The Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa will open its Ambassador Andrew Young Lecture Series on Africa with a presentation by the Honorable J. O. Obetsebi-Lamptey, Minister of Tourism and Diasporan Relations of Ghana, followed by a screening of the Discovery Travel Channel's Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations show featuring Ghana. The lecture and screening, preceded by a reception, will take place on Thursday, January 18, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Embassy of Ghana, located at 3512 International Drive, NW Washington, D.C.
The program will be hosted by His Excellency Dr. Kwame Bawuah-Edusei, Ambassador from the Republic of Ghana to the U.S. and sponsored by Merck and Co., represented by Thomas Bombelles, Director of International Government Relations.
One of Ghana's most notable and popular public figures, Minister Obetsebi-Lamptey will be introduced by Mr. Luddy Hayden, member of the Board of Directors of The Africa Society and Manager of International Government Relations for Chevron. Obetsebi-Lamptey's lecture will provide the public and the media with an inside look at Ghana's vibrant and growing tourism industry and illustrate how it has become one of the fastest growing sectors of government under his leadership. He will also discuss the impact of tourism on poverty alleviation and economic development, as well as projects and preparations underway in 2007, marking Ghana's 50th anniversary of its independence.
Mr. Pat Younge, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Discovery's Travel Channel, will introduce the show Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations featuring Ghana. The show appeals to the senses by introducing viewers to spectacular locations in Ghana, while introducing the people and culture, along with the sounds of its traditional drums and high life music. Anthony Bourdain, a well-known chef, food enthusiast and critic takes viewers on a tour of Ghana's most famous markets, as he discovers the Ghanaian cuisine. Minister Obetsebi-Lamptey, who appears in the show, was also featured with President John Kufuor, in the "Presidential Tour of Ghana" – another Travel Channel film – in 2005.
The Ambassador Andrew Young Lecture Series aims to educate the public about insightful and relevant issues pertaining to U.S.-Africa relations. The Africa Society is exclusively committed to educating all Americans about Africa.
For further information about The Africa Society and this programs please visit our website at www.africasummit.org or contact Junie Francois at (202) 232-3862.
