FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Ghana Police Headquarters Collaborates with Tourism Authority and Beyond the Return Secretariat to Ensure Safety and Security during December in GH Festivities

ACCRA, GHANA – [November 2, 2023] – The Ghana Police Headquarters recently hosted a crucial meeting with the Ghana Tourism Authority, Beyond the Return Secretariat, and endorsed event organizers to discuss safety and security measures for the upcoming December in GH celebrations. Led by the esteemed Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, the session aimed to foster collaboration and highlight the importance of unity in creating unforgettable and secure cultural festivities.

With December in GH events gaining momentum and attracting both domestic and international visitors, ensuring safety and security is paramount. The Ghana Police Headquarters recognizes the significance of these celebrations for promoting tourism and showcasing Ghanaian heritage to the world. Commissioner of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno said they have done several stakeholder engagements over the years but this was the first of its kind to have a meeting dedicated to speaking with event organisers about the safety and security of Ghana during the holiday season. “As you prepare to organise your events, this is an opportunity to meet our commanders with Ghana Police,” he said while noting they were all ready to take suggestions from all in attendance.

During the meeting, participants engaged in open discussions, sharing insights, expectations and asking questions for this year’s December in GH activities. The Inspector General of Police emphasized the vital role of collaborative efforts in maintaining public safety and urged event organizers to comply with security guidelines to ensure smooth operations.

The CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority thanked the police for opening up to have a meeting with everyone. “We don’t take it lightly that you’ve given us the opportunity to interact with you and share some of the experiences that we have.”

To enhance security measures, the Ghana Police Headquarters will work closely with the Ghana Tourism Authority and Beyond the Return Secretariat, establishing effective communication channels and deploying dedicated security personnel at various event venues. This collaboration aims to address potential challenges, mitigate risks, and ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

The Ghana Tourism Authority is committed to promoting and sustaining the growth of tourism in Ghana, and their partnership with the Ghana Police Headquarters underscores their dedication to a safe and secure environment for visitors and locals alike. Beyond the Return Secretariat, known for its efforts in promoting the initiative, will play a crucial role in ensuring smooth coordination between the various event organizers and authorities for a seamless December in GH experience.

Speaking about the collaboration, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare said he was happy to work hand-in-hand with the Ghana Tourism Authority, Beyond the Return Secretariat, and event organizers to create a safe and secure environment for all December in GH activities. This partnership demonstrates the joint commitment to showcasing the best of Ghanaian culture while ensuring the well-being of Ghanaian citizens and visitors.

Event organizers whose activities have been approved and endorsed for the December in GH festivities expressed their gratitude for the support and guidance provided by the Ghana Police Headquarters. They were also given the floor to ask questions directly to the police department. Some of the major concerns included traffic, poorly lit areas that make people susceptable to crime, and police misconduct.  Robert Klah from Charterhouse Productions said it would be good to work with governmental agencies to map out areas of security concerns due to street lights not functioning, in order to give people a sense of safety at night.

“We are going to make Ghana proud, for the rest of the world to witness about us,” IGP, Dr. Dampare said. He reassured everyone that the police department is committed to security protocols and will collaborate closely with all stakeholders to deliver exceptional standards when it comes to a safe and secure environment.

As we anticipate the December in GH celebrations, let us embrace the unity and vibrancy that makes Ghana such a special destination. The collaborative efforts of the Ghana Police Headquarters, Ghana Tourism Authority, Beyond the Return Secretariat, and event organizers aim to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, setting the stage for unforgettable experiences in Ghana.

For more information, please contact:

Beyond the Return Secretariat

Accra Tourist Information Centre

+233 24 040 2408

support@beyondthereturngh.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ACCRA, GHANA – November, 14, 2022 – The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Beyond the Return Secretariat, under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture officially unveil the highly anticipated schedule of events for the 2022 ‘December in GH’ campaign.

