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
Franky 5 is new host of Max Morning Live
Celebrated radio and television personality Frank Kwabena Owusu affectionately called Franky 5 has officially joined the iMAX Media Group.
The renowned presenter is set to light up the screens of Max TV as host of the station’s flagship morning show, Max Morning Live, starting Monday, September 8, 2020, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Franky 5 brings with him many years of rich experience in media, combining exceptional television and radio presentation skills with a proven track record in event organisation and creative production. His addition promises to deliver an exciting, refreshing experience to viewers of Max TV.
Over the years, Franky 5 has carved a unique niche in the Ghanaian media and showbiz industry with his dynamic and versatile style of presentation. Whether formal or informal, his delivery blends professionalism with an engaging flair that resonates with diverse audiences.
Beyond his on-screen duties, Franky 5 will also serve as Head of Entertainment and Events at iMAX Media Group, where he will play a key role in shaping the station’s entertainment content and driving innovative initiatives.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Osanju is dead
Popular Ghanaian content creator, Elvis Frimpong, known in showbiz circles as Osanju has been reported dead.
According to sources, he was said to have died in the early hours on Monday, September 1, 2025 after a long battle with blood cancer (Leukemia)
His death has been a shock in the Ghanaian community especially coming shortly after his last post.
His demise comes five months after he had laid his mother, Amounu, also a tiktoker, to rest, having lost her in January.
Hours before his passing, he had posted a video on Sunday with friends watching the Barcelona vs. Rayo Vallecano match, prompting many fans to initially dismiss the reports as a hoax.
Osanju’s death has been described as a huge loss by followers who admired his openness, resilience and positive outlook in the face of ill health.
However, Osanju had previously shared his battle with leukemia, a cancer of the blood, on his TikTok account, even eerily predicting his own demise on a couple of occasions.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
