The renowned 5-star establishment, Labadi Beach Hotel, has once again proven its commitment to excellence by receiving the CIMG Hospitality Facility of the Year 2023 award for the third time in a row. This prestigious accolade emphasizes the hotel’s unwavering dedication to providing exceptional service and creating unforgettable guest experiences.
In addition to this honor, Labadi Beach Hotel’s Managing Director, Mr. David Eduaful, was recognized as the CIMG Marketing Man of the Year 2023. Mr. Eduaful’s visionary leadership has propelled the hotel to remarkable growth and positioned it as a significant player in the international hospitality arena, setting new industry standards.
Expressing his gratitude for these acknowledgments, Mr. David Eduaful remarked, “We are deeply honored by these awards, which reflect the hard work and commitment of our entire team. They reaffirm our position as a leading global hospitality brand, not just in Ghana, but on a global scale.”
In reflecting on the impressive accomplishments, Professor Douglas Boateng, the Non-executive chairman of the Board, remarked, “The management and entire staff have demonstrated that, under thoughtful leadership and minimal interference, it is attainable to achieve and maintain world class standards right here at home.”
“With continuity, there is no limit in the sky for Labadi Beach Hotel”. Prof Douglas Boateng- Non executive chairman.
Labadi Beach Hotel continues to elevate its offerings and uphold its standing as a leading destination for travelers seeking exceptional luxury and service.
Looking towards the future, the hotel remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of quality and excellence, solidifying its position as a premier international brand. The hotel is proudly owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).
Accra’s champion will represent the city in the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup Grand Finals Turkish Airlines, flying to more countries than any other airline, arrived in Accra at Achimota Golf Club with the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup on 26th October 2024. Local high-profile figures and members of the business community attended the event.
Since its inception in 2013, the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup now brings together over 8,000 players who compete against one another in more than 118 tournaments in 67 countries worldwide.
The event at the Achimota Golf Club was the 100th of 118 tournaments in this year’s Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup – with the victors competing in the Grand Finals in Türkiye later this year. From a global total of 118, those that win will go through to the Grand Finals and have the chance to stay & play at Gloria Serenity Resort & Gloria Golf Club on the Turkish Golf Coast.
Representing Accra, Christophe De Jenlis secured their champion position with 42 points, and Ama Morgan was runner-up, while Ashish Ram Mathema came third.
The Closest to the Pin competition was won by Prince Awuley for the men and Vastie Amoafo-Yeboah for the women. Christopher Mbii won the lowest gross with a score of 69.
Turkish Airlines General Manager in Ghana, Aytekin Serbest said: “We warmly thank all of our guests who made the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup here in Accras a huge success. Once again, it was a thrilling tournament in the TAWGC series, congratulations to our winner, Christophe De Jenlis. We wish him the best of luck in Türkiye.”
All Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup finalists will fly to Türkiye with the comfort and luxury of the Turkish Airlines’ Business Class. Turkish Airlines’ support makes the past events, such as the Turkish Airlines Open and TAWGC in Antalya, an international premium destination for golfers with outstanding facilities.
Private sector practitioners in tourism on the freewheeling social media platform which educates, promotes, preserves and celebrate the diverse cultures and natural heritage of Ghana – the Ghana Tourism Forum – is marshalling to take a deep dive into the discipline of tourism at the first ever ‘Tourism Stakeholders Mixer’, which seeks to bring together some of the industry’s most prolific professionals to feed off insights and contributions.
PaJohn Dadson takes a close look at what this meeting that seeks open-up discussions and moderated by industry experts on specific topics aimed at promoting our country as a top tourist destination could offer.
Professor Kwaku Boakye, Tourism Consultant and Vice Chancellor of the Cape Coast Technical University is expected as key speaker at this event that is bringing together public administrators and private sector practitioners in tourism as well as academia to forward dialogue on the future of tourism in Ghana.