Since 2019, the ‘December in GH’ event schedule is one that many travellers look forward to including when planning their activities for their holiday trip to Ghana.  This year’s calendar includes over 80 events that have been endorsed by GTA and the Beyond the Retrun Secretariat.  The calendar includes events taking place from November 2022 through January 2023. 

Each year there are events that have become favourites and have been included in this year’s activities including, Afrochella, Little Havana, Taste of Ghana, Afro Nation, YouTube Creators Festival, Rhythms on da Runway and the Roverman Productions Festival of Plays.  “We’re expecting this year to be the biggest for ‘December in GH’,” said Annabelle McKenzie, Director of the Beyond the Return Secretariat. “We are excited about welcoming both returning and first-time travellers to Ghana. We’ve endorsed more events that touch on the different pillars for the Beyond the Return initiative.” Some of the new events to the calendar include Ada Riverfest, Jollof & Afrobeat Festival, Afrobeats Bazaar, Ghana Water Polo Tournament, Nkyinkyim Museum Freedom Parade and the First Time Home Buyers in Ghana Seminar.

Ghana was recently listed as one of the top travel destinations by National Geographic.  It’s predicted that the country will receive a record number of international travellers this season and the Ghana Tourism Authority says they are ready to receive everyone. 

Beyond the Return is a 10-year initiative with the theme, ‘A decade of African renaissance’.  It’s the follow-up to the successful Year of Return campaign in 2019 that invited the global African diaspora to visit Ghana. Seven pillars make up the foundation of Beyond the Return with the goal of continued engagement and building strong relations with the diaspora community.  All the events on the ‘December in GH’ calendar align with at least one of the pillars which are, Experience Ghana, Celebrate Ghana, Invest in Ghana, Brand Ghana, Give Back Ghana, Diaspora Pathways to Ghana, and Promote Pan-African Heritage and Innovation.

For updates on events follow the BTR social media platforms on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @beyondthereturn. Contact the Beyond the Return Secretariat office by email on support@beyondthereturn.com.  Alternatively you can make contact via Whatsapp on +233 24 040 2408.

Visit the website for updated information on activities at www.beyondthereturngh.com

ACCRA, GHANA September 7, 2022 — Culture Management Group (CMG) announced today Burna Boy and Stonebwoy as the musical headliners for Afrochella Festival 2022. To accompany these two heavy hitting artists, the two-day futuristic event will also include Afrobeat stars like Fireboy, Kidi, Ayra Starr, Medikal, DJ Juls, DJ Loft and more. With such an unstoppable musical lineup, this highly anticipated event is set to return to El Wak Stadium in Accra, Ghana from December 28th through December 29th. 

Afrochella is a celebration of Africa’s diverse culture and vibrant work showcased by the continent’s many emerging creatives, artists, and entrepreneurs. This year, Afrochella’s theme is “AfroFuturism,” a term created to reflect on the past, explore the future and create a progressive path for the present African diaspora. 

To bring “AfroFuturism” to life, Afrochella’s music festival will be transformed to encompass several cultural concepts – all created to take a step into the future of art, music, fashion, culture and food. Each area will bring together a mosaic of local artists, musicians, culinary enthusiasts and creatives to design an interactive and unexpected universe for festival goers to enjoy. 

“As we embark on another year of celebrating African culture, Afrochella will bring “Afrofuturism” to life through our core elements of music, art, fashion and food. We will explore the endless possibilities of what “Afrofuturism” could look like in 2022 and beyond.” – Abdul Karim Abdullah, CEO & Co-Founder of Afrochella 

As one of the most celebrated cultural moments in Ghana, this year we have the exciting challenge of bringing 20,000 travelers to the country. We plan to not only achieve this goal but to make Ghana the premier destination for all travelers around the world.” – Kenny Agyapong Jr., COO & Co-Founder of Afrochella 

The Afrochella Festival will comprise of 50 vendors including 15 fashion, beauty and the arts merchants as well as 35 food vendors featuring cuisines from all over the continent including Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, Senegal and more.

