festival’s 25th-anniversary celebration held in Lagos, Nigeria, on October 27, 2024. Representing GTA’s CEO, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, were key figures such as Mr. Moses Ndewin Ndebugri, the Director of the Upper West Region, and Mr. Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi, Deputy Director of Domestic Marketing. This recognition highlights the profound impact these initiatives have had in celebrating African heritage, uniting the diaspora, and promoting Ghana as a premier cultural tourism destination, reflecting the nation’s commitment to fostering pan-African unity and strengthening global cultural ties.
The GOGE Africa Festival, themed “Symphony of Cultures,” was a massive success, drawing more than 20,000 attendees from 32 countries who gathered to celebrate African cultural heritage through a plethora of activities, including exhibitions, parades, music, dance, and culinary competitions. This year’s main theme, “Our Shared Heritage,” emphasized the interconnected histories and cultural unity shared among African nations, showcasing the depth and richness of African cultures. Mr. Kusi remarked on the strategic importance of Nigeria as a major market for tourism and noted the aggressive marketing strategies being implemented to promote Ghana’s tourism offerings in the region.
In addition to the recognition received at the festival, the founders of GOGE Africa, Mr. Isaac Moses and Mrs. Nneka Moses, praised Ghana’s tireless efforts to enhance Africa’s reputation as a top global tourism destination through the “Beyond the Return” initiative. The GTA has been instrumental in leading these initiatives, starting with the “Year of Return” in 2019, which successfully attracted over 1.18 million visitors from the African diaspora and beyond. This initiative not only served as a bold call to the African diaspora to reconnect with their roots but also significantly impacted Ghana’s economy by boosting tourism-related sectors.
In continuing the momentum initiated by the “Year of Return,” the GTA is now focused on the “Beyond the Return” initiative, which aims to build on the successes achieved and further unlock Ghana’s full tourism potential. This initiative centers around seven strategic pillars designed to enhance Ghana’s tourism appeal, promote lasting cultural bonds among African nations, and establish transformative economic partnerships. Through this approach, the GTA seeks to sustain the interest generated by the previous initiatives and turn short-term visits into long-term relationships and investments in Ghana.
The recognition at GOGE Africa Festival is an affirmation of the hard work and strategic initiatives the GTA has embarked on to position Ghana at the forefront of cultural tourism in Africa. It highlights the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders—the government, tourism authorities, and the private sector—working together towards a common goal of promoting Ghana as a desirable destination for cultural exchanges and tourism. The Allure of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, bolstered by the narrative of shared experiences and history, resonates with individuals globally, enhancing its stature as a go-to destination for cultural tourism.
Ultimately, the GTA’s initiatives embody a broader vision to revitalize and enhance tourism’s role in Ghana’s economy and cultural diplomacy. Not only do they cater to visitors looking for authentic experiences, but they also reinforce the importance of cultural unity and awareness among Africans worldwide. By continuing to innovate and build strategic partnerships, the Ghana Tourism Authority aims to ensure that Ghana remains a leading light in tourism on the African continent, making strides towards a future characterized by increased collaboration and the flourishing exchange of ideas within the African tourism landscape.