Besides a significant human resource gap that has led to a shortage of trained personnel like tour guides, hospitality staff and skilled management who can impact service quality that pose serious questions to the sector – Ghana’s tourism industry – also faces several other challenges, including a lack of infrastructure and technology adoption that limit the quality of experience.
Workforce development, therefore, including ways of upscaling, retention and diversity creation, is a critical element for discussion and will feature prominently at the event which seeks to identify and debate solutions to the many issues confronting the sector. Along with sustainability, innovation and post-pandemic recovery are the other key areas that require acute attention.
Professor Kwtaku Boakye, Tourism Consultant and Vice Chancellor of the Cape Coast Technical University will lead the discussions at the evenThe theme for the mixer is ‘Building a Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality Industry Together’.CEO of Hausa Tours, Fuseini Nawaru, is the coordinator of the Ghana Tourism Forum platform, and lead convener for the ‘mixer’. “The ‘together’ part of the theme is very key to the message that we want to put across,” he emphasises.
‘Collaboration’ is a key component of sustainable development and going forward, encouraging policy-makers, industry leaders, investors and local communities to recognise this as having a vital role to play in promoting the industry is one of the reasons why the idea for the ‘mixer’ was mooted in the first place.
From eco-friendly and socially responsible tourism practices to enhancing competitiveness and resilience, the ‘mixer’ will seek to foster inclusive growth, ensuring equitable distribution of tourism benefits.
The challenges are, indeed, many. There is the daunting prospect posed by environmental damage with regards the negative impact of Galamsey.
Then the complex visa application processes that can deter potential tourists from visiting. In these days of the proliferation of social media, concerns high about crime and instability in certain regions impact tourist confidence. Competition from other destinations, like that currently arising with our neighbours in Nigeria who are kicking up the game for the ‘Detty December’ market.
There has never been a more urgent need for fully utilising digital platforms and online marketing tools to reach a wider audience, and that is another key area for critical dissecting.
As far back as 1942, two professors – Huziker and Krapf of the Beme University – defined tourism as “the sum total of phenomena and relationship arising from travel and stay of non-residents, in so far as they do not lead to permanent residence and are not connected with any earning activities.”
The key word in this definition is “relationship”, and over time, community engagement; that is, sufficiently involving local communities in tourism planning and development is paramount to the success of any potential growth.
The phenomenon has come a long way since. In Ghana, as in many other parts of the world, despite tourism being a vital contributor to national economic growth through various means – including cultural exchanges and job creation, particularly for youth and women, the challenges still persist. Hence, the need for this ‘mixer’ which is being executed “by the industry for the industry”
The sheer dynamics of the sector, its impact on environmental sustainability, economic volatility – among other factors – create major issues; and with all of Ghana’s local problems, tourism’s issues and identified opportunities and needs will be tackled at this event which aims to unite key stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality value chain for strategic dialogue and collaboration.
President of African Tourism Research Network (ATRN), Emmanuel Frimpong, is the Planning Committee Lead for the ‘Tourism Stakeholder Mixer’. He says it will “run as a dialogue event, with expert-led panels on proposed themes”.
Other members of the Planning Committee are co-convener Samuel Obeng Appiah of VoyagesAfriq, Mr. Kwaku Passah Snr. of Exotic Adventures, Janice Tagoe of Janice Digital, Edith Pinaman of Ellevan Consult, Ms. Pam Abbey, PaJohn Dadson and Mr. David Eduaful of Labadi Beach Hotel.
The event, organised in partnership with African Tourism Research Network (ATRN) – a tourism and hospitality civil society think-tank that promotes responsible, ethical and sustainable tourism in Africa, is being executed in collaboration with Bentsifi – a media platform which works to stimulate travel through content curation, activating the patronage of what is inherently ours. Find Bentsifi every Friday in the Weekend edition of the Business & Financial Time newspaper.
The ‘Tourism Stakeholder Mixer’ is scheduled to take place on February 12 at the Conclave Meetings and Events Centre at Osu.