This year, Afrochella will also be introducing “Afrocanteen,” a one-of-a-kind exclusive food experience, located right on the festival grounds. 

The Afrochella Expo at Afrochella House will kick off on December 18th and run through December 31st. The Afrochella experience will feature the following flagship events and elements: 

● Afro Expo 2022 Presented by Afrochella House: A two week expo located at the Afrochella House, a cultural content center that will host a series of digital experiences, wellness sessions, screenings and panel discussions in the world of culture, technology, health, sustainability, music and art – connecting the 

diaspora to industry experts and changemakers building opportunities on the ground and across the continent. 

● Rising Star Challenge: Artists across the African continent will have the opportunity to submit their musical profile for a chance to perform at the 2022 Afrochella Festival. The 1st place winner of the Rising Star Challenge will win a grand prize of $2,500, a studio session with an acclaimed producer and more. 

● Fashion Night Out: Afrochella presents Fashion Night Out, an evening to celebrate the innovation and beauty of African Fashion and its multi-talented designers with art installations and live performances. 

● Afrochella Music Museum: A museum-like experience that will take the audience on a journey through the past into the future with live performances, art installations, and digital and printed imagery. 

● Afrochella Talks: A conversation series dedicated to discussing African business, music, food, and creativity. 

● New Year’s Eve Celebration x PVO: Afrochella partners with PVO to bring in the New Year with an unforgettable end of year celebration. 

For more information on Afrochella 2022, please visit www.afrochella.com and follow @afrochella on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on the latest news and events.

SOURCE: Afrochella

The shining ‘Black Star’ of Africa is ready for you to come and celebrate your December in Ghana. Each year the holiday celebrations in Ghana keep getting bigger and attracting people from around the world. Expectations are high for this year as global tourism continues to increase. “Today as we launch ‘December in GH’ 2022, we take pride in seeing Ghana continue to be the leading country of choice for travel during the holiday season in West Africa,” said the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal. “Tourism has become one of the most important sectors in Ghana’s economy and shows no sign of slowing down. We anticipate that ‘December in GH’ for 2022 will become record-breaking as more travellers take the journey to Ghana,” he said at the official launch event which took place at La Palm Royal Beach Resort on 4th August 2022.

‘December in GH’ was originally launched in 2019, during the Year of Return as a tourism activation and has since become an important part of marketing events that attract thousands to visit Ghana for the holiday season into the new year. “‘December in GH’ is one of the biggest activations in our tourism sector and one that touches on the three pillars of our ministry; tourism, arts and culture,” said Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA). “Many of the events are also central to the pillars of the ‘Beyond the Return’ initiative as we continue to engage with the historical diaspora community….Events in December have become flagships that attract people from around the world who plan their vacation in Ghana around event’s dates.” Despite the pandemic the last couple of years, people in the global diaspora community have continued to visit Ghana and have especially looked forward to some of the popular events that celebrate the country’s culture through music, fashion, live performances, food and culture.

Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP, was in attendance for the launch receiving a citation for the work he has done since 2019 in bridging the gap between the diaspora and Ghana. “Ghana is important to Africa, Ghana is important to the diaspora,” he said in his address. “Once we link as a diaspora we are stronger…it’s through the African diaspora that we can succeed.” The citation was presented to him by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Ghana Tourism Authority and the Beyond the Return secretariat. “We look forward to the continued development of our relationship with the NAACP in encouraging the diaspora to make the trip to Ghana,” Agyeman said.

Some of the industry stakeholders present at the event included the Mayor of Accra, Elizabeth Sackey, the Board for the Ghana Tourism Authority, Steering Committee Members for Beyond the Return, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey, CEO of Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Yofi Grant and the Director of the National Commission on Culture, Edna Nyame. Along with industry stakeholders, some event organizers were also in attendance at the launch. Some of the events returning for this year include Afrochella, Afro Nation, Akwaaba UK, Rhythms on da Runway, Kids in Tourism, GT Bank Concern, BHIM Concert, Joyful Way and A Taste of Ghana. There are some exciting new events also added to this year’s calendar of events, which will soon to be announced in the coming weeks.

