Ghanaians encouraged to patronize local products to enhance local businesses

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, has urged Ghanaians to support local tourist attractions, patronize businesses, and explore the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty Ghana has to offer.

He emphasized the importance of working together to promote tourism as a means of economic growth and job creation.

Mr. Agyeman, who was represented by the Director of Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation (RME), Dr. Spencer Doku, made this call at the Northern Regional Tourism Awards held at the Red Clay Studio in the Sagnarigu Municipality of the Northern Region. The event, themed "Celebrating Innovation and Excellence in the Tourism Sector," recognized outstanding performance in tourism, promoted high standards, encouraged innovation, and highlighted quality service delivery within the sector.

At the awards ceremony, Nim Avenue Hotel was recognized as the 2-Star Hotel of the Year, while Bowmarie Resort took home the award for 1-Star Hotel of the Year. Mbiib-Do Guest House received the accolade for Budget Hotel of the Year, with Daa Dingbe Suites being named Service Apartment of the Year. The Catholic Archdiocesan Guesthouse was honored for its contributions to corporate responsibility, receiving the Good Corporate Organization of the Year award.

In the catering services category, Wooden Lounge was named Restaurant of the Year (Grade 2), and 7A’s Unique Services won Restaurant of the Year (Grade 3). De-Shallote Catering Service was awarded Chop Bar of the Year, while King David Spot earned the title of Drinking Bar of the Year. KFC was recognized as Fast Food of the Year.

For travel services, Trip Africa Tours was named Tour Operator of the Year, and Power Link Travel and Tour, based in Tamale, won Travel Agency of the Year. Yussif Adam Abdul Rahman was honored as Tour Guide of the Year, while Red Clay Studio was recognized as the Visitor Attraction of the Year.

Zaa Multi-Media was acknowledged as the Tourism Oriented Media of the Year. Mr. Samuel Sam of the Business and Financial Times (B&FT) was awarded Media Personality of the Year, while Mr. Gilbert Dery, the Northern Regional Chairman of the Ghana Hotels Association, received the title of Tourism Excellence Advocate.

In his remarks, Mr. Agyeman highlighted the significance of innovation and excellence in the tourism industry, stressing that the sector's success depends on continuous improvement and adaptation. He commended the dedication and passion of those who have contributed to making the tourism industry thrive.

The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Shani Alhassan Saibu, represented by Regional Director Mr. Sumaila Ewuntomi Abudu, noted the vital role of tourism in driving socio-economic development in the region. He assured that the government is creating a supportive environment for the tourism sector through strategic partnerships, policy frameworks, and targeted investments, with the aim of making the Northern Region a key destination for both local and international tourists. His comments emphasized the government's commitment to fostering public-private partnerships, improving tourism infrastructure, encouraging innovation, and enhancing the skills of those working in the sector.

Mr. Ibrahim Mahama, the Director of Red Clay Studio, explained that the establishment of the studio was intended to boost domestic tourism in the region and serve as a research hub for academia.

The Northern Regional Director of the GTA, Lawyer Angelo Dogbe, acknowledged that despite the Savannah and North East Regions taking with them key attractions such as Mole National Park and the Mystic Stone, the Northern Region still boasts significant untapped resources. He expressed confidence that with creativity, collaboration, and sustainable practices, the region will continue to grow as a prime tourism destination in Ghana.