Under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, the National Chocolate Week will be organized from 3rd February to 14th February 2025. The event is celebrated to promote the consumption of chocolate and highlight chocolate as a healthy product.

The National Chocolate Day Celebration was instituted in 2005 to coincide with Valentine’s Day which falls on 14th February every year to boost the domestic consumption of Ghanaian chocolate and other cocoa-based products. In 2021, COCOBOD and GTA extended the day’s celebration to a week-long event, which has been organized successfully since then.

The Black Star experience embodies Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, with cocoa at its heart as a symbol of national pride and economic strength. As we celebrate Chocolate Week, we honour the farmers who cultivate this prestigious crop, transforming it into the sweet delight that brings joy to millions worldwide. The Black Star shines brightly through Ghana’s cocoa, a testament to our nation’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to producing some of the world’s finest chocolate.

Regional offices of the Ghana Tourism Authority will participate in the National Chocolate Week by visiting the Pediatric Units of Regional Hospitals on 14th February 2025.
The activities for this year include.

• Media Engagement and Sensitization on 3^rd – 14^th February 2025 to sensitize the general public about the health benefits of chocolate and other cocoa-based products.
• Melting moment on 13^th February 2025 – A chocolate drink stand will be mounted at the reception of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Head Office.
• Float and Chocolate feast on 14^th February 2025 through the principal streets of Accra, which will end with a durbar for stakeholders at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
• Chocolate experience on 14^th February 2025. Activation at the Kotoka International Airport to sensitize the public on the health and nutritional benefits of chocolate and distribute bar chocolate to passengers at the arrival hall.
• Hotel and Restaurant Participation: Throughout the Chocolate Week, hotels and restaurants across Ghana are encouraged to incorporate chocolate into their menus, offering special chocolate-themed dishes and desserts. On 14th February, these establishments are also urged to distribute complimentary chocolate to patrons as a symbol of love.

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) today welcomed Mrs. Maame Efua Houadjeto as the New Chief Executive Officer of the organisation.

Mrs. Houadjeto succeeds Mr. Akwasi Agyeman who has served as CEO for the past 8 years. Mr. Agyeman who stepped down recently, was on hand to welcome her and introduce her to staff.

During the meeting, Mrs. Houadjeto expressed her deep gratitude for the warm reception, stating that she was honored to lead the GTA. She emphasized her commitment to promoting Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, urging management and staff to work collaboratively as a team to drive the growth and development of the tourism industry in Ghana.

Notably, Mrs. Houadjeto is the second female CEO of the GTA since its establishment as the Ghana Tourist Board (GTB) in 1973, and the first female CEO since the the then Ghana Tourism Board (GTA) became an Authority under the Tourism Act, 2011 (Act 817).

The staff and management congratulated her and welcomed her to their fold.

Launched in 2019 as part of the landmark ‘Year of Return’, December in GH has become a cornerstone of Ghana’s cultural and tourism scene, attracting locals and visitors from all over the world who are eager to experience our rich heritage, arts, and entertainment.

This year’s festive season offers a variety of activities designed to give a true taste of Ghanaian culture while fostering connections within local communities. The Ghana Tourism Authority and event organizers have worked tirelessly to ensure that December in GH continues to achieve new levels of excitement. CEO Akwasi Agyeman stated, “Each event is an opportunity for collaboration, inspiration, and connection as we celebrate our rich and diverse Ghanaian culture with the rest of the world. These events set the stage for an even more impactful year ahead.”

According to the 2023 Tourism Report, visitor numbers more than doubled in 2022, showcasing a remarkable 47% growth. In 2023, Ghana welcomed 1,148,002 arrivals, reflecting a 25% rise from the previous year and surpassing pre-COVID figures by 2%. This indicates a vibrant recovery for Ghana’s tourism sector, with a target of 1.3 million visitors this year.

The December in GH festivities not only elevate the tourism experience but also create positive economic impacts, particularly for SMEs. These dynamic events drive demand for a range of services and goods, benefiting small business owners and communities.

Beyond economic growth, December in GH plays a crucial role in celebrating and preserving Ghana’s rich culture. For more details about the exciting events lined up, visit www.decemberingh.com. Stay updated on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Reels.

Let’s come together to celebrate the magic of December in GH!

Click Here To Download Calendar

The visa waiver is designed to make entry into Ghana simpler, allowing travelers to experience the country’s rich culture, vibrant festivals, and the exciting events in the December in GH calendar. The Government of Ghana aims to attract a significant number of visitors, enhancing the tourism sector and solidifying Ghana’s status as a top global destination for visitors and investors.