The Ghana Navy and the Ghana Tourism Authority have commenced talks to collaborate to enhance maritime tourism in the Country’s maritime domain. This initiative is part of efforts to boost Ghana’s Blue Economy.
Maritime Tourism holds great potentials for the nation as a litorral state, unfortunately, the area is underexplored in Ghana. This partnership will unveil prospects to boost the tourism aspects of the Blue Economy.
At a meeting between the Deputy CEO, General Services, Mr. Ben Anane-Nsiah and the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Issah Yakubu, at the Naval Headquarters, it has been agreed that a team of technical experts would be put together to develop maritime tourism activities in Ghana.
This follows the successful sea experience to visit the centre of the Earth in the middle of the ocean with some Ghana Navy ships.
Pretoria – In a vibrant display of cultural and business diplomacy, the Ghana High Commission in South Africa, alongside the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), hosted the “Taste of Ghana and Business Exchange” event today in Pretoria. Held at the residence of Her Excellency Mrs. Francisca Ashietey-Odunton, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, the gathering marked a ceremonial welcome for Wanderlust Ghana as they embark on the second leg of their historic 30,000-kilometer road expedition.
The Wanderlust Ghana team’s journey, encompassing over 30 countries and spanning Europe, Dubai, and now South Africa, aims to build cultural bridges and promote Ghana’s tourism potential. This event drew prominent figures from Ghanaian and South African travel and trade sectors, celebrating a growing alliance between the two nations and showcasing Ghana’s dynamic cultural legacy.
In her address, H.E. Mrs. Ashietey-Odunton commended the evolving Ghana-South Africa relationship, highlighting shared values, solidarity, and a mutual vision for growth and prosperity. She emphasized how this partnership has flourished through initiatives fostering collaboration, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connections, such as the recent introduction of a mutual visa-free regime. This development, she noted, has opened the door for citizens of both nations to explore each other’s cultures, strengthening both tourism and business links.
Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, further emphasized Ghana’s standing as a premier West African destination for South African travelers. He noted the success of key tourism initiatives such as the “Year of Return,” which has placed Ghana on the world tourism map, the rapidly growing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) sector, and the celebrated “December in GH” festivities. Mr. Agyeman also invited South African businesses to explore investment opportunities in Ghana’s tourism and hospitality sectors, with promising areas in adventure tourism, waterfront development, and sustainable tourism technologies, all aligned with Ghana’s strategic tourism growth objectives.
Representatives of Wanderlust Ghana expressed gratitude for the warm reception from GTA and the Ghana High Commission, as well as the support they have received from the “Visit Ghana” brand. They look forward to further promoting Ghana as they advance on the final legs of their expedition.
Guests at the event enjoyed a culinary journey through Ghana with an array of authentic Ghanaian dishes, offering a taste of the country’s rich heritage. The celebration underscored Ghana’s vibrant tourism appeal and positioned it as a unique gateway to West Africa, encouraging South African travelers to experience Ghana’s charm and cultural diversity firsthand.
The Ghana Tourism delegation also included notable representatives such as Mr. Hakeem Ishmael, Ms. Miriam Brako Marfo, Ms. Veronica Amartey, and Mr. Frederick Asante, each contributing to the day’s successful celebration of Ghana-South Africa relations.
If you are thinking of migrating to Ghana or are already in Ghana but want to relocate, then Koforidua is your best bet.
Koforidua is undoubtedly one of the most popular cities in Ghana, serving as the regional capital of the Eastern Region. Many people who have had a chance to visit, reside or work in the city, find it hard to leave and proclaim it as one of the best if not the best city or regional capital in Ghana. But what makes people adjudge Koforidua as such? Jetsanza.com has narrowed the many reasons why Koforidua is the best city to live in Ghana to just ten.
Below are Top 10 Reasons Why Koforidua Is The Best City To Live In Ghana
No Traffic Jam at any point in Time
Koforidua is one of the few cities in Ghana that hardly experiences traffic situations. Unlike places like Accra and Kumasi where you could stay in traffic for hours when riding from one place to another, Koforidua is traffic-free and you don’t have to bother about waking up at dawn to go to work in order to avoid the traffic. This has made movement in the city very easy and comfortable, a reason why people from elsewhere who have visited the city believe it is the best in Ghana.
