By Simon Asare, GNA
Accra, May 12, GNA — Ghana showcased its rich cultural heritage and tourism potential in Ethiopia as the “Ghana Month at Kuriftu African Village” tourism trade promotion activation took place at the Kuriftu Resort and Spa in Addis Ababa.
The three-day activation brought together government officials, tourism stakeholders, diplomats, creatives, investors and members of the international community to strengthen Ghana–Ethiopia relations through tourism, culture, trade and the creative economy.
The event was organised by Tyobista Girma, Founder of Bridge54, a Pan-African company promoting intra-African trade and collaboration.
It was coordinated by the Coordinator of the Black Star Experience Secretariat, Mr Rex Omar, and hosted by Ethiopian hospitality entrepreneur Mr Tadiwos Belete, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kuriftu Resort and Spa.
A major highlight was a high-level panel discussion on the theme: “Ghana and Ethiopia: Why This Conversation Matters Now.”
The discussion focused on deepening bilateral cooperation in tourism, culture, aviation, trade, investment and people-to-people engagement between the two countries.
Panelists included Dr Robert Afriyie, Ghana’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Mr Silesh Girma, Ethiopia’s Deputy Minister of Tourism and Mr Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).
Speaking at the forum, Mr Aggrey underscored the importance of tourism diplomacy and intra-African collaboration under Ghana’s Black Star Experience agenda.
He noted that Ghana and Ethiopia shared strong historical and cultural ties that could be leveraged to drive tourism growth, trade opportunities and partnerships within the creative industries.
Another panel discussion on “Culture, Tourism and the Creative Industry as an Economic Driver” highlighted the role of culture and tourism in economic transformation, job creation and promoting African identity.
The discussion featured Mr Rex Omar, Coordinator of the Black Star Experience Secretariat; Mr Nathan Kwabena Anokye Adisi, CEO of EIB Network and Mr Tadiwos Belete.
A separate session on “Building Bridges Between Accra and Addis Ababa” explored opportunities for city-to-city tourism partnerships, cultural exchanges, festivals and joint destination marketing initiatives.
The session featured Mr Aggrey, Deputy GTA CEO and Mr Biniam Taye Endeshaw, the Deputy Commissioner of the Addis Ababa City Tourism Commission.
The activation also showcased Ghanaian culture through exhibitions and experiential activities, including a fashion showcase themed “Ghana and Ethiopia Through Fabric, Form and Culture”, organised by GTP Textiles.
Visitors also took part in chocolate-tasting experiences under the theme “Chocolate Craft Taste and Contemporary Ghana”, as well as exhibitions on shea butter, heritage and enterprise.
Government institutions, including the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre and the Ghana Tourism Authority, participated alongside private exhibitors showcasing Ghanaian arts and crafts, indigenous fashion, music, cuisine and cultural products.
The event attracted members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the African Union and United Nations agencies, expatriate communities, as well as tourism and business stakeholders from Ethiopia and beyond.
Stakeholders described the activation as a significant step towards deepening tourism and economic cooperation between Ghana and Ethiopia, while positioning culture and creativity as key drivers of Pan-African integration and development.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare
[email protected]