On November 28, 2024, Hon. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, Minister of Transport, issued a directive to all airlines to promptly update their systems to reflect this new policy. This initiative is in line with the “Beyond the Return” vision, strengthening Ghana’s relationship with the global African community and promoting cultural exchange and economic growth. The pre-approval waiver underscores Ghana’s dedication to welcoming the African diaspora and international visitors, providing a more accessible travel experience.

Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, stresses the importance of this new visa regime, urging travelers to take advantage of this unique opportunity and immerse themselves in the December in GH celebrations.

The December in GH campaign presents a dynamic calendar of events officially endorsed by the Ghana Tourism Authority and the Beyond the Return Steering Committee, aimed at drawing travelers who plan their visits around these events.

Since its initiation in 2019, December in GH has established Ghana as a must-visit holiday destination, attracting global travelers eager to engage with the nation’s rich arts and culture. This campaign acts as a rallying point for the African family worldwide, inviting reconnections like never before.

For more information about the December in GH initiative, visit our official website at www.decemberingh.com.

Ghana Tourism Authority Honored at GOGE Africa Festival for THE YEAR OF RETURN – 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.

Ghana Week DC 2024 concluded on a high note as the Ghana Week DC Select Side triumphed over DC United 2-1 in an exhilarating football (soccer) match at Audi Field in Washington, DC. The victory was not only a sporting highlight but also a symbol of the growing cultural and economic ties between Ghana and the United States, with a special emphasis on connections through the diaspora.

The match marked the second edition of the Capital City Africa Cup and served as the perfect finale to a week-long celebration of Ghana’s rich culture, tourism, and investment opportunities.

The Ghana Select Side, was composed of an impressive mix of talent, featuring seven players from Asante Kotoko’s first team and two players from Attram De Visser FC, as well as other top Ghanaian players based in the United States. Despite the initial setbacks, including challenges with visa acquisition that led to Asante Kotoko’s withdrawal from the scheduled match, the Ghanaian team delivered a stellar performance. Team Ghana came from behind to claim a hard-fought 2-1 win.

DC United’s U-18 team took an early lead in the first half, however, Ghana’s determination and skill quickly came into play, with Kotoko’s Elvis Kyei Baffour netting the equalizer just before halftime. The second half saw Geoffrey Owusu score the winning goal, securing Ghana’s place as champions of the Capital City Charity Cup.

The match was a highly anticipated event, headlining the Ghana Week DC events, which included the opening reception at the Smithsonian Museum of African Art, Hospitality Travel & Tourism B2B Forum at the Embassy of Ghana DC, African Restaurant Week, and the Ghana Property and Lifestyle Expo. All activities aimed to promote Ghana’s tourism, culture, investment potential and sports within the DMV area (Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia). It brought together members of the African diaspora, Americans, and Ghanaians, further strengthening the bridge between Ghana and the United States. This victory not only highlighted Ghana’s growing influence in sports but also reinforced the strong bonds that can be forged through sporting events like the Capital City Africa Cup.

Photos: TwinsDntBeg

D.C. United and Ghana Week DC Announce Updates to the Capital City Africa Cup

The Ghana Week DC Select Side will play D.C. United at Audi Field on Oct. 12

Washington, DC – October 11, 2024 – D.C. United and Ghana Week DC have announced an update to the Capital City Africa Cup scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 12. Due to visa challenges for Asante Kotoko, additional players from other Ghana Premier League teams will be rostered for the match and the team will play as the “Ghana Week DC Select Side.”

The Ghana Week DC Select Side will include seven players from the first team of Asante Kotoko, two players from Attram De Visser FC, in addition to other top Ghanaian players based in the United States.

The highly anticipated match, headlining Ghana Week DC celebrations, is aimed at promoting Ghanaian tourism, culture, and sports in the Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area.  The week-long initiative underscores the strong ties between Ghana, the U.S., and the African diaspora, fostering cultural exchange and unity.

The Capital City Africa Cup will take place on Saturday, October 12 at Audi Field with D.C. United facing off against the Ghana Week DC Select Side at 6 p.m. ET. Tickets are available for purchase through Ticketmaster here.

For the latest event details and more information, please visit CapitalCityAfricaCup.com.

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About Ghana Week DC

The 2024 Ghana Week DC is devoted to the celebration of Ghanaian art, culture, business, tourism, sports, food and more in Washington D.C. Hosted by the Ghana Tourism Authority, LIQUID SOUL-DC, Events DC, and D.C. United, Ghana Week DC offers a variety of cultural, economic and sporting events in the nation’s capital focused on building economic engagement, cooperation and investment in Africa. The week is anchored by the second annual “Capital City Africa Cup”, played this year between the Ghana Week DC Select Side and one of Major League Soccer’s most decorated clubs, D.C. United, at Audi Field. The match brings sports to the forefront as an important connective tissue that binds us and provides a platform for celebration, shared values and amplification of diaspora ties. For more information, or for tickets to the Capital City Africa Cup, please visit www.capitalcityafricacup.com.

