Hot!
GTA awards hard working stakeholders in tourism sector
The Ghana Tourism Authority yesterday at the National Tourism Awards held at the Accra International Conference Centre honoured stakeholders who have contributed to the immense growth of the sector.
The National Tourism Awards was instituted by the Ghana Tourism Authority in 1997 to reward excellent performance in the tourism sector.
It is one of the flagship events of the GTA and it sets the tone for high standards in service delivery among practitioners in the tourism sector.
On the night stakeholders in the sector who have worked assiduously in impacting the sector were recognised for their contribution.
Speaking at the programme, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr.Mohammed Awal,on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, congratulated all award winners.
“We salute all those making investments in the industry for the crucial crucial role they are playing in advancing and expanding the tourism industry To promote sustainable tourism growth, we have implemented a comprehensive investment framework that strives to attract domestic and foreign investments into the sector,” he said.
He said “By fostering partnerships
with industry stakeholders and investors, we aim to stimulate economic development,create employment opportunities, and diversify tourism products and services across our nation.”
He said the ministry firmly believes that a skilled workforce is the backbone of a thriving tourism industry, as such, they are committed to equipping industry professionals with the necessary tools, knowledge, and expertise to excel in their respective fields.
“Promoting inclusivity and diversity in tourism employment is also a top priority, as we strive to create opportunities for all and empower the youth to actively participate in the industry
In conclusion, we congratulate all of you for your unwavering support in driving the tourism agenda forward.
He charged the Tour Operators Union of Ghana, TOUGHA and other stakeholders to design attractive packages to help improve domestic tourism to elevate the tourism sector and create a prosperous future.
The GTA Boss, Mr.Akwasi Agyemang on his part said it was with great joy and pride that the industry gathered to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of his outfit.
He said, the Honorary Tourism Awards “served as a testament to our commitment to excellence in the tourism sector. Tonight, we recognize the exemplary individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond to elevate Ghana’s tourism industry.”
According to him “through their unwi avering passion, dedication, and innovation, they have not only contributed to the economic growth of our nation but also elevated the tourism experience for visitors
from all corners of the globe.”
He added that over the past five decades, the GTA has played a pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s tourism landscape, showcasing our vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and breathtaking natural wonders to the world.
“We have witnessed a surge in tourist arrivals and have strengthened our position as a top destination in Africa,” he said.
Mr Agyemang added that the industry’s resilience, as players in the sector continue to navigate the challenges posed by global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, they remained steadfast in their commitment to recovery, ensuring that tourism in Ghana grew stronger and more sustained.
“As we bestow these prestigious awards tonight, let us remember that they are not solely a recognition of past accomplishments but also a call to embrace the future with renewed vigor. Let us collectively strive for excellence, sustainability, and inclusivity in everything we do, ensuring that Ghana remains a destination of choice among
Travelers,” he said.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The List of Award Winners below
The Global Network of Export-Import Banks and Development Finance Institutions (G-NEXID) successfully held its sixth (6th) Exchange Programme, hosted by the Ghana Export – Import Bank (GEXIM) Bank in Accra from March 22 to 23 March.
The event brought together member institutions, partner organisations and Ghanaian public entities to advance dialogue on South-South trade, investment and development finance, while also creating opportunities for knowledge-sharing and institutional cooperation.
Organised as a capacity-building and networking platform, the 2026 edition of the G-NEXID Exchange focused on GEXIM’s experience in developing innovative solutions to promote intra-African and extra-African trade.
It also highlighted trade and investment opportunities in Ghana, particularly in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and broader national development initiatives.
The Exchange Programme forms part of G-NEXID’s mandate to foster cooperation among export-import banks and development finance institutions in support of South-South trade and investment.
This 6th edition follows earlier successful programmes hosted by India Exim Bank (2016), BNDES (2017), Indonesia Eximbank (2018), Afreximbank (2019) and Saudi EXIM Bank (2025).
