Entertainment
ATC revived to sell Africa
After a 45-year hiatus, the African Travel Commission (ATC) has been revived and repositioned to promote intra-Africa travel and tourism to sell Africa to the rest of the world.
ATC initially established in 1965 and operated up to 1975 was to function just like the European Travel Commission (ETC) shortly after many African countries gained independence from colonial powers and started running their own affairs as sovereign nations.
This was made known by Mr. Lucky Onoriode George, Executive Director of ATC, who said that Africa had now finally found its voice following the revival of the once-powerful continental body that helped shape global tourism between 1965 and 1975.
He noted that ATC was established as a regional voice for Africa, and due to the reforms it initiated then, the International Union of Official Travel Organisations [IUOTO] was transformed into World Tourism Organisation (WTO) before it was retransformed in 2014 into the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
ATC’s contributions led IUOTO to initiate September 27 every year as the globally celebrated World Tourism Day.
The ATC Executive Director reiterated that therevived commission, working with stakeholders in both the private and public sectors in the tourism industry on the continent would actualise the dreams of improving intra-African tourism.
ATC is a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) established to provide a platform where tourism officials and business professionals could meet and collaborate; as well as, connect experts and stakeholders that have shared vision across the travel and tourism industry in Africa.
Its activities are to be implemented by the executive unit based in Accra, Ghana under the guidance of the board of directors, and with the support of a number of expert groups.
Membership is open to all National Tourism Agencies (NTAs) of the 55 member countries in Africa as well as to all private-sector National Tourism Federations (NTFs).
Entertainment
Kay9ice apologises to Shatta Wale
Afro-highlife musician, Kay9ice, known in private life as Philip Kay Kissi has publicly apologised to award-winning dancehall musician Shatta Wale and the Shatta Movement following his controversial remarks about his song.
Kay9ice made the comments about Shatta Wale’s song on Adom TV’s Showtime programme with Sally Mann.
Kay9ice believes the comments passed did not sit well with the Shatta Movement.
Against this backdrop, in a recent interview on Wontumi TV, Kay9ice expressed regret for his statements, clarifying that he never intended to disrespect Shatta Wale.
“I would like to use this opportunity to apologise to all S.M fans, I might have made some comments which I never intended for it to sound wrong to the fans, I have no intention of disrespecting such an icon,” Kay9ice added.
Kay9ice is currently promoting his latest release dubbed “Pema”, which is making waves since the release.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Von Sinu releases debut single ‘Thank You’
Von Sinu, an upcoming gospel musician, has released her debut single titled ‘Thank You’ which is gaining popularity on the airwaves and streaming platforms.
‘Thank you’ seeks to appreciate God for his goodness and faithfulness in her life.
In an interview with The Spectator in Accra, Von, who is also a fashion designer said “looking back at my life and what God has told me about myself, I was grateful.
She said she had to record it and later sent it to a friend who has been very instrumental in her being a gospel singer.
She said though there were other songs written and recorded, she thought it was prudent to release ‘Thank you’ as the Bible urges believers to give thanks in Psalm 92:1-2: “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name”
The song is available on all digital platforms including Youtube, Spotify, Apple music Deezer and Tidal.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
