The 2025 Ghana Tourism Awards successfully concluded on Saturday, November 15, at the Grand Arena, recognizing the most impactful individuals and institutions driving the nation’s tourism sector. The prestigious event, held under the theme “Celebrating Ghanaian Ingenuity and Excellence in Tourism: The Black Star Experience,” honoured trailblazers in hospitality, heritage preservation, and investment, solidifying Ghana’s position as a premier global destination.
The night’s top honour for a private sector entrepreneur, the Indigenous Tourism Investment Developer of the Year, was awarded to Albin Akansake, owner of Marlin Beach Resort. Akansake was recognized for his visionary leadership and substantial investment in establishing Marlin Beach Resort, celebrated as Ghana’s first all-inclusive tourism facility. Located in the Central Region, the resort has been praised for its successful blend of modern luxury and integrated hospitality.
In the public sector, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park was celebrated for Outstanding Tourism Site and Attraction Development. The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) specifically cited the park’s world-class redevelopment, which has successfully transformed the site into a blend of heritage, history, and hospitality.
Speaking after receiving his award, Akansake pledged continuous improvement, noting that the recognition motivates him to “improve on its already good customer service to our customers, and upgrade its magnificent infrastructure to make it a final destination not just for tourists from Africa, but across the world.”
Similarly, Dr. Collins Rawlings Nunyonameh, Ag. Executive Director of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, dedicated the award to his team, affirming, “It marks a recognition of our efforts to reposition the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park as a heritage site of choice in Ghana and across the world.”
The ceremony also bestowed significant honorary awards, recognizing long-standing commitments to the industry. Afi Amoro, CEO of Jandel LTD, received the award for Long-standing Commitment to Quality Events Service, celebrating decades of elevating event standards that enhance the overall tourism landscape. Also honoured was Norkor Dua, CEO of Mullen Lowe Ghana, for her Long-standing Commitment to Promoting Tourism through Advertising, leveraging creative campaigns to spotlight Ghana’s potential globally.
Further demonstrating the intersection of entertainment and tourism, the GTA recognized leaders in the events space. Theresa Ayoade (CEO, Charter House) was awarded for her Outstanding Contributions to Promoting Tourism through Events, and Kennedy Agyapong Jr., of Afrofuture, received the Outstanding Events Visionary award for his forward-thinking approach to creating global audience-attracting events.
The awards also spotlighted traditional and cultural roles crucial to tourism advancement. Nana Effah Guakro IV, Chief of Kyeremankoma and Kronkor Hene of Nkoranza, received the Outstanding Leadership in Tourism Development award, while Masaaba Sariki Fayinama III, Acting President of the National Council of Zongo Chiefs, was honoured for Traditional Leadership and Cultural Preservation.
Finally, a special tribute was paid to Bridget Katsriku, Former Chief Director at the Ministry of Tourism, who received the Woman of Excellence in Public Service award for her dedicated career and leadership in the sector.
The 2025 Ghana Tourism Awards successfully shone a light on the dedication and excellence driving the Ghanaian tourism industry, reinforcing the mission to showcase the “Black Star Experience” to the world.
Story By: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
