Abeiku Santana Endorses President Mahama for CIMG Marketing Man of the Year Award | Discuss Ghana

On Monday, April 6, 2026, the Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey (popularly known as Abeiku Santana), publicly declared that President John Dramani Mahama deserves the prestigious CIMG Marketing Man of the Year award.

Speaking during an interview at the conclusion of the Kwahu Business Forum, the tourism chief argued that the President has become Ghana’s "Chief Marketing Officer," successfully rebranding the nation’s image on the global stage through his "National Reset" agenda.

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The Case for the Nomination

Abeiku Santana highlighted several key reasons why the President should be recognized by the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG):

Global Visibility: He noted that the President’s recent high-profile engagements—including the One Health Summit in France and the Artemis II collaboration—have placed Ghana at the center of international discourse.

Tourism Promotion: Santana credited the President’s personal involvement in tourism, such as his visit to the Kwahu Business Forum exhibitions, for the "sell-out" success of local vendors like Hamamat Montia and Lydia Forson.

Brand Consistency: The GTA Deputy CEO praised the "National Reset" as a masterclass in political and economic branding, creating a unified message that has restored investor confidence.

24-Hour Economy: He argued that the 24-Hour Economy is not just a policy but a "market-disrupting brand" that has captured the imagination of both domestic and international businesses.

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Abeiku Santana’s Role at GTA (2025–2026)

Since his appointment by President Mahama in February 2025, Abeiku Santana has led a marketing-first approach at the Ghana Tourism Authority:

Deputy CEO of Marketing: He currently serves as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Marketing and Special Duties), tasked with elevating Ghana's profile as a top-tier destination.

Industry Veteran: With over 27 years of experience in media and tourism, Santana is a recognized leader within CIMG, making his endorsement particularly significant for the marketing community.

Visionary Leadership: He has been instrumental in the development of the Kwahu Business Village and the expansion of the Gomoa Easter Carnival as key tourism products.

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CIMG Marketing Man of the Year: Recent History

Year	Award Recipient	Background
2021	Selorm Adadevoh	CEO of MTN Ghana.
2023	David Afflu	CEO of GB Foods.
2026	Nomination Proposed	H.E. John Dramani Mahama (Proposed by Abeiku Santana).

“The President is our biggest brand ambassador. He is promoting Ghana everywhere—from the mountains of Kwahu to the halls of Paris. He truly deserves the CIMG Marketing Man of the Year award for 2026.” — Abeiku Santana.