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TOUGHA President Alisa Osei-Asamoah receives Ghana Women of Excellence award
President of the Tour Operators Union Ghana (TOUGHA) Mrs. Alisa Osei-Asamoah, on Friday, March 8, emerged as a distinguished recipient of the coveted Ghana Women of Excellence Award.
The prestigious accolade, presented during the 9th edition of the awards ceremony, recognised Mrs.Osei-Asamoah’s remarkable contributions to the social and economic development of Ghana in the Tourism Promotion Category.
Organised by Top Brass Ghana at the Coconut Grove Hotel in Accra, this momentous occasion is held annually to coincide with the global celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8. The erstwhile Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs, in 2010, mandated the commemoration of this day with the initiation of the Ghana Women of Excellence Awards Scheme.
The inaugural ceremony took place on March 9, 2011, with subsequent editions in 2012, 2015, and annually since 2019.
Upon receiving the esteemed award, Mrs. Osei-Asamoah expressed her gratitude and reflected on the importance of recognising women’s contributions in various sectors. She stated, “I am truly honoured to receive this award and I believe it symbolises not just my efforts but the collective dedication of many women contributing to the growth of our nation. This recognition on International Women’s Day is a testament to the strides we’ve made and the limitless potential we hold as women.”
The TOUGHA President received in addition to the award a certificate and a citation which praised her efforts towards domestic tourism promotion.
“At the helm of TOUGHA, you have not only led but inspired your fellow members to uncover the hidden treasures within the nooks and crannies of our beloved country. This collaborative effort has not only shed light on the richness of Ghana’s tourism potential but has also significantly propelled the sector forward,” portions of the citation read.
In acknowledging the significance of the Tourism Promotion Category, she highlighted the critical role of tourism in Ghana’s development. “Tourism is a powerful catalyst for economic growth and cultural exchange. Through our collective efforts at the Tour Operators Union of Ghana, we’ve endeavoured to showcase the richness of our nation to the world, fostering positive change and development.”
Mrs. Alisa Osei-Asamoah’s latest accolade adds another gleaming chapter to her illustrious leadership journey. As the President of TOUGHA and CEO of Riali Consult, she has steered Ghana’s tourism sector to unprecedented success. Her unwavering commitment and visionary approach have garnered numerous plaudits over the past few years.
Reflecting on her dual roles, Mrs. Osei-Asamoah shared, “Balancing the responsibilities of leading TOUGHA and managing Riali Consult has been both challenging and rewarding. It’s a testament to the dedication of our team members and the support we receive from the broader community. Together, we’ve achieved remarkable milestones by the grace of God and this award is a collective triumph.”
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.
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Youth urged to take proactive stance on ozone depletion
•Mr Joseph Amankwah, first counting from, some officials from EPA and UNDP in group picture with the student
Mr Joseph Amankwah, the Director of Ozone Layer and Climate Change at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has urged the youth to take a proactive stance on issues related to ozone depletion, emphasising that their future would be most affected by its consequences.
Speaking during a student engagement event at the Ghana Secondary School (GHANASS) in Koforidua, he highlighted the critical role young people played in tackling climate-related challenges.
Mr Amankwah explained that human activities, such as the use of certain chemicals, were significantly contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer and driving climate change.
He said it was important to educate the youth on these issues, encouraging them to share this knowledge with their families to foster a broader understanding and active participation in climate action.
He urged the education sector to integrate lessons on the ozone layer, the causes of its depletion, and its links to climate change into the curriculum.
The event, organised by the EPA in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was designed to foster environmental awareness and promote a sense of responsibility among young people.
Mr Amankwah noted that ozone layer depletion was affecting everyone, including children, as it alters weather patterns and threatens the natural environment.
He highlighted the need for young people to develop ‘green skills’ to adapt to the challenges of climate change and to understand ways to combat it.
He added that World Ozone Day, observed every September, would focus on youth engagement in environmental issues, to help them understand the long-term consequences of ozone depletion and climate change.
Mr Amankwah also discussed the harmful impact of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a major chemical contributor to ozone depletion.
He explained that household appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners were common sources of CFC emissions in Ghana.
Many uncertified technicians work on these appliances, often releasing harmful chemicals into the atmosphere due to improper handling, he noted.
To address this, he urged appliance repairers to obtain proper certification and training, emphasising that unqualified repairs not only harm the environment but also endangered public health.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman,
Koforidua
