By Louis Ofori
Some individuals and organisations have been acknowledged for their role in promoting the country’s tourism industry. At the 2024 national tourism awards, those engaged in the sector were urged to keep innovating and collaborating to ensure Ghana continues to shine as a top destination for global travelers.
One of the awardees was the President of the National Council of Wangara Chiefs, Masaaba Sariki Fanyinama. He was recognised for traditional leadership and preservation of culture.
The Fanyinama III, who has resigned for 30 years, has not only preserved and championed culture but also made a strong case for the modernisation and upgrading of tourism infrastructure in Kintampo, which is regarded as the centre of Ghana.
The Fanyinama, being a chief in that enclave, has stopped at nothing to maintain the rich cultural heritage of his people.
Being the Overlord of the Wangaras in Ghana, he sets the tone for the celebration of their Benkadi Kurubi festival.
The Wangaras in Ghana celebrate the Benkadi Kurubi festival annually at Kintampo in the Bono East Region. This attracts thousands of celebrants who are not Wangaras.
The reason being that some come around as tourists, make friends, and trade.
The Benkadi Kurubi Festival is Islamic festival, which means light, and it is celebrated in November annually to thank God, plan development, and make merry. Activities including Eid UL Fitr and Eidul Adha, among others, are all considered to be part of the Kurubi festival, which is observed at the Regional level and later climaxed at Kintampo.
In an interview, the Sariki Fanyinama, who could not hide his joy about the recognition, was grateful to Allah for the achievement. He said culture must be nurtured and handed down to the generations to ensure continuity. He appealed for critical attention to be given to the tourism industry, which he contends has huge potential to make a difference in the country’s economy.
In all, 36 awards were presented to personalities who distinguished themselves in promotion of the tourism industry in Ghana. There were 26 Ccompetitiveawards, 8 honorary aawards,and 2 special awards.
The National Tourism Awards 2024 was on the theme “celebrating innovation and recognising excellence in Ghana’s tourism”.
