Tourism & Environment

Parks, wildlife, conservation, the coast.

University of Ghana students tour Togo and Benin for cultural exchange

The News

About 36 University of Ghana students embarked on a 3-day, 2-night educational trip to Togo and Benin as part of the "Campus to Countries" initiative organized by the Ghana Tourism Development Company in collaboration with the university's Students' Representative Council. The programme aims to deepen cross-border learning and cultural exchange while exposing students to the lifestyles and cultures of neighbouring West African countries.

5 hours ago · The Ghanaian Times →

Today

University of Ghana students tour Togo and Benin for cultural exchange
About 36 University of Ghana students embarked on a 3-day, 2-night educational trip to Togo and Benin as part of the "Campus to Countries" initiative organized by the Ghana Tourism Development Company in collaboration with the university's Students' Representative Council. The programme aims to deepen cross-border learning and cultural exchange while exposing students to the lifestyles and cultures of neighbouring West African countries.
5 hours ago · The Ghanaian Times →
Advans Ghana plants 1,600 trees in annual sustainability initiative
Advans Ghana Savings and Loans planted 1,600 Acacia, Teak, and Shea seedlings at forest reserves in Greater Accra and Northern regions as part of its annual CSR initiative in collaboration with the Forestry Commission. The institution has achieved an 80 percent survival rate from tree-planting exercises conducted over the past 7 years.
9 hours ago · Joy Online →
PACE warns eco-friendly packaging costs could delay styrofoam phase-out
The Public Action for Climate and Ecosystem, a student-led environmental advocacy organisation, cautions that high costs of eco-friendly packaging alternatives could slow Ghana's transition away from styrofoam as the country prepares to phase out single-use polystyrene products. PACE says affordability and availability of replacement materials will be critical for ensuring a smooth transition, and that cheaper alternatives are essential to drive behavioural change among consumers, traders and businesses.
9 hours ago · Joy Online →
Fifteen elephants dead from cyanide in pesticide-sprayed tomatoes
Kenyan wildlife officials suspect fifteen elephants found dead outside Amboseli National Park were poisoned after eating tomatoes sprayed with pesticides containing cyanide on nearby farms. The deaths, recorded between June and July, mark the first mortalities on this scale in decades in the region and highlight concerns about expanding farming activities near the park.
18 hours ago · Joy Online →

Yesterday

Minister calls for investment in Ghana's tourism and creative sectors
Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie has urged local and international investors to invest in Ghana's tourism, hospitality and creative industries, citing opportunities in hotels, fashion, music, film production and tourism infrastructure. She said strategic investment in these sectors will drive economic growth, job creation, and position Ghana as a heritage and culture destination.
30 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Stakeholders call for urgent measures on plastic pollution in Ghana
Environmental stakeholders called for urgent measures to address plastic pollution and promote sustainable waste management during the 2026 Eco-Plastic Week Celebration held in Tamale. The week-long event, organised by Ummy Relief Foundation with partners, brought together policymakers, environmental experts, traditional leaders, and community members from the Northern Region to discuss solutions to Ghana's plastic waste challenge.
30 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 29 July

EU pledges €59 million for West African ocean governance
The European Union has committed €59 million under the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme to support 13 countries in addressing threats to their oceans, including declining fish stocks, illegal fishing, pollution and climate change. The announcement was made in Accra during a regional workshop on conservation measures and progress towards a global 2030 biodiversity target.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Chief of Staff pursues PhD in Museum and Heritage studies
Ghana's Chief of Staff, Dr Julius Debrah, says his passion for tourism, culture and heritage motivated him to pursue a PhD in Museum and Heritage studies. He believes a vibrant tourism industry is vital to preserving Ghana's national identity, creating sustainable livelihoods, and driving socio-economic transformation.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Spain lifts evacuation restrictions as fourth summer heatwave looms
Spanish authorities have allowed thousands evacuated by wildfires to return home in Toledo, Madrid, Ávila, and Castellón regions, with 24,000 people in Madrid alone cleared to return. Spain and France now face a fourth heatwave this summer, with some fires still burning and warnings of dry winds and temperatures up to 41°C in south-west France.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Kenya probes mysterious deaths of 14 elephants near Amboseli
The Kenya Wildlife Service has launched an investigation into the deaths of 14 elephants in southern Kenya near Amboseli National Park, with tissue samples sent to laboratories to determine if disease, poisoning, or another factor was responsible. Officials say this is the first time in decades that elephant mortalities on this scale have been recorded in the region.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 28 July

Tourism leader Prince Anthony Bart-Appiah dies in Accra
Prince Anthony Bart-Appiah, a pioneering figure credited with helping to reconnect the African diaspora to the continent and instrumental in developing Ghana's "Year of Return" tourism campaign in 2019, died in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, 2026, at his private residence in Spintex, Accra. He was a Board Member of the Ghana Tourism Authority and CEO of Bridgezone, an agency dedicated to showcasing Africa to Western audiences.
28 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Ghana's hospitality workers create memorable experiences unseen
Ghana's reputation as a welcoming destination rests on thousands of hospitality professionals—from housekeepers and chefs to tour guides and receptionists—whose daily work creates unforgettable visitor experiences, yet these individuals often remain unrecognized while institutions and enterprises receive the accolades.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Deputy Ghana Tourism Authority CEO recognised by TOHO Africa
Abeiku Santana, Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, has been recognised by Tourism and Hospital (TOHO) Africa among outstanding personalities for contributions to tourism and hospitality on the continent. He dedicated the honour to the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, the Ghana Tourism Authority, industry stakeholders, and Ghanaians.
28 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Kwahu tourism potential extends beyond Easter, paragliding—researcher
The Member of Parliament for Mpraeso has congratulated the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, on earning a PhD in Community Heritage and Tourism Development in Kwahu, saying the research could unlock heritage opportunities and sustainable economic opportunities in the area beyond its Easter celebrations and Paragliding Festival.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghana Tourism Authority board member Prince Anthony dies
Prince Anthony Bart-Appiah, a GTA Governing Board member since 2025 and former British Army officer, died on 26 July at his Spintex residence. He was instrumental in developing the Year of Return campaign and served as CEO of Bridgezone, an agency promoting Africa to Western audiences.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 27 July

GMA president calls for single-use plastic ban extension
The President of the Ghana Medical Association has urged the government to extend its planned Styrofoam ban to all single-use plastics, arguing that indiscriminate disposal of such plastics blocks drains and waterways, worsening flooding. He noted that plastic packaging materials posed potential health risks and contributed to environmental degradation, and that the ban's success would require affordable alternatives, improved waste collection, and public education.
27 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Sunday 26 July

Korea commits $3.5m to restore Ghana's World Heritage Forts
Tourism Minister Abla Gomashie secured US$3.5 million from the Korean National Commission for UNESCO to restore six of Ghana's World Heritage Forts and Castles. Ghana also secured commitments from the Africa World Heritage Fund and WHIPIC for heritage management capacity-building.
26 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 25 July

Ghana forest advocate's home flooded while at climate conference
A Ghanaian environmental advocate experienced flooding in their Accra home while presenting on forest finance at a sustainability conference in Germany, highlighting the human cost of environmental destruction and the need for forest finance to protect both ecosystems and affected communities.
25 July 2026 · Joy Online →