Ghana has honoured some of its most influential figures in arts, culture, and tourism as the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) hosted the 2025 National Tourism Awards at the Grand Arena in Accra.
The event, held under the theme “The Black Star Experience,” celebrated excellence across music, theatre, literature, tourism services, and the visual arts.
This year’s ceremony recognised individuals and institutions whose lifelong contributions continue to shape Ghana’s national identity and global cultural presence.
A major highlight of the night was the conferment of the Tourism Creative Luminary Award on Agya Koo Nimo for his profound and enduring impact on traditional Ghanaian music.
The Tourism Minister’s Legends Awards honoured leading figures in Ghanaian culture, including musicians Amakye Dede, Gyedu Blay Ambolley, and Prof. Kofi Abraham; theatre and performing arts icons Prof. Esi Sutherland-Addy, Kwaw Ansah, Grace Omaboe (Maame Dokono), and Chief Moomen; literary and visual arts contributors such as Prof. Lade Wosornu, a celebrated sculptor, and photographers James Barnor and Chris Hesse.
In her keynote address, GTA Chief Executive Officer Maame Efua Houadgeto reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to repositioning the tourism sector in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s “Resetting Ghana” agenda.
“We are not just rebuilding tourism; we are redefining it,” she stated, announcing that the Authority is ushering in a new era focused on innovation, sustainability, and service excellence.
She outlined a suite of major digital transformation initiatives:
Ghana Tourism Information System (GTIS): A digital platform for business licensing, levy payments, and guest data management.
Experience Ghana App: A soon-to-launch one-stop platform for browsing, booking, and paying for tourism products.
Virtual Ghana: An immersive VR platform showcasing destinations across the country.
Addressing concerns about high hotel rates, Mrs Houadgeto attributed the issue to rising operational and energy costs. She announced ongoing efforts to support tourism facilities in adopting solar power and eco-friendly systems to reduce expenses and promote sustainability.
“Every eco-lodge and every solar panel is an investment in future generations,” she emphasised.
She also revealed a partnership with Rutgers University (USA) to train professionals in hospitality, events management, and tour operations. She further charged regional directors to enforce rigorous quality standards, stating: “Our success as a destination depends on the excellence of every experience we offer.”
Speaking on behalf of the Special Guest of Honour, the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bompoh Addo praised the tourism sector as a powerful expression of national identity and a key driver of economic transformation.
She described Ghana as “the Black Star of Africa, the Centre of the World, and the Gateway to the Continent,” noting that the nation’s appeal lies not only in its attractions, such as Wli Waterfalls and Mole National Park, but in the warmth, creativity, and resilience of its people.
She commended the government’s 24-hour economy initiative, highlighting its positive impact on nightlife, leisure, and entertainment in major cities.
The Deputy Chief of Staff also hailed cultural ambassadors who recently received diplomatic passports for promoting Ghana internationally, including Anita Erskine, Rocky Dawuni, Ibrahim Mahama, Dentaa Amoateng MBE, and Wode Maya.
The awards recognised outstanding performers across the tourism and hospitality industry. Honourees included Devtraco Plus (The Pelican Hotel), Safari Valley Resort, and several hospitality developers in investment and accommodation; Lakeside Marina Park for eco-tourism; Africa World Airlines and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority in aviation and transport; and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and the African Ancestral Wall for tourism site development.
Media outlets such as The Mirror, UTV, TV3, GBC Real Time, and journalists including William De Bordes, Oswald Okai Teye, and Dr. Nii Ayi Solomon were also honoured. Traditional leaders King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, and Pe Dennis Aneakwoa Balinia Adda received recognition for their contributions.
The night featured captivating performances by Perez Musik, Adina Thembi, Bisa Kdei, Nacee, and the Ghana Dance Ensemble, offering a vibrant display of Ghana’s rich artistic heritage.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
