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
‘Last Stop’ premieres on Friday, March 28
All is set for the premiere of the much-anticipated movie dubbed ‘Last Stop’ on Friday, March 28, 2025.
The movie will premiere at the Silverbird Cinemas (Accra Mall and West Hills Mall) and the Golden Eagles Cinema in Kumasi.
In the movie Last Stop, produced and directed by Kwabena Gyansah, a commercial driver and his assistant chaos after the assistant sells a passenger’s forgotten phone.
“Last Stop” offers thrills, emotional depth, and a story that keeps one guessing.
The movie is a rollercoaster ride filled with relatable characters, unexpected twists, and a powerful climax. It’s not just a movie, but an experience.
This intriguing movie features Adjetey Anang, Clemento Suarez, Lydia Forson, Andrew Adote, Benedicta Gaffer, Gloria Sarfo, Jessica Larney, Fred Amugi, Forster Romanus, Sheena Gakpe, Solomon Fixon Owoo, Kweku Elliot, Abraham Macprat Dadzie, Etti Beddi and Majeed Suhuyini among others.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Redeemed Baptist Church congratulates trio
Three members of the Redeemed Baptist Church in Ogbojo – Emerita Professor Elizabeth Ardayfio-Schandorf, Mrs Florence Mangwe Hutchful and Mrs Comfort Owusu, were among 22 award recipients for their exceptional contribution to national development at the 10th Ghana Women of Excellence Awards ceremony held in Accra.
The trio were recognised for their exceptional performances in their respective field of endeavours.
Emerita Ardayfio-Schandorf is a seasoned geographer and Chairperson of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC), Mrs Hutchful comes in as the first President of the Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management, Ghana and Mrs Owusu as the Executive Director of the Association of Rural Banks (ARB) Ghana.
The awards, held on the eve of the International Women’s Day, is a component of Ghana’s observation of the Day which was under the theme ‘Empowering the Ghanaian woman for National Development.”
The clergy and congregation of the Redeemed Baptist Church says Ayekoo to the award winners.
