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GTA awards TOUGHA for contribution to tourism development in Ghana
The Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) received an award for their contribution to the development of Tourism in Ghana at the National Tourism Awards held at the Accra International Conference Centre yesterday.
TOUGHA received the award for the Trade Association Contribution to the development of the sector.
Speaking to the media after the recognition, President of TOUGHA Alisa Osei Asamoah said “What a triumphant and glorious way to end the year! It was a surreal moment last night as the Tour Operators Union of Ghana.”
She said the latest and perhaps the most prestigious accolade is a culmination of their efforts in driving Ghana’s tourism agenda in the past few years, and the crowning moment couldn’t have come at a better time than at the country’s biggest tourism night.
“We deeply appreciate the Ghana Tourism Authority for the recognition, and to our executives, we say Ayekoo! for your continued exceptional leadership in driving our Union to enviable heights.
Sincere thanks also goes to the individual TOUGHA members who have shown grit and dedication to the course of transforming the Union into a formidable force in Ghana’s tourism industry,” she added.
According to her “This win is for us all. TOUGHA! Indeed, we are the professionals.”
In June, TOUGHA which is an association of experienced professionals in the tourism and travel industry in Ghana that offers both inbound and outbound tours was adjudged the “Best Association in Tourism” at the Business Executive Excellence Awards.
The association has over the years contributed immensely to tourism development ensuring high standards in the industry.
The National Tourism Awards was instituted by the Ghana Tourism Authority in 1997 to reward excellent performance in the tourism sector. It is one of the flagship events of the GTA and it sets the tone for high standards in service delivery among practitioners in the tourism sector.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
