The Airport Company, in a statement, informed the travelling public that it had taken note of the global IT outage currently affecting some airports and airlines worldwide. 

It said, however, due to the global nature of the glitch, some flight delayed and interruptions may be experienced from countries affected by the glitch, which may have a slight impact on Accra. 

“So far, out of our 24 International airlines operating at KIA, only one has had to cancel some of its scheduled flights,” it added. 

The statement said all other operations were uninterrupted and on schedule as usual. 

Management would continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates to the travelling public as necessary. 

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SOURCE: GNA

Prempeh I International Airport has officially begun operations on Monday, July 1, 2024, according to a statement from Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL).

The airport’s management confirmed that subsystem operations and simulation exercises were conducted to ensure a smooth start.

Over the past three days, three flights have operated to test and verify the airport’s readiness. Both local and international flights have successfully landed, marking the beginning of regular operations.

GACL emphasized its commitment to providing world-class airport facilities and services at the country’s second international airport, aiming to establish Ghana as the premier aviation hub in West Africa.

The airport boasts an array of facilities, including a presidential lounge, terminals with an annual passenger capacity of 800,000, boarding gates, medical facilities, 16 immigration booths, staff offices, a forex bureau, and arrival amenities.

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Medical tourism is an industry that involves traveling to another country for medical treatment or care. Medical tourists may seek various procedures, such as dental care, cosmetic surgery, fertility treatments, organ transplants, cancer treatment, neurologic therapies, and more. Medical tourism can have significant social and economic impacts on host countries and communities, both positive and negative.

Medical tourism, a rapidly growing industry, presents a significant opportunity for economic development in Ghana. By leveraging its skilled healthcare professionals, modern facilities, and favorable location, Ghana can attract international patients and generate substantial revenue. In this article, we will explore the potential of medical tourism in driving economic growth and development in Ghana.

This aspect of tourism has become a popular choice for individuals seeking quality healthcare at affordable prices. According to the International Medical Travel Journal, the global medical tourism market is projected to reach $30 billion by 2025, with an annual growth rate of 15-20%. Ghana, with its strategic location and improved healthcare infrastructure, is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

Medical tourism can contribute significantly to Ghana’s economic development by:

• Generating foreign exchange earnings: International patients bring in much-needed foreign currency, boosting Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves.
• Creating employment opportunities: Medical tourism creates jobs in the healthcare and hospitality sectors, contributing to local economic growth.
• Stimulating infrastructure development: Investment in healthcare infrastructure, such as hospitals and clinics, can stimulate economic growth and improve the overall quality of life.
• Promoting cultural exchange: Medical tourism facilitates cultural exchange between international patients and local communities, promoting cross-cultural understanding and people-to-people diplomacy.

While medical tourism presents numerous opportunities for economic growth, there are challenges that need to be addressed. Some of these challenges include:

• Improving healthcare infrastructure: Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure requires further development to meet international standards.
• Enhancing quality of care: Ensuring high-quality healthcare services is crucial to attracting and retaining international patients.
• Addressing language barriers: Language barriers can create communication challenges between healthcare providers and international patients.
• Developing marketing strategies: Effective marketing strategies are essential to promoting Ghana’s medical tourism industry globally.

Medical tourism is a complex and dynamic phenomenon that can have significant social and economic impacts on host countries and communities. Medical tourism can create positive social and economic impacts by supporting local health systems, promoting cultural exchange, and generating employment opportunities. However, medical tourism can also pose challenges and risks for these goals, as well as for the rights, needs, and aspirations of the host population. Therefore, medical tourism should be managed in a sustainable and responsible way that respects the principles and standards of universal health coverage, intercultural dialogue, and decent work.

Medical tourism should also be coordinated and regulated with the local health system, culture, and labor market, to ensure that it does not compromise the social and economic development of the host country and community. Medical tourism can be a powerful tool for development, but only if it is done with care and respect.

The potentials of Medical tourism to drive economic growth and development in Ghana by generating foreign exchange earnings, creating employment opportunities, stimulating infrastructure development, and promoting cultural exchange. By addressing the challenges facing the industry and leveraging its strengths, Ghana can unlock the full potential of medical tourism and cement its position as a leading destination in West Africa.

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Ghana, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, is poised to become a hub for business tourism in West Africa. As the industry continues to grow, it is essential to prioritize sustainable practices that benefit both the economy and the environment. In this article, we will explore the potential of business tourism in Ghana and its impact on sustainable development.

The Rise of Business Tourism in Ghana

In recent years, Ghana has witnessed a significant increase in business travel, driven by the country’s strategic location, improved infrastructure, and favorable business environment. The government’s efforts to promote tourism as a key sector have also contributed to this growth. According to the World Bank, tourism accounted for 5.9% of Ghana’s GDP in 2019, with revenue reaching $3.7 billion ¹.

