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
Ghanaian gospel dynamo, Piesie Esther, has expressed her readiness to take home the Gospel Artiste of the Year, Telecel Most Popular Song of the Year and Traditional Gospel Song of the Year awards at this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
The musician with many years of success under her belt in the gospel music industry has been nominated for three categories at this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
Piesie Esther was nominated for Gospel Artiste of the Year, Traditional Gospel Song of the Year, and Most Popular Song of the Year with her smash hit, Nyame Ye.
The award-winning musician believes that she had a wonderful year in 2025, which deserves recognition.
According to her, with over 36 shows, millions of streams enjoyed by her Nyame Ye song, coupled with numerous brand engagements, she was in a pole position to outwit other competitors.
“Family, I need your love and support now more than ever! I’ve been nominated at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards and we’re going all out for the win! ,” she noted.
She called on all and sundry that “Every single vote counts, and I truly appreciate your continuous support. Let’s do this together.”
This year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards is slated for May 9, 2026 at the Palms Convention Centre in Accra.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Patrons at +233 Bar and Lounge had an unforgettable experience at the OK@50 All White Birthday Party last Saturday, April 18.
The Ghanaian music icon, Okyeame Kwame, turned 50 years last Friday, April 17, 2026.
Against this backdrop, the ‘Rap Dacta’ organised an All-White Party on Saturday to mark his 50th birthday to raise funds for the construction of a Paediatric Emergency Ward at the Manhyia Hospital.
This is a legacy project the musician is embarking on to mark his 50th birthday.
As part of the concert, patrons were treated to scintillating live performances by Afriyie Wutah, Akwaboah, Sista Afia, Kuami Eugene, KiDi, Kwabena Kwabena, Ras Kuuku, Abiana, Adina, Abochi, Kweku Darlington, and Kunta Kinte of Bradez fame.
One of the country’s finest DJs, Andy Dosty, also had his turn to mesmerise the patrons with hits from the past to present, a moment which saw many patrons on their feet for most of the time.
Okyeame Kwame rocked the gathering with numerous hits from his repertoire, including his new song dubbed ‘Clap.’
He also expressed appreciation to those who has genuinely supported his career to impact the lives of others.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