By: Ivy Prosper

The Around the World Food and Drinks Festival brought together global citizens in Accra for a culinary experience over the Christmas weekend.  The 3-day festival took place from the 24th – 26th December 2021 and celebrated the food culture of 20 different countries with the aim of boosting tourism through food.  The festival was endorsed by the Beyond the Return Secretariat and was part of the DecemberInGH activities under the Ghana Tourism Authority.   

Since President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo launched the Year of Return 2019 campaign, Ghana has quickly risen in the ranks of travel destinations for people of African descent living in the diaspora and other parts of the continent.  The month of December has especially become the time of year Ghana is seen as a ‘go-to’ destination for the holiday season.  Although the Covid-19 pandemic has hindered international travel due to increased restrictions and protocols, it didn’t stop many travellers from making the journey to Ghana this year.  

Some of the foods at the festival included Qdoba Queso and Chicken Taquitos from Mexico, Creole Fish Sauce from Seychelles, Bunny Chow from South Africa, Tom Yum Gong from Thailand, Briam from Greece, and Pesto Mash from India.  Everyone at the festival had the chance to take their taste buds on a journey around the world. The festival hosted several events over the three days and featured chefs and food experts from around the world.  Ghanaian International Chef Sweet Adjeley, Tacos God Chef Keeks, and Ify of Ify’s Kitchen all hosted a Masterclass sharing tips on cooking.  There was also a family brunch session with Menscook, Kofi Kinaata and a Hawaiian brunch hosted by Nyonyo and friends.  WhiteMoney, winner of Big Brother Naija Season 6, also hosted a masterclass sharing some of his secrets to how he cooked his way through Big Brother Naija. 

The festival also featured performances by some of Ghana’s best artists each night including  Efya, Kidi and Gyakie. EchoHouse Ghana Limited was responsible for organizing the event and their team was pleased with the outcome of this festival with plans to host it annually.  “In celebrating our diverse cultures and seeing how unique we are and the things we have in common, we are reminded of our shared humanity,” said the CEO of EchoHouse Ghana Ltd., Beryl Agyekum Ayaaba.  She said that this festival created a place where we could all be part of a global cultural scene.  “Often during global events such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, we forget that we are in this together and that what sometimes seems to separate us, can also bring us together”, she added. “Spaces such as Around The World Food And Drinks Festival creates a meeting place where people of diverse backgrounds come together with a shared quest of exploring new culinary palates and appreciating other cultures.”

The festival was the first of its kind in Ghana bringing the best cuisine from around the world together in one place. Each country has its own cuisine that tells the story of who they are through food. The festival is a great way for people who appreciate global cuisine to come together and enjoy without having to travel. It was a melting pot of diverse culture celebrating great food from around the world.

Story by: Ivy Prosper

Stakeholders in Ghana’s tourism industry held a meeting on the morning of 23rd November, 2021 to discuss the health and safety protocols for the upcoming events in December that are endorsed by Beyond the Return (BTR) and Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) for the annual #DecemberInGH campaign. 

Present at the meeting included representatives from Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana Airports Company Limited, Ghana National Fire Services, Ghana Immigration, members of the media and other tourism stakeholders.  Last month it was announced by Akwasi Agyeman, the CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, that all attendees of endorsed events would have to adhere to strict covid-19 protocols. Since the announcement many potential travellers have been asking questions about the upcoming events and how they can best follow protocols. 

“We want to make sure that those who are coming for events don’t contract covid-19,” said Ekow Sampson, the Deputy CEO of Operations, Ghana Tourism Authority.  He went on to say that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss what the protocols are, the events and the security readiness of all involved.  

