Omanghana
Ghanaian media personality and tourism executive Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey Santana has been named among Africa’s 100 Most Impactful People in Tourism and Hospitality for 2026.
Popularly known as Abeiku Santana, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority received the continental recognition from TOHO Africa, a tourism and hospitality platform powered by Ranks Africa.
The honor recognizes his contributions to destination marketing, tourism development, cultural advocacy and the promotion of sustainable travel experiences in Ghana and across West Africa.
Santana currently serves as the GTA’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer responsible for Marketing and Special Duties. He is also the Managing Director of Kaya Tours Limited, a private travel company involved in promoting domestic and international tourism.
Recognition Dedicated to Ghana’s Tourism Industry
Following the announcement, Santana said the recognition represented the collective contribution of the numerous institutions and individuals who had supported his work in tourism, media and cultural promotion.
“This honor is not a personal achievement but a testament to the collective efforts of everyone I have had the privilege to work with over the years,” he stated.
He dedicated the recognition to the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and the Ghana Tourism Authority.
Santana also acknowledged tourism operators, industry stakeholders, media professionals and local communities whose work continues to shape Ghana’s visitor economy.
He further dedicated the honor to Ghanaians who believe the country’s cultural heritage, traditions and creative industries can be used to support community development, employment and national economic growth.
Decades of Tourism and Media Advocacy
Santana has spent several decades working in broadcasting, entrepreneurship and tourism promotion.
Through radio, television and public engagements, he has consistently highlighted Ghana’s festivals, heritage sites, food, music, traditional clothing and natural attractions.
His tourism work has also included organizing travel experiences, participating in international trade exhibitions and supporting campaigns designed to increase domestic and international visits to Ghana.
At the Ghana Tourism Authority, he has advocated stronger destination marketing, improved access to tourist attractions and closer cooperation among the government, media and private tourism operators.
He has also promoted Ghana as a year-round destination rather than one dependent solely on the popular December holiday season.
The GTA has confirmed that Santana’s current portfolio covers marketing and special duties, with responsibilities linked to promoting Ghana’s tourism offerings locally and internationally. Ghana Tourism Authority
About the TOHO100 Recognition
The 2026 selection is the fifth edition of Africa’s 100 Most Impactful People in Tourism and Hospitality, commonly known as TOHO100.
According to Ranks Africa, the unranked list celebrates executives, entrepreneurs, policymakers, innovators, content creators and other professionals contributing to the growth of Africa’s tourism and hospitality industry.
The honorees are selected through editorial research, industry assessment and an evaluation of their influence and professional impact.
Recipients are expected to receive official digital recognition, inclusion in the TOHO100 archive and a feature in an upcoming edition of TOHO Africa Magazine.
TOHO Africa said the initiative is intended to recognize individuals whose leadership and contributions are helping to shape the future of travel and hospitality on the continent.
Santana Reaffirms Commitment to African Tourism
Santana said the recognition would strengthen his commitment to promoting Ghana and the wider African continent as competitive global destinations.
He pledged to continue working with governments, private businesses, local communities, media organizations and other continental partners to improve tourism marketing and visitor experiences.
His long-term goal, he said, is to help position Africa as the world’s preferred destination for tourism, investment and cultural exchange.
The recognition adds to Santana’s growing list of tourism and media honors and highlights Ghana’s expanding influence within Africa’s travel and hospitality industry.
Source: Omanghana