Good Roads
Koforidua relatively has very good roads compared to the other major cities in Ghana. Almost every road in the city, major or minor is tarred with only a handful of portholes which is normal in Ghana, even though shouldn’t be the case. Anyone who has lived in places like Accra would attest to how impressive the roads in Koforidua as all the main roads have been tarred.
Affordable Accommodation
The cost of accommodation in Koforidua is ridiculously cheap if you compare it to the likes of Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi. The cost of renting in Accra costs about 6 times the price in Koforidua for the same kind of apartment. Though areas closer to schools are expensive, it’s the case in all other cities since those houses are usually used as hostels for students.
The cost of accommodation has contributed significantly to people leaving other regions to resettle in Koforidua.
Moderate Transport Fare
Transportation in Koforidua is hustle free with transport fares being very moderate. Hardly will you have to pay more than GHS2 for transportation in Koforidua, irrespective of where you are going. As far as your destination is within the city, expect to pay anything not more than GHS2. This is a sharp contrast to what pertains in other cities in Ghana, where transportation fares are a headache for the ordinary Joe. Interestingly, there is no Trotro in Koforidua and taxi fares remain cheaper than Trotro in other cities.
Good Restaurants with Cheap Foods
Koforidua is one of the few places in Ghana where you will find very good restaurants where the prices of food are very cheap. This is not so common in the country or other cities. You could easily find hotels and restaurants that meet the standard of those in Accra or Kumasi and even offer better services yet the cost of food at these restaurants are way cheaper than those in Accra. Though many have argued that foodstuffs are expensive in Koforidua, foods at the top hotels and restaurants are relatively cheaper than the same stars of hotels in other cities.
Cheap Hotel Prices
Another phenomenon that makes Koforidua the best city in Ghana is the low cost of hotels and guest houses. Usually, hotels and guest houses in regional capitals are very expensive due to the cosmopolitan nature of the cities and the high demand for these facilities. That however is not the case in Koforidua where the cost of staying in hotels and guesthouses is far less cheap compared to other regional capitals. This makes visiting the city very cheap as one can easily lodge at a guesthouse or a hotel for days and still pay an amount that can’t book a hotel for a day in Accra. Hotel rooms that go for GHS350 ($30) in Accra, are only GHS120 ($10) in Koforidua.
Almost all government institutions have branches in Koforidua
Even though Koforidua is just an hour and a half drive from Accra, you wouldn’t need to visit the national capital if you want to deal with any state institution as all the important state institutions like the Passport office, Drivers and Vehicle License Authority (DVLA) and others have offices in the city. Others may argue that these offices are found in other cities as well but what makes Koforidua different is NO QUEUES.
Beautiful Landscapes
Koforidua has one of the best and most beautiful landscapes in Ghana. These landscapes are what people have been traveling to India, Sri Lanka and other countries to see. The town is overlooked by the Akuapem Mountains while the land itself is not tilted much to one side and has a relatively leveled surface making movement less hectic. The city also boasts a lot of green vegetation and trees, providing a better climate for residents. This is something which is missing in places like Accra where one could walk for hours without coming across a tree.
No flooding
The issue of flooding in Ghana has been one of the most topical and discussed subjects in Ghana for decades, as most parts of the country, especially our regional capitals flood during the rainy seasons. Koforidua has however been an exemption from the norm. The city doesn’t experience flooding no matter the heaviness of the downpour and on the few occasions there has been flooding; hardly does it affect life and property as has become the case in places like Accra, Tamale, and Kumasi.
Koforidua has become one of the few cities in Ghana where you can expect life to go on normally without residents making any adjustments during the rainy season.
