Barbados High Commission, Ghana

On Friday, 24th April 2026, at the Accra Marriott Hotel, Hotelier Africa proudly hosted the 2nd Hotelier Africa Leadership Summit & Awards 2026 under the theme: “Shaping the Future of Hospitality in Africa: Leadership, Investment & Guest Experience Excellence.”

The Barbados High Commission, Ghana was honoured to participate in this distinguished gathering of hospitality leaders, industry stakeholders, and awardees.

First Secretary David Gibbs delivered remarks on behalf of the Barbados High Commission, highlighting Barbados’ global reputation as a premier tourism destination - built on deliberate investment, strong standards, and a commitment to authentic, culturally rich experiences. From festivals and cuisine to heritage and traditions, Barbados offers more than a destination - it offers connection.

We were particularly encouraged by Ghana and the wider Africa’s thriving ecosystem of tourism stakeholders, all deeply committed to the pursuit of excellence. It is clear that Barbados is viewed as a valued model, with strong openness to partnership. The sector is ripe for collaboration, creating meaningful opportunities for Barbadian hospitality professionals and educators to support training, skills development, and the continued growth of Ghana’s tourism industry.

As part of the Caribbean - often regarded as the sixth region of Africa - we see immense potential to deepen these ties. Through initiatives in Ghana, including collaborations with Wode Maya, participation in the Afro Gastro Festival, and cultural activations such as Krave Carnival, we continue to build bridges between our regions.

With Africa emerging as a key growth market for Barbados, we remain focused on strengthening connectivity, expanding partnerships, and promoting sustainable, community-driven tourism.

To all awardees, your leadership and excellence are shaping the future of hospitality across the continent. Barbados stands ready to partner, share expertise, and grow together.

The Barbados High Commission, Ghana, represented by Phil Phillips, Cultural and Commercial Attaché, was pleased to participate in today’s engagement with the British Council, where Director Nii Doodo and Programme Lead Paul Akrofie shared insights on the SoCreative e-learning programme.

SoCreative is a free, self-paced digital learning platform designed to support creatives and entrepreneurs across Africa in transforming ideas into viable, sustainable businesses. Through modules focused on creative entrepreneurship, business development, branding, finance, and social impact, the programme addresses a critical gap in the creative industries - the transition from talent to enterprise.

With the Caribbean officially regarded as the 6th Region of Africa, and with Barbados often considered a gateway to the region, this presents a compelling opportunity. While Barbadian creatives continue to produce world-class work, there remains significant potential to strengthen the commercial structures that support their growth. Many practitioners excel in developing products, but face challenges navigating the full value chain- from business structuring to market expansion.

Collaboration with the British Council on initiatives like SoCreative offers a practical pathway to equip Barbadian creatives with the tools to scale, compete, and maximise their potential globally.

The High Commission looks forward to exploring next steps with the British Council and presenting this opportunity to stakeholders in Barbados, as we work to unlock new avenues of growth and sustainability for the island’s creative sector.

The Barbados High Commission, Ghana joined the launch of the Professional International Recruiters Association of Ghana on April 22, 2026, alongside President Charles Kwenin and its executives. Minister of Labour, Hon. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, endorsed the initiative, which promotes ethical recruitment, protects migrant workers, and creates safe, transparent pathways to global employment.

Barbados High Commissioner, H.E Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland, served as Guest of Honour, highlighting Barbados’ globally recognized model for international nurse recruitment. Key lessons included the importance of pre-departure orientation, equal pay for local and overseas staff, and equitable onboarding for Ghanaian recruits.

She also emphasized strong partnerships with nursing bodies and trade unions, alongside programmes that build cross-cultural awareness, address differences in practice, and promote teamwork.

Many thanks to the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, and Hon. Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, for their leadership in advancing ethical international recruitment in Ghana.

The Barbados High Commission Ghana warmly wishes H.E Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland, GA a very happy birthday today. We wish you continued success in all endeavours.

In Part 1, we uncovered the history woven into kente and African wax prints - stories of identity, symbolism, and tradition.

This time, we explore their journey.

From the sustainability practices of original African textile production, to how wax prints found their home in West Africa and are now a global product, and the importance of kente being recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, preserving its meaning for generations of Africans and the diaspora.

In Barbados, those threads of heritage are not unfamiliar. They echo in culture, in expression, in the everyday. Understanding the rich history of African wax prints and kente allows us to have a deeper appreciation, to wear them with pride, and to recognise the connection to our ancestry and a shared, proud past. This is where cultural exchange becomes something more than an idea, it becomes lived experience. Tune in to Part 2 now.

The Hidden Language of Cloth pt2 - Maame Konadu Mintah In Part 1, we uncovered the history woven into kente and African wax prints - stories of identity, symbolism, and tradition.This time, we explore their journ...