Veteran travel writer and tourism advocate Kofi Akpabli on Saturday evening received the Ghana Hotels Association (GHA) President's Special Award at the association's Golden Jubilee Honorary Awards ceremony.

The award, presented at a glittering ceremony held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in La, Accra, recognises Akpabli's distinguished contribution to the growth and development of Ghana's tourism and hospitality industry over the past fifty years.

The GHA @50 Honorary Awards brought together stakeholders from across Ghana's hospitality sector to celebrate the association's 50th anniversary and honour individuals who have made significant impacts on the industry.

In a notification letter dated January 12, 2026, GHA President Dr Edward Ackah-Nyamike Jnr had informed Akpabli of his selection for the prestigious honour.

"The GHA @50 President's Special Award is an acknowledgement and appreciation of the contribution of distinguished personalities to the growth and development of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry and the Ghana Hotels Association over the past fifty years as the Association climaxes its Golden Jubilee Anniversary," Dr Ackah-Nyamike stated in the letter.

The association specifically commended Akpabli's commitment to advocacy, promotion, and education in Ghana's tourism sector.

"Your recognition is a testament to your commitment and dedication to advocacy, promotion and education that has greatly impacted Ghana's Tourism and Hospitality industry, and by extension the Ghana Hotels Association," the GHA President wrote.

Kofi Akpabli is a well-known figure in Ghana's tourism landscape, having authored several travel books and contributed extensively to promoting domestic and international tourism in Ghana through his writings and advocacy work.

His work has helped showcase Ghana's tourism potential and encouraged both local and international travellers to explore the country's diverse attractions, making him a natural choice for the President's Special Award category.

The awards ceremony, which began at 6:00 PM, recognised multiple individuals and organisations that have contributed to the industry's development over the association's 50-year history.

The event brought together current and past industry leaders, government officials, hospitality professionals, and tourism advocates to celebrate the sector's achievements and chart a course for its future development.

The GHA continues to serve as the umbrella organisation for hotel operators across Ghana, providing advocacy, training, and networking opportunities for its members while promoting excellence in hospitality service delivery.