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GTA awards hard working stakeholders in tourism sector
The Ghana Tourism Authority yesterday at the National Tourism Awards held at the Accra International Conference Centre honoured stakeholders who have contributed to the immense growth of the sector.
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.
On the night stakeholders in the sector who have worked assiduously in impacting the sector were recognised for their contribution.
Speaking at the programme, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr.Mohammed Awal,on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, congratulated all award winners.
“We salute all those making investments in the industry for the crucial crucial role they are playing in advancing and expanding the tourism industry To promote sustainable tourism growth, we have implemented a comprehensive investment framework that strives to attract domestic and foreign investments into the sector,” he said.
He said “By fostering partnerships
with industry stakeholders and investors, we aim to stimulate economic development,create employment opportunities, and diversify tourism products and services across our nation.”
He said the ministry firmly believes that a skilled workforce is the backbone of a thriving tourism industry, as such, they are committed to equipping industry professionals with the necessary tools, knowledge, and expertise to excel in their respective fields.
“Promoting inclusivity and diversity in tourism employment is also a top priority, as we strive to create opportunities for all and empower the youth to actively participate in the industry
In conclusion, we congratulate all of you for your unwavering support in driving the tourism agenda forward.
He charged the Tour Operators Union of Ghana, TOUGHA and other stakeholders to design attractive packages to help improve domestic tourism to elevate the tourism sector and create a prosperous future.
The GTA Boss, Mr.Akwasi Agyemang on his part said it was with great joy and pride that the industry gathered to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of his outfit.
He said, the Honorary Tourism Awards “served as a testament to our commitment to excellence in the tourism sector. Tonight, we recognize the exemplary individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond to elevate Ghana’s tourism industry.”
According to him “through their unwi avering passion, dedication, and innovation, they have not only contributed to the economic growth of our nation but also elevated the tourism experience for visitors
from all corners of the globe.”
He added that over the past five decades, the GTA has played a pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s tourism landscape, showcasing our vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and breathtaking natural wonders to the world.
“We have witnessed a surge in tourist arrivals and have strengthened our position as a top destination in Africa,” he said.
Mr Agyemang added that the industry’s resilience, as players in the sector continue to navigate the challenges posed by global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, they remained steadfast in their commitment to recovery, ensuring that tourism in Ghana grew stronger and more sustained.
“As we bestow these prestigious awards tonight, let us remember that they are not solely a recognition of past accomplishments but also a call to embrace the future with renewed vigor. Let us collectively strive for excellence, sustainability, and inclusivity in everything we do, ensuring that Ghana remains a destination of choice among
Travelers,” he said.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The List of Award Winners below
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GEXIM deepens relations with US EXIM Bank
A management team of the Ghana Export – Import Bank (GEXIM) led by the Acting Chief Executive, Sylvester Mensah met with the leadership of the Export–Import Bank of the United States (US EXIM) on Wednesday April 23, 2025 in Washington DC, United States of America.
The Acting President and Chairman of US EXIM, Mr. James C. Cruse and Vice President, International Relations, Ms. Isabel Galdiz received the GEXIM delegation, which included Deputy CEO for Banking, Mr. Moses Klu Mensah and Head of International Cooperation, Mr. Jonathan Christopher Koney at the headquarters of US EXIM.
The meeting offered the GEXIM team the opportunity to share the strategic direction of the Bank in line with the resetting agenda of the President of the Republic, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama for the repositioning of the Ghanaian economy into an export-led one by providing the requisite investment to Ghanaian businesses.
Mr. James C. Cruse expressed US EXIM’s eagerness to deepen its existing relations with GEXIM and proposed the signing of a new Cooperative Framework Agreement following the expiration of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2019 to utilize US EXIM’s medium term loan guarantees to procure machinery by GEXIM for qualified Ghanaian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
Mr.Sylvester Mensah thanked the Acting President and Chairman of US EXIM for hosting the GEXIM delegation and reaffirmed the Ghanaian government’s commitment to strengthening trade and investment between Ghana and its global partners for economic transformation of Ghana with GEXIM playing a pivotal role.
The two teams will be meeting on the sidelines of the 2025 US EXIM Annual Conference on 29th and April 30, 2025 to explore possible areas of collaboration and matching Ghanaian businesses to American companies. The meeting ended with an exchange of gifts.
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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
