Ghana News Roundup: Vocational Empowerment in Wenchi, Animal Welfare Safety Concerns, and Community Milestones

Ghana Tourism Authority Empowers Taxi Drivers for 'Know Ghana' Campaign as LIFECHECK 2026 Reaches 13,000 Residents

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has officially launched a new phase of its 'Know Ghana' campaign, aimed at transforming taxi drivers into frontline tourism ambassadors to boost the country’s domestic travel sector. This initiative, which commenced on October 3, 2026, coincided with other significant social developments across the capital, including the massive LIFECHECK 2026 outreach project that provided healthcare and educational support to over 13,000 residents in the Dansoman area. Together, these programs highlight a coordinated effort between state institutions and religious organizations to enhance both the economic potential and the social welfare of Ghanaian citizens. The GTA’s sensitization exercise specifically targeted transport unions in the Osu area, including representatives from the Osu RE, Shoprite, and Papaye drivers’ unions. The campaign is designed to equip drivers with detailed knowledge of Ghana’s tourist attractions, local cuisine, and cultural heritage, enabling them to provide essential information to visitors. This effort is particularly timely as the nation prepares for the 'December in GH' period, a peak season for international and domestic tourism. By promoting the 'See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana and Feel Ghana' agenda, the Authority hopes to leverage the unique position of taxi drivers to improve the visitor experience and stimulate the local economy. According to Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi, Deputy Director of Corporate Affairs at the GTA, the sensitization program is slated for nationwide expansion. Future phases will include engagement with the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) as well as ride-hailing services such as Uber and Yango. During the launch, drivers received branded materials, including t-shirts and stickers, to aid their promotional efforts. Kusi emphasized the importance of media collaboration to maximize the campaign's reach, noting that well-informed drivers are crucial for marketing Ghana’s nightlife, heritage, and cultural experiences. Parallel to these tourism efforts, the Empowerment Worship Centre and Empowerment Care Foundation successfully executed the LIFECHECK 2026 initiative at KariKari Park on September 26, 2026. The massive community outreach benefitted residents from Dansoman, Mamprobi, Chorkor, and Lartebiokoshie. The event addressed critical needs in healthcare and education, distributing 5,500 school bags, 2,000 pairs of shoes, and 12,000 exercise books to students. On the medical front, over 1,200 cases were attended to, with the foundation providing life-saving surgeries and free medications valued at approximately GH"300,000, supported by a dedicated team of over 800 volunteers. These major initiatives represent a multi-faceted approach to national development through cultural promotion and community empowerment. While the GTA focuses on long-term economic growth by strengthening the tourism value chain, the LIFECHECK initiative addresses immediate social needs, demonstrating the significant role of faith-based organizations in supplementing government efforts. As the 'Know Ghana' campaign rolls out across other transport hubs, the combined impact of improved tourism services and enhanced social safety nets is expected to contribute to a more robust and inclusive national economy.