The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, GIPC, has launched
‘Taste of Ghana 2.0’ to leverage on tourism to drive development in Ghana.

‘Taste of Ghana 2.0’ is a unique event that aims to project the beauty of Ghanaian culture and heritage by bringing together Ghanaians and the African Diaspora.

The event primarily fosters an informal networking session for all attendees, and to encourage the support and patronage of Made in Ghana products.

The array of activities include live music sessions, fashion shows and live performances, while vendors showcase various authentic and delicious Ghanaian dishes, local drinks, art, and fashion items.

Speaking at the launch, the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of GIPC, Nana Dufie Addo said, the initiative would highlight various areas of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, and allow investors and public to network in a relaxed atmostphere.

She added that this year’s event would take place on 27th December 2021 at the Forecourt of the State House under the theme,”Our language, Our identity, Our pride.”

According to her, the event would consistently engage members of the diaspora community, leverage resource potential for Ghana’s development agenda, and promote investments in Ghana through entertainment, tourism, and culture.

She said, the initative was a collaboration between GIPC and Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture,Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Information, Ghana Tourism Authority, Diaspora Affairs among other agencies.

The Information Minister, Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah congratulated GIPC and collaborating agencies on this initiative, saying the diversity of Ghanaian culture and heritage all over the country, unfortunately this was not experienced and celebrated enough.

He said that ‘Taste of Ghana 2.0’ gave opportuintiy to showcase the tourism potental in all the regions considering the groups which were targeted.

Mr. Oppong Nkrumah urged organisers to keep an eye on trade, investment and tourism, and called on participants to give of their best.

The Deputy Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture, Mr.Mark Okraku Mantey said, that it was one of the tools which would help the creative sector develop and stressed the need for enhanced customer service.

“All of us need to have in mind that we are all ambassadors of the country,” he said adding that the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture would continuously partner the event for the benefit of the country.

Director of Product Development and Investment at Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr.Ben Nsiah, expressed solidarity and urged the sister agencies to continue to promote Ghana as trade destination.

Director at the Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President, Mr. Akwasi Awuah Ababio, said the diaspora was not homogeneous,so every strategy should be deployed in capturing the interest of all the diaspora communities irrespective of their background.
 

The diapora engagement policy the government is pursuing offers avenues for all diaporians to have access to the various opportunities in the country, and promise Office of the Diaspora Affairs support to the Taste of Ghana.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme