Marthinus Van Schalkwyk  South Africa Tourism, the nation’s tourism promotion agency, has officially opened its first regional office in Lagos, Nigeria, targetted at boosting its African market and reinforcing economic diplomacy with the region. “Our foreign policy puts Africa in the centre for our continent’s regeneration. South Africa’s diplomacy and bilateral relations are based on the history we share together with other West African countries,” said South African Tourism Minister Marthinus Van Schalkwyk at the opening ceremony in Lagos. He said opening of the regional marketing office is an invitation for Nigerians, Ghanaians and other nationals in West Africa to explore the beauty of South Africa. “This marks an important milestone, but it is exactly that: a milestone along a road we have long been walking with the travel trade of this region. During this time we've invested heavily in understanding the needs of the West African traveller, so as to ensure that your holiday experience is as rewarding or memorable to you as it is to us,” said Mr. Van Schalkwyk. According to him, 73,282 Nigerian tourists visited South Africa in 2012 -- an overall 13.8 percent increase from the 64,402 tourists in 2011. At the end of June 2013, Nigerian arrivals had continued to grow on a strong trajectory of 15.9 percent compared to the same period in 2012. “Likewise, tourist arrivals from Ghana to South Africa grew a phenomenal 23.8 percent in 2012, when South Africa welcomed 22,953 Ghanaian tourists. Up to end June 2013, arrivals from Ghana were growing at 27.3 percent to 13,663 tourist arrivals for the six- month period. Global interest in visiting Africa is at an all-time high, and it is also our intention to do our bit to convert this interest into increased arrivals across the continent,” the Minister said. He added: “As a nation, we see the special and longstanding relationship between Nigeria and South Africa as pivotal toward building an Africa that is economically vibrant and resilient. “Key to creating economic vibrancy and resilience is working together to develop tourism industries that have the potential to contribute meaningfully to gross domestic product and job-creation on the African continent. “Growth in African arrivals is what shielded our tourism industry from the worst of the recent economic downturn and is what we believe is going to keep our continent’s tourism industry on a sustainable growth path going forward.” Chief Edem Duke, Nigeria’s Minister for Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, said: “This is a great stride -- not only in deepening the bilateral relations but also creating a platform for our citizens to grow. This partnership will be mutually beneficial to stakeholders in both economies”. Chief Duke called for special treatment for West African travellers due to their cultural differences. “West African travellers should be treated with dignity, respect and special understanding.” He urged South African authorities to ensure that the generated wealth be spent in Africa to help grow the continent’s economy. “The Nigerian government will give support and remove all encumbrances that stand in the way of the project,” he remarked. By Ekow Essabra-Mensah

High utility tariffs and additional taxes have been identified as some of the key challenges confronting businesses in Ghana in the last quarter of 2013, the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) Business Barometer has revealed. In addition, the survey cited high cost of raw materials as among the challenges to business growth in the fourth quarter of 2013. The business [...]The post High Utility Tariffs Hamper Business Growth appeared first on The Ghanaian Times.

The Health Accounting Staff Association of Ghana (HASAG) has said targets set for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5 could not be attained if challenges impeding effective delivery of health care in the country were not addressed. It …

  The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council has called on government and other religious bodies to spearhead efforts for the formation of self-regulatory bodies that would check activities of independent pastors and churches. In a communiqué signed by its Chairman, Apostle Dr. Opoku Onyinah and General Secretary Samuel Antwi,  the council expressed worry about charlatans who are denting the Christian practice The Pentecostal and Charismatic church leaders underscored the need for the setting up of the quasi-formal regulatory bodies since Ghanaians are becoming disillusioned with Christianity and religion. The council says activities of charlatans parading as pastors have become too rampant. According to the council the proliferation of independent pastors and churches who are exploiting the society is undermining the integrity of the gospel of Christ. The council also called on the media to be more circumspect in programmes they put on air, particularly on TV and radio stations. It wants Christian programmes to reflect national values. On corruption, the council challenged the Christian community to show the way and also encourage Government to strengthen the existing departments to work in the interest of national development. The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council was founded by the Assemblies of God Church, The Church of Pentecost, Elim Pentecostal Churches, The Christ Apostolic Church and the Apostolic Church to among other things, to "promote good relationship between member Churches and other church organizations in Ghana in particular and in the world at large".  

Former Nigeria manager, Austin Eguavoen has said the Super Eagles were not disgraced in the semifinals defeat to the Black Stars of Ghana at the ongoing African Nations Championship (Chan) in South Africa. The Eagles ended their title campaign at the championship courtesy of Ghana’s 4-1 win in the penalty shootout after full and extra time score remained goalless in [...]The post Nigerian Earn Praise Despite Ghana Loss appeared first on The Ghanaian Times.

Government has directed Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to work closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to resolve waste engulfing towns and cities. “The challenge of waste management should receive the needed attention from the agency and government …

Manager Roberto Martinez has confirmed the Belgium international did not sustain a serious injury in the 4-0 defeat in Tuesday night’s Merseyside derby at Anfield. Lukaku was carried off on a stretcher after colliding with team-mate Gareth Barry as they tried to prevent Steven Gerrard scoring the first goal in the 21st minute. “There is no ligament damage and the [...]The post Lukaku Ruled Out For Weeks appeared first on The Ghanaian Times.

The Asante-Akim South District, last year, achieved 74 per cent coverage of supervised deliveries, a performance the health authorities say should get better. Out of 3,067 pregnant women, 2,277 were delivered of their babies at the various health facilities. The …

Mrs. Elizabeth Bain-Doodu, a Senior Nursing Officer at the Cape Coast Central Reproductive and Child Health Centre, has expressed concern about the high rate of stillbirths among young mothers in the Cape Coast Metropolis. She said such births were peculiar …

local news, ghana local news

[New Republic]Ghana-based SpyGhana.com has reported that foreign students in Ghana have expressed dissatisfaction with the current economic conditions.

The HinduQuotations in the NewsMason City Globe Gazette"Dzhokhar Tsarnaev received asylum from the United States; obtained citizenship and enjoyed the freedoms of a United States citizen; and then betrayed his allegiance to the United States by killing and maiming people in the United States." _ A notice of ...Obama's Feds: Death to Boston JihadistFrontPage MagazineAccused Boston bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev should be put to death if he is ...Irish IndependentToday in the News: Government wants death penalty for TsarnaevKirksville Daily Express and Daily NewsWLNE-TV (ABC6)all 869 news articles »

[Africa Top Sports]The 2014 World Cup prepares for Ghana. After announcing yesterday a friendly match in Rotterdam on 31 May against the Netherlands, GFA (Ghana Football Association) formalizes Thursday another friendly.