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Ghana Tourism Authority pays courtesy call on Ga Mantse, strengthens ties to boost Tourism
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), led by its CEO, Mrs. Maame Efua Houadjeto, paid a significant courtesy call on the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, at the Ga Mantse Palace today, May 7, 2025.
The visit marked the Authority’s first official engagement with the traditional leadership since Houadjeto’s appointment and underscored GTA’s commitment to deepening partnerships that drive tourism development in the Greater Accra Region.
Accompanied by her team of directors, the CEO expressed the Authority’s intent to foster closer collaboration with traditional authorities—describing them as “landlords” whose role is vital in safeguarding and promoting local tourist attractions.
“Greater Accra is home to several key tourist sites—forts, castles, the Jamestown Lighthouse area, and even the monkey sanctuary. These are not just national treasures but also important cultural landmarks that require local collaboration for effective promotion,” Houadjeto noted.
The engagement also highlighted the President’s flagship initiative, the ‘Black Star Experience’, which is designed to position Ghana—particularly Greater Accra—as a vibrant, must-visit destination for heritage, history, and cultural immersion.
As part of the Experience, key cultural sites and festivals are being enhanced to provide visitors with authentic and memorable interactions with Ghana’s rich traditions.
During the meeting, discussions focused on how to strengthen cooperation ahead of the upcoming Homowo Festival.
The Ga Mantse emphasized the importance of tourism in amplifying the significance of traditional festivals, and the CEO pledged GTA’s full support in elevating Homowo into a key cultural tourism highlight on the national calendar.
“Our goal is to work hand-in-hand with the Ga State to ensure this year’s Homowo is not only grand but also strategically positioned to attract both local and international tourists,” she said.
Challenges were also raised around tourism infrastructure and community engagement—particularly in the Jamestown area.
Mrs. Houadjeto acknowledged that although GTA had established a tourist centre near the lighthouse to organize guided tours, local oversight had waned following the passing of the centre’s original manager. In the absence of structured management, community youth had taken over operations informally.
“We’ve visited the site and identified the need for reorientation and training. We want to help the youth understand the importance of proper tourism management and equip them with the knowledge to enhance the visitor experience,” she explained.
She said, plans are also underway to support local efforts in cleaning and beautifying the area to meet tourist expectations.
Additionally, the visit touched on Ghana’s upcoming role in hosting the AU-backed FESTAC Africa Renaissance Festival , the 6th World’s Black and Africans Festival of Arts and Culture which celebrates the heritage, food, fashion, and customs of African countries.
Ghana is set to host this prestigious cultural exchange, and GTA is preparing to launch a comprehensive public announcement on the festival’s events and impact.
“FESTAC offers Ghana a unique opportunity to showcase our rich cultural heritage on a continental stage and attract greater international recognition,” Houadjeto added.
The visit concluded with assurances of continued collaboration between the Ghana Tourism Authority and traditional leaders in advancing tourism as a tool for cultural pride and economic development through the Black Star Experience.
Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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