The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in partnership with the Ghana Tourism Authority have launched the ‘December in GH’ initiative at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra yesterday, 4th August 2022.
The ‘December in Gh’ initiative which aims at promoting Ghana as a December holiday season destination, not only for the Ghanaian diaspora but for the global diaspora family saw prominent personalities such as the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, President for NAACP Mr. Derrick Johnson, CEO of GIPC Mr. Yofi Grant, Women in Tourism Ambassador Nancy Sam, Deputy Minister for Tourism Mr. Mark Okraku-Mantey, traditional leaders, diasporas and industry players amongst others gracing the event.
Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, during his welcome speech, said ‘December in GH’ is one of the biggest activations in the tourism sector and one that touches on the three pillars of the ministry; tourism, arts and culture. Over the last few years especially in 2019, there has been an increasing interest in Ghana as a destination for people looking for fun, pleasure, and culture therefore the initiative is going to be one that will connect the African family together and not only boost the economy.
Speaking at the launch of the event, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal said “Today as we launch ‘December in Gh’ 2022, we take pride in seeing Ghana continue to be the leading country of choice for travel during the holiday season in West Africa. Since the launch of our ‘December in Gh’ initiative, we have seen more Ghanaians and Africans in the diaspora making a trip back home for the holiday season to enjoy their time with family and friends.”
“In April last year, President Akuffo Addo launched the ‘Destination Ghana’ to welcome people from the diaspora and in 2019/2020, he launched the Beyond the Return which placed a spotlight on Ghana’s Pan- Africa credentials. These two campaigns helped Ghana lately and GTA has indicated that we have gotten four hundred thousand visitors already in the half of this year. We intend to get 1 million this year and if by June we have gotten this number, we will certainly achieve the 1 million mark I want to thank GTA and all stakeholders for this enviable achievement. Aside from the aforementioned, we will be constructing a 10 million dollar tourism training school next year to improve the customer care activities of our people. This will not only offer services to tourists in Ghana but the global diaspora as a whole” he stated
According to the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, ‘December in Gh’ is a very important initiative therefore he wants to use this opportunity to proclaim to the world that Ghana is willing to receive a thousand people who want to come here.
He urged all to continue to serve Ghana and make the country the most distinct brand in Africa.
As part of the launch, there was also an “Eat Ghana Food Fair”, an initiative to sell the county’s local delicacies to diasporans and other patrons present at the event.
Events to anticipate during the ‘December in GH’ initiative include Afrochella, Afro Nation, Rhythms on the Runway, and Little Havana amongst others. There have also been additions of new entries, and these include Bukom Boxing Fiesta, The Africa Legends, and Westside Carnival amongst others. Details of all the activities will be released in the coming weeks.
BY: Diella Teku / InstinctWave