Good sanitation
Koforidua is one of the cleanest cities in Ghana today if not the cleanest. It is normal to go jogging at dawn and see Zoomlion workers sweeping the streets and collecting all waste materials before the day breaks. Sadly is not the case in most cities in Ghana. A walk through the streets of Accra and you would see heaps of waste left by the roadsides, some of which are left uncollected for days and even weeks at times.
All the reasons cannot be listed. Aside from its closeness to Accra and Kumasi, the crime rate in the city is almost zero despite seeing Policemen in few places. The usual GHS2 collected by Policemen in other cities is not seen in Koforidua. The city also boasts of the best basic schools which are highly patronised by politicians who have second homes in the city.
It’s proximity to various attractions, easy accessibility to nearby towns, the well-patronised market days, the nightlife, the huge parking space at Jackson Park that hardly gets even one-third filled, and yes, you enjoy B. Foster Bread while it’s still fresh.
Koforidua undoubtedly is one of the best cities in Ghana and one could go on and on to explain why the city deserves all the praise it gets. Once a small and hardly spoken-about town, Koforidua is gradually defying the odds to become Ghana’s finest city.
Before you proceed to check in at the Kotoka International Airport Terminal 3, make sure you are not carrying any liquid in your carry-on luggage unless it’s not more than 100ml. I prefer keeping all liquids in check-in luggage unless I will need them onboard.
If you are traveling with any agricultural produce, obtain the necessary permit at the airport before checking in.
Once you are done with the above, follow these steps to check in at Kotoka International Airport Terminal 3:
Go to the check-in counters
The check-in counters are located at the departure hall. You can know your check-in counter by checking on the monitors. Then look for the signboards that indicate your airline’s check-in counter.
Queue at the counter
Join the queue at your airline’s check-in counter. Make sure you have your passport, travel documents, and flight itinerary ready to present to the airline staff. Additional documents like a visa, yellow fever vaccination card, and others may be required depending on your destination.
Luggage Dropoff
Hand over your luggage to the airline staff, who will weigh and label your baggage and give you your boarding pass.
Once you have completed the check-in process, proceed to the immigration and security checkpoint for screening.
After passing through security, you will enter the departure area of the airport where you can access duty-free shops, restaurants, and other facilities.
Wait for your flight at the designated gate, which will be indicated on your boarding pass.
It is important to note that the check-in process may vary depending on your airline and destination, so it’s always a good idea to check with your airline in advance to confirm their check-in procedures and requirements.
Holders of Ghanaian passports have visa-free access to 46 countries, ranking the Ghanaian passport 70th in the 2025 Global Passport Power Rank.
Below is the updated list of visa-free countries for Ghanaian citizens for 2025
Visa-free countries for Ghanaians
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belize
Benin
British Virgin Islands
Burkina Faso
Cape Verde Islands
Cook Islands
Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Dominica
Eswatini (Swaziland)
Fiji
Gambia
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Grenada
Guyana
Haiti
Indonesia
Jamaica
Kenya
Liberia
Malawi
Mali
Mauritius
Micronesia
Montserrat
Mozambique
Niger
Nigeria
Niue
Philippines
Rwanda
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Singapore
South Africa
Tanzania
Trinidad and Tobago
Togo
Uganda
Vanuatu
Zimbabwe
Ghanaian passport holders must still meet other immigration requirements while traveling visa-free to these countries.
Visa can be obtained on arrival (Visa-On-Arrival For Ghanaian Passport Holders)
Burundi
Cambodia
Mauritania
Zambia
Ethiopia
Lesotho
Madagascar
Somalia
Maldives
Nicaragua
Palau
Saint Lucia
Timor-Leste
Tuvalu
Macau
Bolivia
Comoros
Seychelles
Samoa
Electronic Entry Visa Required (eVisa For Ghanaian Passport Holders)
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahrain
Bhutan
Botswana
Cambodia
Cameroon
Congo, Democratic Republic
Colombia
Djibouti
Ecuador
Equatoria Guinea
El Salvador
Sao Tome And Principe
Sri Lanka
South Sudan
Gabon
India
Iran
Kyrgyzstan
Malaysia
Mongolia
Myanmar
Oman
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Qatar
United Arab Emirates
Thailand
Indonesia
Australia
Albania
Vietnam
Uzbekistan
You are advised to cross-check the updated list and entry requirements before making travel plans, as travel requirements might have changed after this publication.
