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 musician Sparqlyn is set to release another big hit.
His latest release, ‘Rosina,’ features Germany-based Ghanaian musician, video director, and sound engineer TEENO (known privately as Eric Kwame Tamakloe).
TEENO’s project ‘Signs’ was recently accepted by the Grammys for official consideration in the ‘Album of the Year’ category. Now, ‘Rosina’ is making serious waves across the airwaves.
Coming shortly after the impressive reception to his previous single ‘Fameko,’ ‘Rosina’ is already receiving strong attention from music lovers and radio listeners.
This new song carries an infectious Afrobeats and Hiplife feel while maintaining the romantic direction that characterised ‘Fameko,’ Sparqlyn’s 2026 Highlife collaboration with Ziya.
‘Fameko’ marked an important moment in Sparqlyn’s musical journey, with the love-themed highlife record receiving positive reactions from music lovers and media platforms following its June 2026 release.
The song became one of the highlights of his 2026 output, ranking high on multiple charts.
‘Fameko’ has also bagged Sparqlyn two top nominations: “Highlife Song of the Year” and “Artist of the Year” at the 2026 Stars Awards.
The combination of a romantic storyline, Afrobeats rhythm, and Hiplife influence give the song a sound that fits comfortably into the current Ghanaian music landscape.
The timing of the song’s release could also prove significant for the award-winning artiste. Sparqlyn recently secured two nominations at the 2026 Ghana Youth Empowerment Awards, where he is in contention for Youth Empowerment Advocate of the Year and Outstanding Youth Personality of the Year.
With ‘Fameko’ having established strong momentum earlier in the year and ‘Rosina’ now beginning to enjoy significant airplay, Sparqlyn appears to be ending another eventful chapter of his musical career on a high note.
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Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeats singer Kuami Eugene Marfo known in showbiz circles as Kuami Eugene has urged fellow musicians and entertainers to use their influence on social media and other platforms to champion causes that positively impact society.
The award-winning artiste made the call during a UNICEF Ghana birth registration advocacy campaign in Bepoase in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region, where he joined officials from UNICEF Ghana and the Births and Deaths Registry to raise awareness about the importance of registering children at birth.
He explained that artistes wield significant influence and should leverage platforms such as TikTok, Facebook and Instagram to amplify important social initiatives and encourage behavioural change.
The musician, who has partnered UNICEF Ghana on several child-focused campaigns, said he had a special interest in issues affecting children and was committed to supporting efforts that improved their welfare and future opportunities.
He noted that birth registration was critical because it established a child’s legal identity and ensured recognition as a Ghanaian citizen.
The advocacy drive forms part of UNICEF Ghana’s efforts to improve birth registration rates across the country through community engagements, public education and collaboration with traditional authorities.
The musician said he remained focused on creating quality music while continuing to support social causes that contribute to national development, particularly initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children. –GNA
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