Annabelle McKeznie, Director of Beyond the Return Secretariat referred to the fact that throughout the year, many events were not being endorsed due to the concerns over covid-19. She went on to say that, “Ghana Tourism Authority and the Beyond the Return Secretariat have worked closely with the Covid Task Force to come up with health protocols and requirements to enable us to launch ‘December In GH’,” she said. “This year we have endorsed around 60 different events that will happen around multiple regions in Ghana. We want to go over the health and safety protocols and get feedback with any concerns and suggestions that our stakeholders may have.” 

Venue entry protocols have garnered the most attention with the general public asking for clarity on the required protocols to attend events.  All those attending events endorsed by Ghana Tourism Authority and Beyond the Return will be required to present a Covid-19 vaccination card prior to entry for all events.  Additionally all guests age five and above are required to wear masks at events, but are allowed to remove them for the purpose of eating and drinking.  Onsite venue protocols include Covid-19 testing available, sanitizing and disinfecting of high touch surfaces, temperature checks upon entry, and hand sanitizing stations throughout the venues. In order to comply with social distancing measures capacities are to be reduced at events to follow the guidelines that the Ghana Covid-19 Commission has directed.  

Eric Prempeh, Customer Service Manager of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), said they were working hard towards making the process of going through airport protocols more efficient for the holiday season. “We have streamlined our customer services process to ensure that all service points are connected to make sure that any information needed is also on the ground,” he said. Since Covid-19 testing was added to airport protocols last year, it’s been one of the areas that has caused delays upon arrival for passengers.  “We are now receiving covid results faster,” Mr. Prempeh continued. He also mentioned that they have three providers at the airport to do covid testing facilitating the process. 

With some events expecting large numbers of attendees, safety protocols for issues like potential fire hazards are also a concern.  “Afrochella is the biggest event expecting between 5000 – 10,000 guests,” said Ms. McKenzie.  M.A. Korsah, Assistant Director of Safety with Ghana National Fire Service said they have asked guest houses and hotels to do fire safety inspections and would be engaging with event organizers. “Where we don’t have fire posts, they can have three or four fire men employed to assist them at an event,” he said.  

Discussions on sanitation during events were raised by Ben Nsiah, Ghana Tourism Authority.  Richard Kabutey, the Assistant to Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Sandra Owusu Ahinkorah said that they have started activities in terms of maintaining cleanliness all over the city.  He also said that protocols regarding safety and traffic for December would be discussed in their upcoming meetings. 

For travellers arriving in the country, it’s highly advised to obtain your tourist visa before travelling to Ghana.  Everyone must contact their local Ghana Embassy, Consulate or Mission to confirm the process of applying for a Ghana Visa before travel.  All travellers are required to have a negative Covid-19 PCR test within 72 hours of travel and must take a covid-19 test upon arrival in Ghana.  The test must be prepaid in advance online through the website www.myfrontierhealthcare.com.  

For more information on all the required covid-19 protocols when travelling to Ghana visit the Ghana Airports Company Limited website at this link: www.gacl.com.gh/guidlines-for-resumption-of-international-operations/

From 20th – 26th December, the Drumming Ghana Workshop event gave people the opportunity to learn some of the skills of African drumming.  The event was a collaboration of Tours & Arts Solutions, Apstar Tours, Gold Coast Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge, Diaspora African Community and the African Drums Orchestra.  

  This was an important event for December in Ghana, Beyond the Return activities because it aligns with two pillars in the Beyond the Return initiative.  These are the Experience Ghana and Celebrate Ghana pillars.  This event celebrates Ghana’s culture and traditions through music. 

William Agbeko Segbedzi is the CEO of Tours & Arts Solutions and he said that because Beyond the Return is a national agenda, it’s something that will stand the test of time and because it’s a 10-year initiative it was a good way for drumming Ghana to make their event a part of the project promoting Ghana.  Richard Kofi Koomson of Africa Telema Dance Ensemble, was teaching the classes.