Nairobi, Kenya – January 23, 2025 – Africa Tourism Partners, alongside its host partner, TEAMS Africa, is excited to announce the launch of the 7th Africa Youth in Tourism Summit (AYTIS) 2025 (www.youthtourismsummit.com) on January 29, 2025, at the SNDBX offices in Nairobi. This pivotal event will unveil the dynamic plans for AYTIS 2025, set to inspire and empower the next generation of tourism leaders from June 10 to June 13, 2025, also in Nairobi.
Africa Tourism Partners, as the organizer of the Summit, has played a pivotal role in facilitating economic growth and cooperation within the continent’s tourism sector. Their successful hosting of previous summits in Namibia (2022-2024), Ghana (2021), Rwanda (2020), and South Africa (2019) demonstrates their commitment to strengthening collaborations and advancing the industry across Africa.
The hybrid event will showcase key messages from prominent leaders in the tourism industry, including Kwakye Donkor, CEO of Africa Tourism Partners and Convener of the Summit; June Chepkemei, CEO of the Kenya Tourism Board; Elcia Grandcourt, Director for Africa at the UN World Tourism Organization; and Emily Mburu-Ndoria, Director of Trade Services, Investment, Intellectual Property Rights, and Digital Trade at the AfCFTA Secretariat. They will be joined by AYTIS 2025 host, TEAMS Africa: Joram Mwinamo, founder of SNDBX—a hub for business growth and innovation; Barry Clemens, CEO of Hospitality EQ; and Håvar Bauck, founder of HotelOnline.
Since its inception in 2019, AYTIS has emerged as a premier Pan-African platform that fosters youth-led innovation and entrepreneurship in the tourism sector. A highlight of the upcoming 2025 summit is the annual Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge, with registration open until February 28, 2025. This is a golden opportunity for young African entrepreneurs to showcase their groundbreaking ideas that elevate technology, promote sustainability, and encourage community engagement in tourism.
Convened by Africa Tourism Partners in partnership with UN Tourism and BDO, hosted by TEAMS Africa, and supported by the AfCFTA Secretariat, AYTIS 2025 highlights the significance of sustainable tourism development across Africa. During the press conference on January 29, attendees will hear from key partners who will share the summit’s objectives, explore the potential impact of the Innovation Challenge, and emphasize how collaboration is essential to achieving AYTIS’s vision and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). AYTIS 2025 aims to contribute to SDGs 5, 8, 9, and 10 by empowering youth and women, driving innovation, and fostering sustainable development within Africa’s tourism sector.
Accra, Ghana – Nationalism Park is officially opening to the public on December 20, 2024. This exciting event celebrates Ghana’s unity, cultural pride, and national heritage as part of the December in GH activities.
Nationalism Park is a unique place that honors Ghana’s rich history, showing how our identity, strength, and dreams have evolved. The opening ceremony will feature inspiring art and culture, paying tribute to the heroes and milestones that have shaped our nation.
The park encourages everyone to reflect on the values of patriotism, togetherness, and progress. It offers a space for conversation, education, and celebration, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, said, “Nationalism Park is a place for national, community, and social cohesion, where we can all come together as Ghanaians and celebrate our past heroes and leaders.”
Nationalism Park is a joint effort by the Ghana Tourism Authority, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, and National Security to turn the site into a world-class tourist destination.
The park features:
A city lighting park
Two monuments celebrating Nii Kwabena Bonnie III and our national pride
A restaurant and snack bar
A children’s play area
Other attractions
Nationalism Park will boost the local economy by attracting tourists, creating jobs, and promoting hospitality activities in the surrounding areas. The park is located between Independence Square and the Accra Sports Stadium.
