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Mrs Alisa Osei-Asamoah bows out of TOUGHA leadership with Thanksgiving Dinner
After four impactful years at the helm of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA), Mrs Alisa Osei-Asamoah marked the end of her presidency with a heartfelt Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday, May 25, 2025 at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra.
The elegant evening brought together members of the Union, tourism industry stakeholders, close associates and well-wishers in a spirit of appreciation and celebration. It was a fitting farewell for a leader whose tenure was marked by excellence, innovation and a tireless commitment to the growth of not just the organisation that she led, but also, Ghana’s tourism sector.
In her speech, Mrs Osei-Asamoah shared the inspiration behind the dinner,“I am here to express my utmost appreciation to God Almighty for seeing me through my tenure as the President of TOUGHA.”
She said, “He’s been faithful throughout my administration, and I’m glad you’re here to join me to show my appreciation.”
The evening served not only as a moment of spiritual reflection but also as a platform for honouring those who played key roles in her successful administration. Mrs Osei-Asamoah presented citations and gift packages to individuals who supported her throughout her leadership, in what she described as a gesture of sincere gratitude.
“These people have helped and worked closely with me during my tenure, and I felt it was only proper that I show my gratitude for their help,” she added.
Guests were treated to a sumptuous buffet accompanied by flowing drinks, lively music and dancing that fostered a mood of camaraderie and celebration.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening came when the Bono Chapter of TOUGHA presented Mrs Osei-Asamoah with a citation in honour of her outstanding leadership. The citation praised her transformative contributions to the Union and Ghana’s wider tourism landscape.
“Under your stewardship, TOUGHA has flourished as a beacon of advocacy for a regulated and sustainable tourism industry. Your visionary guidance has not only elevated the standards of the Union but has also significantly contributed to the enhancement of Ghana’s tourism landscape,” the citation read.
It concluded with a message of admiration and hope: “We, members of the Bono Region, extend our heartfelt gratitude for your exemplary service and leadership, and we look forward to your continued contributions to the growth and development of Ghana’s tourism industry.”
Adding to the honours, the Advisory Board leadership, which served alongside Mrs Osei-Asamoah during her tenure, also presented her with a citation on behalf of the Union, recognising her exemplary service and leadership.
As Mrs Alisa Osei-Asamoah steps into a new chapter, her legacy as TOUGHA’s immediate past president remains firmly etched in the hearts of those she led, inspired and empowered. Her tenure will be remembered for its strategic vision, strong advocacy and unwavering passion for tourism development in Ghana.
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Prioritise affordable treatment of sickle cell treatment —Health Expert
Health experts have urged Ghana to prioritise affordable and accessible treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) as advanced, but costly curative therapies remain out of reach.
SCD, an inherited blood disorder, affects about three in every 100 newborns in Ghana.
Globally, around 1,000 babies are born with the condition daily, with three-quarters in sub-Saharan Africa.
The disease causes severe complications including chronic pain, anaemia, infections, strokes and organ damage, often leading to shortened life expectancy.
In recent years, gene therapy has been developed as a potential cure.
However, its cost—running into millions of dollars per patient—makes it financially and technically inaccessible in Ghana.
According to Dr Lawrence Osei-Tutu, a Sickle Cell and Childhood Cancer Expert at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, “the country must instead focus on practical, lower-cost interventions such as hydroxyurea”, a decades-old cancer drug proven to reduce painful episodes, hospitalisation and life- threatening complications in SCD patients”.
Taken orally, the medicine improves red blood cell function and is considered safe and effective.
“Hydroxyurea therapy is as good as the cure and a low-hanging fruit to pluck, we must bring a cure to our sickle cell warriors, but do so sustainably.” he urged.
In a chat with The Spectator here, he said to create awareness on the disease, the expert noted that despite its benefits, “hydroxyurea is not widely accessible in Ghana.”
Stressing that, “many patients either cannot afford it or struggle with irregular supply through the health system.”
Moreover, he argued that scaling up access would provide immediate relief while the country builds the infrastructure, trains specialists and secures funding needed to support curative therapies in the future.
With an estimated 15,000 babies born with sickle cell disease annually in Ghana, Dr Osei Tutu cautioned that “failure to improve access to effective treatment will leave many patients vulnerable to preventable complications and early death.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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Let’s reintroduce Cultural Studies to complement educational reforms — Tourism Minister
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has emphasised the importance of reintroducing Cultural Studies in schools as part of Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda.
She said Cultural Studies would complement existing efforts to reposition Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote digital literacy and expand Creative Arts education.
Speaking at the 2025 Homowo Festival of the people of Ningo-Prampram, held on the theme: “Education: The Best Legacy for our Children,” Madam Gomashie said cultural education was critical to national identity and development.
She noted that the festival’s theme aligned with the Government’s vision to transform education in Ghana and encouraged the youth to embrace it not only as a means of personal development but also as a way of preserving traditional values.
These values, including patience, wisdom, and hard work, were at the core of the Homowo celebration, the Minister said.
“Cultural festivals like Homowo are vital instruments for strengthening cultural identity, preserving historical memory, and fostering national unity. Additionally, festivals serve as platforms for educating the youth through storytelling, music, dance, and other traditional practices, while also providing opportunities for community engagement.”
Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing to over GH¢4.8 billion to the economy.
“Festivals give tourists reasons to visit our country. Therefore, with the right infrastructure and the development of all the domains, the sector can do more than what has been recorded,” she added.
Mr Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, commended the community for their vibrant participation in the festival. He announced plans for the construction of a new nursing training school in Ningo, aimed at expanding access to healthcare education in the area.
Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Paramount Chief of Great Ningo Traditional Area; King Dr Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area; Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area; Naana Dugbakuwor Dugba II, Paramount Queen Mother of Great Ningo; and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Special Envoy on Religion and Inter-Faith Affairs, who represented the Chief of Staff, were among dignitaries at the festival. -GNA