About D.C. United

One of the founding clubs of Major League Soccer in 1996, D.C. United are among the most decorated teams in the United States with 13 domestic and international trophies.

D.C. United have called the District home for the last 28 seasons and play their home games at Audi Field in the Buzzard Point neighborhood of Southwest, Washington, D.C, which opened in 2018. In addition to D.C. United games, the 20,000-seat soccer-specific stadium hosts over 100 events year-round and is home to America’s number one sportsbook through a partnership with FanDuel Group.  The Black-and-Red train at the Inova Performance Complex, a state-of-the-art training facility and performance center located in Leesburg, Va. The 40,000 square foot 30-acre training facility, that opened in 2021, features four outdoor practice fields, and a training center equipped with a weight room and recovery facilities.

The Black-and-Red have won the MLS Cup four times (1996, 1997, 1999 and 2004), the Supporters’ Shield four times (1997, 1999, 2006 and 2007) and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup three times (1996, 2008 and 2013). For more information and club updates, please visit http://www.dcunited.com and find us on social media @dcunited.

About Audi Field

The iconic 20,000-seat soccer-specific stadium is nestled in a prime location along the capitol riverfront, the fastest growing area in downtown D.C, and is the permanent home of D.C. United, the Washington Spirit, and the DC Defenders. 

Opened in July 2018, Audi Field is a premiere entertainment and event destination and was the host of the 2023 MLS All-Star Game vs. Arsenal FC. Complete with a state-of-the-art FanDuel sportsbook, 500 premium field-level seats, 31 luxury suites, and one of the steepest stadium grades in sports, Audi Field offers fans a truly unique gameday experience. The stadium houses various events year-round from corporate outings, music festivals, and world class international sporting events from the Premier League Lacrosse to College Football, and more. 

 For more information, please visit www.audifield.com and find us on social media at @AudiField.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 2024 DIASPORAN BUSINESS MENTORING ROUNDTABLE

Adubea & Associates and On Our Watch Global LLC are proud to announce their groundbreaking event: 2024 DIASPORAN BUSINESS MENTORING ROUNDTABLE. This innovative platform brings together seasoned business experts and Diasporan investors, established and aspiring entrepreneurs for a day of mentoring, networking and consultations.

The Diasporan Business Mentoring Roundtable seeks to bridge the gap between Diasporan entrepreneurs and the information, resources and network required to succeed. This event provides a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to connect with industry experts, share experiences and gain valuable insights. Participants shall gain relevant mentoring on the 10 Biggest Mistakes Diasporans Make when Building a Business in Ghana plus experts’ insights on the Agribusiness/Agriculture, Tourism/Hospitality, Digital Technology and Real Estate industries in Ghana.

Event Details: 

Payment Details:  

• Participants in Ghana may pay via MOMO to (+233) 544 775 660 (Adubea Charlotte  Ayisi). Payment must include transaction charge from service provider. 
• Participants paying from abroad may pay to the same number, (+233) 544 775 660  (Adubea Charlotte Ayisi) using any of the following global mobile money service providers: QuickPay, Pay Angel, SendWave, Money Gram or any other. Payment must include transaction charge from service provider. 
• After payment, Whatsapp us on the same number (+233) 544775660, your full  name and mobile money transaction ID to enable us send you a receipt. 
• After Payment: Click link to register after payment:  https://forms.gle/bXpMfd7J6c5tZoJR8

Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your dream business in Ghana and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. Register now and join the conversation!

Quote from Organizers
“The Diasporan Business Mentoring Roundtable is more than just an event- it’s a movement! We’re committed to creating an ecosystem that supports Diasporans to build successful businesses in Ghana.” – Adubea Afua Ayisi and Nannette Yaa Achia Atuahene

Contact Information:
Email: adubea.associates9@gmail.com, onourwatchglobal@gmail.com
Phone: +233 544 510 427, +1 (510) 978 5270
Website: www.adubeaassociates.com

Social media links:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Diasporans.ConsultingGH
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adubea.associates/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/adubeaandassociates?igshid=MmU2YjMzNjRIOQ==
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onourwatchglobal?igsh=MXJid2J5ZmlwdXFsdA==

Issued by: Adubea & Associates and On Our Watch Global LLC

As part of the Ghana Week DC activities, the Hospitality Travel & Tour B2B Forum took place at the Embassy of Ghana in Washington, D.C., on October 8, 2024, bringing together key players in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. The event served as a platform for stakeholders from Ghana and the U.S. diaspora to explore business opportunities, exchange ideas, and form strategic partnerships aimed at boosting tourism between the two countries.

