Frederick Nortey

Gov't's Big Push Road Initiative Boosting Adventure Tourism — GTA's Gilbert Aggrey Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, Deputy CEO (Marketing and Special Duties) of the Ghana Tourism Authority, says the government’s “Big Push” agenda is playing a key role in promoting domestic tourism. Speaking in an interview with Graphic Online during the Kwahu Paragliding Festival, Abeiku noted that there has been a significant increase in interest in adventure tourism. “From now until Monday, we are hopeful of recording more flights. There is a high demand from people who want to experience this adventure. We also have potential tourist sites in the Volta Region, such as Adaklu, which we are developing to give people alternative destinations, especially for those who may not be able to travel from Accra, the Eastern, or Central regions,” he said. He added that this year, the Ghana Tourism Authority has expanded its tourism investment promotion to the Volta Region. “We are hosting the Vodza-Keta Regatta Festival concurrently with the Kwahu Easter Paragliding event. Other areas are also developing their destinations, such as Gomoa, AshantiFest, and Christ Asore in Sekondi,” he explained. According to him, domestic tourism awareness in Ghana is steadily increasing, with tourism products also evolving. “Easter used to be mainly for church conventions, but now it has become more celebratory, with people actively attending events across the country,” he said. He commended the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, under the leadership of H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, for its vision of positioning Ghana as Africa’s cultural and heritage tourism hub. “You can attest to the fact that since December, Ghana has been vibrant with activities throughout the year. Tourism is no longer limited to December alone; even during Easter, all key domestic tourism touch points, from the Central, Western, Volta, Greater Accra, Eastern, and Ashanti regions are active,” he said. Abeiku emphasized that strengthening domestic tourism is a strategic move to safeguard the industry. “If we neglect domestic tourism and rely solely on inbound foreign visitors, any global disruption such as a pandemic or international crisis could severely affect us. That is why these initiatives and interventions are crucial,” he noted. He further highlighted that the “Big Push” agenda is driving major investments in infrastructure that support tourism. “When you look at major tourist destinations, road construction and network improvements are ongoing. In the next two years, travel time will significantly reduce for instance, it could take less than two hours to travel from Accra to the Volta Region, which is Ghana’s ecotourism hub, or to the Central Region beyond Kasoa,” he explained. “Through this ‘Big Push’ agenda, we are undertaking massive infrastructure development that will enhance access to tourist sites and ultimately transform local economies,” he added. Writer: Frederick Nortey Email: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: 0205542403 Facebook: facebook.com/share/16h4zAfAr… Traveler, Tour Guide, Blogger, Writer, SMM #ExperienceGhana #KwahuBusinessForum #VisitGhana #abeikusantana #Kwahu #GhanaTourism #Ghana

Cameras off. You have exactly one minute to collect all the money, can you do it?

Why has his “Stop Galamsey” energy reduced after the change in government? Or is there something we don’t know? 👀

Ei, so the Ghana National Fire Service hasn’t told us what really caused the fire outbreak at Kantamanto Market? I thought they said they were working on a report. Or is there something we don’t know?

Do we have something like this in Ghana 🇬🇭?

So she was Born a year after the bond of 1844. God really created some people special.

Jesus Christ made the greatest comeback in history. He has risen from the dead.

This happened to a tourist in South Africa. A reminder that safari tours are exciting, but they’re not without risks. Let’s stay alert and follow safety guidelines at all times.

There's No Excuse For The Terrible Odweanoma Mountain Kwahu Road Despite The GHc10 Forestry And GHc20 Assembly Charges The road leading to Odweanoma Mountain for the Kwahu paragliding experience is in a very bad state. Last year, the road was graded, so I expected some real improvement this time around but it’s actually worse now. The road is filled with potholes, making the journey quite uncomfortable. What is even more concerning is the cost involved. Before getting to the top of the mountain, you are charged: GH₵10 (Forestry) and GH₵20 (Assembly/District), and this applies to both passengers and drivers. I asked where this money is going and what it is being used for, but the answers I received were not clear. That’s where the real concern lies. If we have promoted these tourist sites for over 20 years, attracting people from far and wide, then the infrastructure should match the experience. And more importantly, there should be accountability. This is not just about Kwahu, I have experienced similar situations at other tourist sites across the country. So the question is: are we truly investing in our tourism sector, or are we just taking from it? And to make it even more worrying, the GH₵30 collected doesn’t even go to the Tourism Authority. Writer: Frederick Nortey Email: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: 0205542403 Facebook: facebook.com/share/16h4zAfAr… Traveler, Tour Guide, Blogger, Writer, SMM

US Based Pilot Whose Not Missed Kwahu's Easter Paragliding Activities For 20 Years Proud Of Safety Record Chuck Smith, a US-based pilot with 20 years of experience in paragliding, has described Easter in Kwahu as “amazing and totally unique,” noting that he has not seen any other country where the government so fully embraces the sport. Speaking to JoyNews reporter Jacqueline Ansomah Yeboah at Kwahu, he said he has been attending the festival for two decades without missing a single year. “Twenty years is a long time, and that’s why we keep coming back every year. This is my 20th year here, and we never miss it. Easter in Kwahu is amazing and totally unique. I don’t know any other place where the government endorses and embraces paragliding like Ghana does,” he said. He added that the festival, which has been held for 20 years, has maintained a strong safety record. “We’ve been doing this festival for 20 years and have never had a major accident. There have been minor issues, like strap-related incidents, but no broken bones. We want to have fun, share that fun with everyone, and make sure people enjoy themselves while still prioritising safety,” he added. Writer: Frederick Nortey Email: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: 0205542403 Facebook: facebook.com/share/16h4zAfAr… Traveler, Tour Guide, Blogger, Writer, SMM #KwahuParagliding #VisitGhana #EasterInGhana #ExperienceGhana #Ghana

Feasibility Studies Underway At Adaklu For Paragliding Activities — GTA's Efua Houadjeto The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Maame Efua Houadjeto, has revealed that the Authority has begun feasibility studies at Adaklu in the Volta Region. The move forms part of efforts to expand paragliding activities and diversify Ghana’s adventure tourism offerings. Speaking to the media, she noted that the initiative could pave the way for paragliding events to be introduced in the Volta Region, particularly in Adaklu, in the near future. She added that the project is intended to create new tourism hubs, ease pressure on existing sites, and ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are shared more widely across the country. Writer: Frederick Nortey Email: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: 0205542403 Facebook: facebook.com/share/16h4zAfAr… Traveler, Tour Guide, Blogger, Writer, SMM #KwahuParagliding #VisitGhana #EasterInGhana #ExperienceGhana #Ghana