The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has recently been recognized for its exceptional initiatives, the ‘Year of Return’ and ‘Beyond the Return’, at the GOGE Africa Festival’s 25th-anniversary celebration in Nigeria.
This prestigious award was presented on October 27, 2024, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, Nigeria.
The GTA’s Chief Executive Officer, Akwasi Agyeman, was represented by Moses Ndewin Ndebugri, Director of the Upper West Region, and Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi, Deputy Director of Domestic Marketing, at the event.
The award acknowledges the significant impact of Ghana’s ‘Year of Return’ and ‘Beyond the Return’ programs in celebrating African heritage, uniting the African diaspora, and establishing Ghana as a leading cultural tourism destination.
These initiatives have played a crucial role in promoting pan-African unity and strengthening cultural bonds globally.
The GOGE Africa Festival, themed ‘Symphony of Cultures’, attracted over 20,000 attendees from 32 countries, who participated in various activities such as exhibitions, parades, music performances, dance shows, and culinary competitions.
This year’s highlight, ‘Our Shared Heritage’, emphasized the shared history and cultural unity among African nations.
During the event, Mr. Kusi highlighted Nigeria’s strategic importance as Africa’s largest market and underscored the aggressive marketing efforts to promote Ghana’s tourism offerings.
He expressed gratitude to the GTA leadership and all stakeholders for their vision and commitment to advancing Ghana’s tourism agenda.
The Founders of GOGE Africa, Mr. Isaac Moses, and Mrs. Nneka Moses, commended Ghana for its efforts in positioning Africa as a premier tourism destination through the ‘Beyond the Return’ initiative.
The GTA initiated the ‘Year of Return’ in 2019, attracting over 1.18 million visitors from the African diaspora and beyond, and is currently leading the ‘Beyond the Return’ initiative.
The ‘Beyond the Return’ program focuses on seven strategic pillars aimed at unlocking Ghana’s tourism potential, building lasting relationships, and establishing innovative economic and cultural partnerships.