The forum featured an impressive lineup of dignitaries and industry leaders who emphasized the importance of building stronger ties between Ghana and the U.S. diaspora through tourism. Among those in attendance were, H.E. Hajia Alima Mahama, Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States of America. Hon. Carlos Ahenkorah, Ghana Member of Parliament, John Agbeko, Ghana Tourism Authority Board Member, Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Kwadwo Antwi, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Development Company, Annabelle McKenzie, Director of the Beyond the Return Secretariat, Paxton Baker, CEO of LIQUID SOUL-DC, Alisa Asamoah, President of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA), Members of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana, Representatives from Lifestyle Property Expo, and Representatives from PKB Enterprises

The event featured a keynote address from Ghana’s Ambassador, H.E. Hajia Alima Mahama, and other key officials who highlighted Ghana’s commitment to expanding its tourism industry. With Ghana continuing to attract attention through initiatives like Beyond the Return, the forum was a strategic opportunity for industry stakeholders to develop partnerships that would enhance the tourism experience for visitors from the U.S., especially those of African descent.

One of the forum’s key messages was the potential for Ghana to become a top destination for cultural and heritage tourism. Attendees at the B2B Forum had the chance to network with travel and tour operators, hoteliers, investors, and tourism experts. 

The Hospitality Travel & Tour B2B Forum reinforced Ghana’s standing as a prime travel destination, particularly for African Americans and the broader diaspora seeking to reconnect with their heritage. The forum also served as an opportunity to promote Ghana’s vast potential in eco-tourism and its rich historical sites.

As tourism remains a key driver of Ghana’s economy, the partnerships formed during the forum will undoubtedly contribute to the nation’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a leading destination for travel, culture, and business.

The official opening of Ghana Week DC (GWDC) took place at the Smithsonian Museum of African Art on 7th October, 2024 and marked a significant step in strengthening the relationship between Ghana and the United States, particularly with the African diaspora. Organized by the Ghana Tourism Authority and the Beyond the Return Secretariat, in partnership with LIQUID SOULD Events DC and the Ghana Embassy DC, this weeklong celebration showcases Ghana’s rich culture and offers opportunities for economic and cultural collaboration.

Ghana’s Ambassador to the U.S., Hajia Alima Mahama, emphasized the importance of this initiative during the opening ceremony, highlighting that the event goes beyond just a one-week celebration. “The whole initiative was to link up, promote tourism, build bridges, and have more opportunities to interact with African American communities,” Mahama explained. She added that President Nana Akufo-Addo is committed to ensuring that the mission extends beyond this week to build long-term connections. “This week will prepare us to continue with the interaction and the relationship so that [African Americans] can see Ghana as home.”

Launching Ghana Week in the U.S. capital, Washington, D.C., has been strategic, given it’s home to a diverse international community and has a high concentration of African Americans with a strong interest in international relations and business. The week coincides with African Restaurant Week, where local restaurants will showcase African and Caribbean cuisine, giving attendees a taste of the rich culinary heritage from across the continent.

One of the major highlights of Ghana Week DC is the “Capital City Africa Cup,” a highly anticipated football (soccer) match between 24-time Ghanaian league champions Asante Kotoko and D.C. United at Audi Field on October 12. This is more than just a game; it’s a cultural exchange. As Mark Addo, vice president of the Ghana Football Association, said, “This is not just a friendly competition but a cultural exchange through sports, and we are building together, not only the football but the nations of Ghana and the United States, and also we are bridging the gap.”

Paxton Baker, chairman of the Washington Nationals Founding Partners Group, managing partner of LIQUID SOUL Events DC and a key partner in the development of Ghana Week DC, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative. “Africa has been clearly inside of my DNA for my whole life,” Baker said. He believes that the event, especially the Capital City Africa Cup, is an opportunity to bring African culture to Washington, D.C., in a meaningful way. His vision is to strengthen the economic power of the Black community through cultural connections and investment. Baker pointed out that traveling and investing in Ghana is not only accessible but also rewarding. “When you start to make investments there, you become much more interested in the continent, you become more interested in what’s going on there,” he explained.

Ghana Week DC aligns with Ghana’s Beyond the Return initiative, which was launched in 2020 as the follow up to the successful Year of Return Ghana 2019.  GWDC aims to inspire more people in the African diaspora to visit,repatriate, and invest in Ghana, deepening their ties to the continent. The initiative has the theme, ‘A Decade of African Renaissance’ with seven foundational pillars designed to build connections with the diaspora and highlight Ghana’s strengths.

Ghana Week DC, running from October 7-12, serves as a vibrant celebration of Ghana’s culture and an invitation for African Americans and the broader diaspora to strengthen their ties to Ghana, explore opportunities for investment, and engage in a cultural exchange that builds bridges between nations.