Sustainable Impact of Business Tourism

Business tourism has the potential to contribute significantly to Ghana’s sustainable development goals. By adopting eco-friendly practices and supporting local communities, business travelers can make a positive impact on the environment and the economy. Some ways business tourism can drive sustainable impact in Ghana include:

• Job creation and income generation: Business tourism can create employment opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sectors, contributing to local economic growth.
• Infrastructure development: Investment in tourism infrastructure, such as hotels and conference centers, can stimulate economic growth and improve the overall quality of life.
• Cultural exchange and preservation: Business tourism can facilitate cultural exchange between visitors and locals, promoting cross-cultural understanding and preserving Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
• Environmental conservation: Eco-friendly tourism practices can support conservation efforts and promote sustainable use of natural resources.

Challenges and Opportunities
While business tourism presents numerous opportunities for sustainable impact, there are challenges that need to be addressed. Some of these challenges include:

• Infrastructure constraints: Ghana’s tourism infrastructure requires further development to accommodate the growing demand for business travel.
• Environmental degradation: The industry’s growth must be balanced with sustainable practices to mitigate environmental impacts.
• Community engagement: Local communities must be involved in the tourism development process to ensure equitable distribution of benefits.

Conclusion
Business tourism has the potential to drive sustainable impact in Ghana by creating jobs, stimulating infrastructure development, promoting cultural exchange, and supporting environmental conservation. However, addressing the challenges facing the industry is crucial to ensuring that business tourism contributes to Ghana’s sustainable development goals. By prioritizing sustainable practices and community engagement, Ghana can unlock the full potential of business tourism and cement its position as a leading destination in West Africa.

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This will be followed by two full-scale integrated simulations of all processes and systems in the new terminal building from today to Sunday.

A statement issued in Accra by GACL Management said it is after the processes that the new Terminal building at Prempeh International Airport, Kumasi would be opened for operationalization on Monday, July 1.

It said the objective is to ensure that all systems, equipment, and staff are fully prepared to operate efficiently and effectively and to manage risks associated with the transfer of operations from the old terminal to the new Terminal building.

The statement said in line with the operationalization process, there will be three live flights from the new terminal building from June 28 to June 30.

Ghana Airports Company Limited has subsequently advised Africa World Airlines and Passion Air to inform passengers who are scheduled to travel on the selected dates to be mindful of this arrangement.

The features of the new Terminal building include the capacity to handle 800 thousand passengers per annum, process 200 passengers per hour, two passenger boarding bridges, a Presidential lounge and three other lounges and four Boarding Gates.

The rest are four Self-Service Check-in Kiosks, nine Check-in Desks; 16 Immigration booths, Airline and Staff offices, large Commercial Retail area, Currency Declaration office, Forex Bureau, visa-on-arrival facility, automated car park, Multipurpose Faith room, dedicated area for unaccompanied minor, modern Baggage Handling Systems and a Medical Facility among others.

The statement said the Company is committed to providing World-Class Airport facilities and services to position Ghana as the preferred aviation hub and leader in airport business in West Africa.

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The Readers Bay Foundation has launched a unique initiative called ‘The Reading Caravan,’ blending tourism with a love of reading.

This one-day road trip, Ghana’s first tourist-readers adventure, engages patrons in reading while traveling.

On Saturday, 22nd June 2024, the Reading Caravan bus departed from Accra Mall at 8:30 am, heading towards Larteh and Mampong Akropong in the Eastern Region.

The first stop was at the Akonedi Shrine Global Headquarters in Larteh Kubease, where patrons received a brief history of the shrine.

The second stop was at Akropong Methodist Primary School, where Irene Boakye-Danquah, the founder of Readers Bay Foundation, hosted a reading competition for the school children.

The vibrant students took turns reading, with the best-performing class being declared the winner.

The competition aimed to encourage a love of books and boost children’s literacy.

To further support this goal, the foundation donated assorted books to stock the school’s library.

The final stop of the day was at the Anagkazo Bible and Ministry Training Centre.

Patrons were taken on a tour of the facility, which includes chapels, conference rooms, dormitories, and recreational facilities.

In an interview, Irene Boakye-Danquah, Founder of Readers Bay Foundation explained the foundation’s new approach.

“In previous tours, we focused solely on visiting schools and conducting literacy activities. This time, we are fusing them with tourism because we believe that tourism can unveil many wonders to the world. While we tour the country, we are also learning,” she said.

The Reading Caravan initiative aims to make every Ghanaian child’s educational experience comparable to that of their peers in more privileged circumstances, demonstrating that with the right resources and support, such goals are achievable.

By combining literacy with tourism, the Readers Bay Foundation continues to innovate in its mission to enhance the educational experiences of Ghanaian children.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has announced that the Republic of Kenya in recognition of the existing visa-free regime agreement between the Republic of Kenya and the Republic of Ghana, Ghanaian travellers will now be issued an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) on gratis upon application for travel to Kenya.

