News
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.
The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has accepted an apology from the Minority leader in Parliament following allegations of corruption in the recruitment process of the security services.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday, he indicated that the accusations were painful because they portrayed his actions in a way that suggested criminal wrongdoing.
“It is painful to be wrongly accused or for your actions to be misconstrued and labelled differently from your intention, especially when it is linked with criminality and serious wrongdoing,” he stated.
Mr Mubarak noted that although he was deeply hurt and worried by the allegations, he had decided to accept the apology wholeheartedly.
According to him, the issue should guide members of the House and public officials to focus on ensuring that the right things are done without attempting to destroy one another.
He assured the Minority that the Interior Ministry and the various security service commanders remain committed to transparency and accountability in their work.
The Minister added that the ministry would be ready to address any concerns raised by the Minority or other members of Parliament regarding recruitment into the security services.
He further appealed to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to consider expunging from the parliamentary records the false comments.
Mr Mubarak expressed appreciation to the Speaker for handling the matter and emphasised the need for cooperation among members of Parliament to ensure fairness and proper oversight.
By: Jacob Aggrey
THE Gospel Advocates (TGA), a non-denominational evangelistic Christian organisation last Saturday donated a number of educational logistics to the Dodi Asantekrom Basic School in the Eastern region of Ghana.
The gesture was to mark the seventh anniversary of the organisation made up of professionals committed to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to students in senior high schools, particularly in rural communities.
TGA also seeks to inspire students towards attaining academic excellence and guiding them towards optimising the various learning opportunities and academic programmes available at the tertiary level.
Among the items donated were 100 desks, 10 cupboards, 10 desktop computers, two laptops, 10 teachers’ tables and chairs and others.
The group also held its annual outreach programme that had a significant impact in the community through initiatives such as feeding 500 children with hot meals and assorted drinks, providing free medical screening and drugs for 500 adults and youth and conducting health education and sensitisation for both children and adults.
TGA also took upon itself to restock the community clinic with essential medicines and distributed food items, plastic bowls, cups and clothing to members of the community.
The initiative, according to officials of the group, was supported by ORSAM Limited, Doctors Save Lives Foundation, Johnson Tord Foundation, El-Shaddai Mothercare, Exceed Alliance Limited, GB Foods Ghana Limited, Qualiplast Limited, Phyto-Riker (Gihoc) Pharmaceuticals Limited, Cosa Bright Ghana, Kabs Pharmacy, Tobinco Pharmaceuticals, Pill Bay Pharmacy and Bamah 3.7.7.
“We are deeply grateful for their immense support and partnership in bringing hope, relief, and practical assistance to the people of Dodi Asantekrom,” the officials said.
In a statement, the President and Chairman of The Gospel Advocates, Mr. Selom Kpikpitse, said the donation to Dodi Asantekrom forms part of TGA’s broader mission to propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ among students and youth in rural communities through teachings, music and arts.
He explained that the meals provided to over 500 pupils were in line with the organization’s annual “Feed the Kidz Project,” which demonstrates Christ’s love.
Receiving the items on behalf of the school, the Headmaster, Mr. Otumfour Newton, expressed gratitude to TGA and its sponsors, saying that “the items would significantly enhance teaching and learning while improving the overall welfare and development of the pupils.”
Mr. Newton also commended the team for the free medical screenings for adults and youth in the community, and other community engagements.
Medical supplies were also donated to the Dodi Asantekrom CHPS compound and received on behalf of the facility by Mr. Amefu, a Physician Assistant.
By Spectator Reporter
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
