Entertainment
GTA rewards excellence at 14th National Tourism Awards
Award winners in a group photograph with dignitaries at the event
Stakeholders in the tourism sector who have excelled in the year under review were on last Thursday, November 3, 2022 honoured at the 14th National Tourism Awards which was held at the Avenue in Accra.
It was on the theme, ‘Sustainable tourism growth, the role of the private sector.’
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey commended players in the tourism sector for their immense contribution to the country’s growth regardless of the global challenges.
He said that was why the government had put in place measures to create the enabling environment for the sector to thrive and become the number one contributor to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He added that the Ministry had embarked on renovation of the National Museum, Bisa Abrewa Museum, Aburi Gardens, Bonwire Museum, Manhyia Palace Museum, Kwame Nkrumah Park facelift and five amphitheatres about to be built in addition to $10 million grant for the sector among others.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO)of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr.Akwasi Agyeman said all indicators in the sector were pointing towards the right direction signifying a strong rebound from COVID-19.
He revealed that the total number of new projects registered with the GTA this year was 421 for the accommodation sector with about 5,078 new rooms estimated at GH₵360 million.
Mr.Agyeman added that there were about 107 ongoing restaurants and entertainment centres nationwide estimated at GH₵1.5 million and that under the Ghana Cares Project, 3100 practitioners have been trained in customer care, product knowledge and business development.
CEO of Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Mr.Yoofi Grant called for deliberate attempt to build capacity in the sector for rapid growth, adding that the tourism industry which was the low hanging fruit must not be taking for granted.
CEO of Alisa Hotels, Mr.Kwame Ofosu Bamfo was crowned the Tourism Man of the Year.
On the night, Kempinski was adjudged 5 Star Hotel of the Year, whereas 4 Star Hotel of the Year went to Tang Palace Hotel with Aqua Safari winning the 3 Star Hotel of the Year.
Traditional Caterer-Chop Bar of the Year, Bush Canteen, Fast Food Establishment of the Year, Papaye(Spintex), Drinking Bar of the Year, Choice Lounge(Anaji), Night Club of the Year, Crescendo, Tour Operator of the Year, Adansi Travel, Excellence In Promotion of Local Cuisine, Azmera and Tourism Programme of the Year went to Chalewote Arts Festival.
Many stakeholders in the sector were honoured on the night.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Prophet Atarah opens new studio, launches Atarah Praise 2025
Prophet Joseph Atarah has launched his annual event aimed at bringing believers together in an atmosphere of worship and praise.
The theme for this edition is ‘Restoration’ with the belief that patrons would be restored in the face of their challenges.
The programme will be in two parts, with the first scheduled to take place in the United Kingdom at 5pm on May 11, at Pleasant Place Church.
The Ghana edition will take place at the forecourt of Believer’s Grace Crown Ministry International, Bond Square, Adenta Barrier, at 4pm on May 25.
Prophet Atarah has paraded Piesie Esther, Kofi Owusu Peprah, Nana Yaw Asare and Mavis Asante among others for the Ghana edition.
For the UK edition, patrons will enjoy performances from Kofi Owusu Peprah, Kobby Mantey, Emmanuel Smith, and Ern Ruthy.
Speaking at the launch, Prophet Atarah said, God has been good throughout last year, and 2025 has started on a positive note.
Against this backdrop, he wants to bring believers together and, in unity, to praise God.
He said, like what happened last year, a lot of miracles will take place.
In a related development, Prophet Atarah also commissioned a new studio for rehearsals and live recordings.
This, he said, was not limited to him, but open to every musician across all genres.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Empress Gifty to thrill patrons at MTN Stands In Worship on Easter Sunday
Ghanaian gospel heavyweight, Empress Gifty is set to thrill thousands at this year’s MTN Stands In Worship event.
The programme brings believers together annually to celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ.
This year’s edition, slated for the Grand Arena on Sunday, April 20, will feature Empress Gifty.
Against this backdrop, the anointed gospel musician has urged all patrons to come with a heart of worship and praise.
She is optimistic that a lot of miracles will happen through the ministration.
“Through our ministrations instant miracles will happen and you are going to have an encounter with God,” she told The Spectator.
Empress Gifty again appealed to patrons not to come alone, but with their families and friends to receive blessings.
Empress Gifty, who had a big song dubbed Watch Me, has been nominated in the Best Traditional Gospel Song of the Year and Gospel Artiste of the Year categories at this year’s 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
