Accra Weizo 2023: 'We saw, ate, wore, felt Ghana and I swam Ghana', by Ebele Enemchukwu

Ebele Enemchukwu

There are a few things in life I do not enjoy doing, even though I am skilled at them. Packing suitcases is one. It's the part of travel I never look forward to. Yet, when I have to (which is often), I do it with unintended excellence...

"West Africa receives the least number of tourists, even though the countries within it generate the highest number of outbound travellers in Africa."

I see the reaction of folks at the airport the few times I have had to open my suitcase for inspection or related matters. I love order, and I wonder why my level of it comes as a surprise to some. It goes from the physical layout of items, to knowing by simply lifting my suitcase, what the likely weight is. This order extends to how I like my hotel room organized after I've checked in. Likely why sharing a room isn't an offer I readily jump at. So you see, anything that'd make me pack up so soon from one location and on to another, is often a turnoff.

But when the packing/unpacking is on account of going from one luxury resort and 5-star hotel to another, all 'sins are forgiven'. Case in point, my experience at the multiple awards winning Best Resort In West Africa, The Royal Senchi, Ghana, and at the most luxurious hotel in Accra, The Number One Oxford Street Hotel. Add my short visit and lovely horseback ride at the Peninsula Resort and Golf Club, Akosombo, and you would understand why they say that to rules, there are exceptions.

What you have thus far read, is in summary, what characterised the two day Familiarisation Trip in what became an exciting return to Ghana for the 6th Accra Weizo, in partnership with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), under the theme "Tourism Development Through Digitalisation."

According to research, West Africa receives the least number of tourists, even though the countries within it generate the highest number of outbound travellers in Africa. True to its slogan therefore, the annual Accra Weizo seeks to create a seamless travel environment that would encourage Africans to travel within the region.

"Getting things started and in the spirit of the Ghana🇬🇭-Nigeria🇳🇬 partnership, the Organiser of Accra Weizo, Ambassador Ikechi Uko and DCEO, GTA, Mr. Ekow Sampson, each took turns in welcoming Delegates and Guests, thereby setting the tone for the event.

The event proper, which I had the pleasure to co-host alongside my beautiful Ghanaian Sister, Ms. Patricia, held in Accra City Hotel, and had in attendance, amongst many others:

• The Chairman of the Board, GTA, Hon. Seth Adjei-Baah;

• The Deputy CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Ekow Sampson;

•The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal represented by the Director of Human Resources, Mr. Otto Langmagne;

• The Director General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Alh. Nura Kangiwa, represented by the Director of General Studies, Dr. Taiwo Famogbiyele;

• The Vice President, Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF), and CEO of Pacific Tours, Dr. Kwesi Eyison.

• Beauty Queens - Miss Tourism Ghana, as well as the First and Second Princesses, accompanied by their Chaperone, Ms. Sadina;

• Managing Director, Destination Connect, Mr. Konsaga Khisa;

• Director of Marketing, GTA, Mrs. Roberta Amoah;

• The Sales and Marketing Manager at The Royal Senchi, Mr. Emmanuel Mensah;

• Mr. Ahmed Naamann of Dodi Travel and Tours (how can I forget you after those gorgeous souvenirs?);

• Tour Operators from different parts of Africa;

• Hoteliers;

• Travel Journalists, Bloggers;

• Students of travel and tourism and many others.

Also in attendance was the first West African Captain of an A380 Airbus (world's biggest passenger Aircraft), and Director of Flight Operations at McDan Aviation, Captain Solomon Quainoo. It particularly felt good bragging about this one, even though my attempt at downplaying his Ghanaian origin and claiming him for West Africa as a whole, was unsuccessful. But it is what it is. 

A cross section of dignitaries at the event

Getting things started and in the spirit of the Ghana🇬🇭-Nigeria🇳🇬 partnership, the Organiser of Accra Weizo, Amb. Ikechi Uko and DCEO, GTA, Mr. Ekow Sampson, each took turns in welcoming Delegates and Guests, thereby setting the tone for the event.

Goodwill messages followed, after which the Keynote Address by the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ghana, was delivered by his representative, Mr. Otto Langmagne.

In delivering his paper, Professor Kobby Mensah of the University of Ghana Business School, displayed impressive cerebral capacity in the way he dissected the topic, "Tourism Development Through Digitalisation: Is the sub region ready?", perfectly introducing the panel conversation moderated by Professor Eunice Fay Amissah of the University of Cape Coast. What followed was an edutaining discussion including four subject matter experts, Dr. (Mrs.) Olanma Ojukwu; Mr. Eugene Allotey; Ms. Shirley Osei-Owusu; Mr. Eddie Ampah. They did justice to the topic to the benefit of members of the very active audience. 

Then came the celebration of excellence in the Balafon Awards, organised to recognize pioneers and exceptional players in the ECOWAS region. The "Hospitality Personality of The Year West Africa" award went to the Director General, NIHOTOUR, Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, while The Royal Senchi clinched the "Best Resort In West Africa" award. There were seven other award categories. Congratulations to them. A charge to do more!

My birthday celebration...

Just when I was going to drop the microphone in gratitude to God for another successful edition, a big announcement came from the Convener, Amb. Uko, who requested everyone's attention for a quick activity. An 'Artiste' was invited to lead a special birthday song for the Compère (me) whose birthday the event coincided with. My jaw dropped in pleasant shock. These industry heavy weights and friends on their feet, singing along to honour me, accompanied by a pretty birthday cake? Just wow! This was one time it seemed okay for a Compère to be the Star of the event. And yes, that's the cake you saw in the refrigerator of my luxury One Oxford Hotel room.

In the end, we saw Ghana, ate Ghana, wore Ghana, felt Ghana. In fact, I swam Ghana in an exclusive swimming lesson at the One Oxford 🇬🇭. It was a beautiful outing, and no way I was going to skip saving this memory, and my contribution in “Promoting Seamless Travels In West Africa. Tourism Is Life!

About Ebele Enemchukwu

Ebele Enemchukwu, popularly called, Queen of the Mic, is a professional Compère, with specialty in high-end events, where she brings in her poise, grace, dazzling smile, eloquence and brain power on stage, to make each event memorable. She is equally a Soft Skill Expert/Trainer with experience spanning over 17 years.

Ebele is a London trained 'Image & Beauty Consultant' and the Lead Makeup Artist at WABIO Place. In Summary, Ebele is the Founder of WABIO Foundation, a Communication Coach and Etiquette Coach,  Content Creator, Youtuber a for beauty Queen, a wife and  mother.

Connect Ebele Enemchukwu via her YouTube channel on: https://youtube.com/@EbeleEnemchukwu?si=AYw1hqUAX3FioBEw 

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Reach out to Ebele Enemchukwu as your next is hosting your next big events.