In that regard, Ghanaians intending to travel to Kenya are to submit their ETA application through www.etakenya.go.ke for approval prior to their departure.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 19, the  Ministry advised the travelling public to take note of this new development accordingly.

Attached is the statement:

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Ruth Abla Adjorlolo, a retired staff of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), prefers to spend most of her time at the Keta Beach because of its serene and peaceful atmosphere, which provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Having spent many years in the fast-paced media industry, Ruth cherishes the tranquillity and calmness that the beach offers, allowing her to relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature.

Why Ruth Adjorlolo says she has fallen in love with the Beach at Keta in the Volta Region.

Keta is a coastal town in Ghana that was once an open port until the Tema Harbor began operating in 1962. Located in the Volta region of Ghana, Keta Beach is a beautiful beach known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it ideal for sunbathing.

The beach is surrounded by historical and natural attractions, including the Keta Lagoon and Fort Prinzenstein, a former slave fort and one of the most important tourist attractions in Keta.

The Beach has beautiful white sand that is clean and well-maintained.

The long beach is perfect for long walks and watching the sunset.

Touching on serenity at the beach, Ruth Adjorlolo said the sound of the waves, the warmth of the sun on her skin, and the cool ocean breeze are a balm to her soul, soothing her mind and body.

”The sound of the waves and the sand on the beach have a calming effect and can help reduce stress,” Ruth stated, admitting she is always blown away by what nature gives when it comes to the Keta Beach.

Moreover, the beach’s scenic beauty and historic significance, with the ancient Fort Prinzenstein and the Keta Lagoon, fascinate her, making her feel connected to her heritage and culture.

At the Keta Beach, Ruth finds solace, peace, contentment, making it her preferred retreat from the stresses of everyday life.

Above all, indigenes are friendly and welcoming to tourists.

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The first batch of pilgrims for the 2024 edition of Hajj is set to depart from Tamale International Airport to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia today, Tuesday, May 28 2024.

According to the organizers, the Hall Board, over 4,000 pilgrims are expected to participate in this year’s Hajj. Speaking in an interview with Accra based Citi News, the Communications Director for the Ghana Hajj Board, Abdul-Rahman Gomda, appealed to the pilgrims to cooperate with organizers to ensure a smooth experience.

“They (Pilgrims) should learn to be with us. They should take instructions from us. There have been instances where people don’t take instructions from us. You tell them what to do and they want to do what they want to do,” he said 

Abdul-Rahman Gomda, explained that the Hajj being a religious exercise, there is a need for them to be very religious so that they get the spiritual dividends which made them go there.

“That is why we have established the Dawah committee made up of Islamic clergymen, many of who even studied in Saudi Arabia and who guide them, especially at the various stations of the pilgrimage; the recitals, the glorification of the creator, what to do and what not to do and the like.” He added 

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”We found an opportunity for business here; clearly, there is a market in West Africa,” Philippe Scalabrini, President of Europe and Africa at VistaJet said in an interview in Accra. 

He said the new jet is providing clients with the possibility as well as the luxury of connecting flights more efficiently and from multiple locations across Africa.

Vista Jet embarked on a roadshow in a static display in West Africa, engaging with media and stakeholders in the region’s most vibrant cities, including Abidjan, Accra, Lagos, and Abuja.

In Accra, Journalists had an exclusive discovery of the Challenger 605 with VistaJet at the McDan Aviation Lounge at Kotoka International Airport. The Journalists who had a first-hand tour of the aircraft described the experience as ”phenomenal”.

This new business aviation market is showcasing Ghana as the premier business destination in West Africa and is highlighting Accra’s positioning as a major aviation hub within the sub-region.

According to Aviation Benefits Beyond Borders, ”the aviation industry supports $3.5 trillion (4.1%) of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP). If the industry were a country, it would rank 17th in size by GDP, equating to the GDP of Indonesia and the Netherlands”. 

In Nigeria, aviation annually contributes over $600 million to the national GDP, creating more than 241,000 jobs. 

Further statistics indicate that the aviation market is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades. 

By 2038, global air transport is forecast to support 143 million jobs and contribute $6.3 trillion to the global economy. 

Similarly, $2.5 trillion total investable wealth is currently held on the African continent, and its millionaire population is set to rise by 65% over the next ten years, according to data available.

Philippe Scalabrini, President of Europe and Africa at VistaJet stated: “VistaJet provides great value to clients in West Africa and is the perfect flying solution for West African corporates and businesses as a hassle-free and timesaving tool to connect world decision-makers domestically and across continents, boosting economies and driving global investments. Now, with three dedicated aircraft in the region, VistaJet aims to accelerate its trajectory as a key partner for the region’s economic development.”

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