On the first day, participants were presented with G-NEXID institutional information and received an update on the Network’s 2026 work programme.
There were a series of substantive presentations, including an overview of the Ghanaian economy by the Ministry of Finance, with particular attention to debt-related challenges; a presentation by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), on investment opportunities in the country; and institutional presentations by GEXIM and Development Bank Ghana (DBG) on their respective mandates, initiatives, products and services.
Discussions during the sessions underscored strong interest in sector-focused webinars and business dialogues, particularly in agribusiness value chains such as poultry and rice.
Participants also emphasized the importance of continued information exchange and the sharing of best practices, especially in the area of guarantees.
The second day opened with a presentation on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, a national economic transformation strategy launched by President John Dramani Mahama in July 2025.
The initiative aims to enhance economic productivity through continuous industrial activity, accelerated export development and strategic import substitution.
As the programme is expected to mobilise both private and development capital, it presents concrete opportunities for G-NEXID members in areas such as co-financing, guarantees, trade finance and technical cooperation.
The programme also featured institutional presentations by guest organisations, namely the African Guarantee and Economic Cooperation Fund (FAGACE) and the West African Development Bank (BOAD), which shared their mandates, initiatives, products and services.
Following these exchanges, the G-NEXID Secretariat held bilateral discussions with both institutions as part of the Network’s ongoing membership drive.
Participants further benefited from a presentation by the Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (TDB), as well as a showcase of GEXIM’s key pipeline projects.
On the margins of the Exchange Programme, G-NEXID members also held their 20th Annual General Assembly Meeting to review progress and discuss strategic priorities.
Following the event, participants joined the GEXIM@10 International Conference, held from March 24-25, 2026 under the theme, “A Decade of Enabling Export Trade and Industrial Transformation: Resetting GEXIM for the Next Frontier.”
The conference provided an important platform for exploring how Ghana can strengthen its transition from a primary commodity exporter to a more competitive player in value-added trade and industrial development.
Source – G-NEXID
President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, signed five bills including three amendment bills passed by Parliament into law.
They are: Security and Intelligence Agencies Bill, 2025; University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences Bill, 2025; Ghana Deposit Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2025; Growth and Sustainability Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2026; and Education Regulatory Bodies (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
In a brief remark after assenting to the bills, President Mahama explained that the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2026, scraps the Office of Minister of National Security and frees the President’s to appoint any Minister to supervise the security agencies.
He said it also reverses the name of the office of National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), to the original name, Bureau of National Intelligence, (BNI).
This the President said, addresses the confusion between that security agency and a well-known Ghanaian financial institution, the National Investment Bank.
President Mahama also noted that the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences Act, 2026, establishes another University in the Eastern Region, at Bonsu, with three campuses – the main campus at Bonsu in the Eastern Region, with the second campus to be cited at Ohawu in the Oti Region.
The third, the Presdient assed will be located at Acherensua in the Ahafo Region.
Touching on the Amendment to the Growth and Sustainability Levy Act, the President said, “As you’re aware, the act was amended to increase it from 1% to 3%, and so this act reduces it again. That is the levy on mining companies. It reduces it again to 1%, because of the introduction of the sliding scale of royalties.”
He also spoke to the passage of the Government Education Regulatory Bodies Amendment Act, emphasising that amends Act 1023 to grant greater flexibility to private tertiary institutions and the option to Charter.
The Ghana Deposit Protection Amendment Act, the President concluded, is an amendment to an original act that was supposed to guarantee deposits held in commercial banks or financial institutions.
It basically expands protection to include mobile money wallets and other digital platforms, ensuring a wider scope of digital financial assets are secured.
The signing ceremony, was witnessed by the Clerk of Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dr Dominic Akrutinga Ayine, Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, Joyce Bawa Mogtari, a Senior Presidential Advisor and a Special Aide to the President, Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, and the Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang.
