The Mirror adjudged Print Tourism Media of the Year
The family and lifestyle newspaper brand of the Graphic Communications Group Limited, The Mirror, has been adjudged the Print Tourism Media of the Year at a National Tourism Awards event held in Accra.
The awarding institution, the Ghana Tourism Authority, honoured the most popular and oldest weekend newspaper for its constant promotion of Ghanaian culture, cuisines and contribution to making Ghana the preferred tourism destination.
The Editor of The Mirror, Doreen Hammond, received the award on behalf of the brand last Friday night of glitz and glamour, where the rich Ghanaian culture was on display, with lots of local cuisines, music and dance.
The scheme also recognised 33 other 34 individuals and institutions in different categories.
The awards ceremony was held on the theme, "Celebrating Ghanaian ingenuity and excellence in tourism; the Black Star experience."
Other awardees
It was a night where traditional highlife, hiplife and gospel music was dished out by a number of top Ghanaian artistes, including "Perez Music".
The crowning moment of the night was the recognition of 14 tourism creative luminaries whose contribution to the industry transcend generations.
They included the palm wine high life king, Agya Koo Nimo; an award winning film maker known for his famous "Love brewed in the African pot" production, Kwaw Ansa; a pioneer photographer whose works captured post-independence Ghana and 1960s London, James Barnor; a personal cinematographer of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Chris Hesse; a medical practitioner who blends medicine with literature, Prof. Lade Wosornu, and a scholar, playwright and cultural advocate, Prof. Esi Sutherland -Addy.
Others were Grace Omaboe, a veteran actress; the late Prof Kofi Awoonor, Abrantie Amakye Dede and veteran gospel musician, Prof Kofi Abraham.
Also recognised on the night was Kwaku Sintim Misah, as an indigenous developer adding value to his Cactus Creek Hotel, and the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, for promoting the popular "Ashanti fest."
Leverage technology
The Deputy Chief of Staff, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, who was the guest of honour, called for a reflection on how the nation could leverage technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the tourism industry.
She said AI-driven platforms could help tailor travel recommendations, optimise visitor experiences and predict tourism trends.
"Imagine an AI-powered “Visit Ghana” system that provides real-time translation, accessibility mapping and route planning for tourists from around the world.
"These innovations will ensure that our tourism is not just preserved but propelled, creating jobs and deepening our identity as the Black Star of Africa," she said.
Ghana App
The Chief Executive Officer of GTA, Maame Afua Houadjeto, said her outfit would soon unveil the "Experience Ghana App," a one-stop consumer platform where visitors could browse, book and pay for services.
And for those exploring from afar, they would experience similar advantages through immersive virtual reality.
"With this digital foundation, tourism in Ghana is resetting — with a new direction, a new rhythm and a new spirit," she said.
Ms Houadjeto also said that GTA had designed a master training module for hotels, restaurants, chefs, tour guides and event professionals.
FIFA World Cup
The CEO further said that ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the GTA was partnering the US Embassy in Ghana, the Canadian High Commission, the Mexican High Commission and Tribe, alongside other diplomatic missions to create official watch parties across all 16 regions in Ghana throughout the entire duration of the World tournament.
For her part, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, urged players in the hospitality sector to make it more sought-after.
"Rethink the services you render that would make people to want to revisit you again," the minister, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ketu South, said.
