The Akwaaba Festival earmarked to celebrate Ghana’s rich culture through music, food and accessories was climaxed with an auspicious awards night on Friday, March 8, 2024 to honor Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi and other notable figures who have taking notable steps in service to humanity and showcasing the beauty of the motherland.
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), in a joint effort with National Commission on Culture (NCC), Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), and Ceejay Multimedia hosted a large number of people from Ghana and the Diaspora at the National Theatre for the three day event which commenced on Thursday, March 6, 2024.
The GTA official in recognition of his notable efforts and contribution to society was awarded with an honorary Black Star award, and commended by a number of distinguished guests from various industries in the government and private sector.
Organizers of the festival evidently attested in his citation which says, “The organizers of Akwaaba Festival are pleased to offer to you the Black Star Honorary Award 2024 in appreciation of your priceless services and incalculable contributions to Ghana's arts, culture, and tourist sector."
The Pan-Africanist in his acceptance speech, thanked the GTA's board of directors, management, and staff for their unwavering support over the years. He added that his humble service has afforded him many opportunities in and outside of Ghana He proudly announced his promotion to the new Deputy Director in charge of Domestic Marketing as of February 1, 2024.
This year’s festival, held as the third edition of the Akwaaba festival, gave Ghanaians a genuine sense of Ghana’s rich heritage through a variety of cultural exhibitions, ranging from Ghanaian art coupled with, food bazaars and musical renditions from Ghanaian music talents.
The eclectic activities held on 6th and 7th March were spotlighted by ‘Highlife Time’ a two-day free musical concert sponsored by MUSIGA.
With all preparations made to suit the occasion, the National Theatre drew the celebrations to an end with an exuberant awards night.
A few other notable figures were given honorary awards of service to humanity, including Madam Amy Frimpong, Executive Director of the National Theatre, Mr. Stephen Ofori, General Manager of the Volta Hotel, Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong, Executive Director of the Ghana National Commission on Culture (NCC) and Mr. Akwasi Awuah Ababio, Director of the Diaspora Affairs, Office at the Presidency, among others.
About Mr. Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi
Mr. Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi is the Deputy Director in charge of Domestic Marketing at the Ghana Tourism Authority.
He his an alumnus of Prempeh College Secondary School in Kumasi, attaining his First Degree with the University of Ghana, Legon. Bachelor of Arts B. A (Philosophy). He proceeded to the then Ghana Institute of Journalism ( GIJ) now UNIMAC - IJ to pursue a First Masters of Arts Degree. M. A. in Public Relations (MA PR) in 2020 .
In 2022, he made advancements towards a Second Masters Degree in Marketing ( Masters in business Administration MBA, Marketing) at Methodist University College, Ghana.
He holds a Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
As a Pan-Africanist and proud son of Africa, Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi was appointed as the Board Secretary to the Board of Directors of the Ghana Tourism Authority from 2010 to 2014, and served as the Special Assistant to then late CEO of the Authority, Mr. Charles Osei Bonsu from 2014 to 2017. He served as the Deputy Head of Corporate Affairs from January, 2018 to January, 2024 before being appointed onto his new portfolio.
Serving on various Tourism Committees, Programmes and Activities, has expanded his horizon over the years and has served him with a countless number of opportunities in and outside of Ghana. These include
As a writer, cultural activist public relations and Marketing Practitioner.
He has served as a Judge for major Beauty Pageants across the country. They include:
MISS CULTURE GHANA
MISS TOURISM GHANA
MISS GOLDEN STOOL
MR AND MISS AKWAABA (GH MEDIA SCHOOL)
FACE OF KAAF (KAAF UNIVERSITY COLLEGE)
MISS AKWAABA, 2023 (CEEJAY MULTIMEDIA)
Mr. Kusi has been honoured for several awards such as
1. World Peace Ambassador - The International Parliament for Safety, Peace and Justice (UNITED NATIONS AFRICAN CHAPTER)
2. Africa Early Childhood Education Awards - Honorary Award
3. Ghana Event Staffers Awards …
4. Africa Young Talent Achievers Awards (AYOTAA), 2023 - Africa Corporate Man of the Year Award
5. Convergence of Young African Leaders / Awards, 2023 - Young Tourism Icon of the Year Award
6. GTA Staff Dinner and Awards - Best Performing Staff (Corporate Affairs Department), 2023
ETC.
Mr. Kusi as an unapologetic and unrepentant Pan Africanist, believes that “IT IS TIME FOR AFRICANS TO WRITE AND EXHIBIT OUR OWN STORY, OUR HISTORY , AND OUR PROUD HERITAGE. IT IS THE ONLY WAY TO BUILD SELF - CONFIDENCE IN OUR YOUTH, FOR THE FUTURE."
