The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has been awarded
the Outstanding Tourism Event in Africa for its "Year of
Return" and "Beyond the Return" initiatives at the GOGE
Africa Festival's 25th-anniversary celebration in Nigeria.
The award was presented on October 27, 2024, at
Mobolaji Johnson Arena (Onikan Stadium), Lagos-
Nigeria. Representing the CEO of GTA, Mr. Akwasi
Agyeman, were Mr. Moses Ndewin Ndebugri, Director of
the Upper West Region, and Mr. Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi,
Deputy Director of Domestic Marketing.
This accolade recognizes the exceptional impact of
Ghana's "Year of Return" and "Beyond the Return"
programs in celebrating African heritage, uniting the
African diaspora, and positioning Ghana as a premier
cultural tourism destination. These initiatives have
fostered pan-African unity and strengthened cultural ties
globally.
The GOGE Africa Festival, themed "Symphony of
Cultures," attracted over 20,000 attendees from 32
countries, celebrating African heritage through
exhibitions, parades, music, dance, and culinary
competitions. This year's highlight, "Our Shared
Heritage," showcased the shared history and cultural
unity among African nations.
Mr. Kusi emphasized the strategic importance of Nigeria
as Africa's largest market and highlighted aggressive
marketing efforts for Ghana's tourism offerings. He also
expressed gratitude to the GTA leadership and various
stakeholders for their foresight in advancing Ghana's
tourism agenda.
The Founders of GOGE Africa,Mr Isaac Moses and Mrs.
Nneka Moses, commended Ghana's efforts in promoting
Africa as a premier tourism destination with the "Beyond
the Return" initiative.
The Ghana Tourism Authority spearheaded the 2019
"Year of Return" initiative, attracting over 1.18 million
visitors from the African diaspora and beyond, and
currently leads the "Beyond the Return" initiative. This
ambitious program focuses on seven strategic pillars to
unlock Ghana's full tourism potential, foster lasting
bonds, and establish groundbreaking economic and
cultural partnerships.
