Gibako Guest House and Bar has been honoured as Tourism Newcomer of the Year 2026 at the Upper East Tourism Awards night, held in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region. The award is expected to boost the efforts of Gibako Guest House to contribute positively to the fast-growing hospitality industry in the Bolgatanga Municipality.
The award recognizes Gibako Guest House’s outstanding entry into the Upper East Region’s tourism and hospitality industry and its growing contribution to improving accommodation and visitor experiences in the region.
In its citation, the Ghana Tourism Authority praised the facility for its serene ambience, comfortable rooms, relaxing bar and strategic location just off the Bolgatanga Navrongo trunk road. The Authority noted that the guest house is already helping to promote healthy competition, service excellence and greater choice for tourists and travelers visiting the Upper East Region.
Located at Yikene, in the Bolgatanga Municipality, Gibako Guest House and Bar has positioned itself as more than just a place to stay. The facility combines hospitality with local culture, entertainment and community engagement, offering guests an authentic experience of Northern Ghana.
The recognition comes as the Upper East Region increasingly promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, with investments in hospitality, culture and heritage playing an important role in attracting domestic and international visitors.
Industry stakeholders say the emergence of enterprises like Gibako demonstrates the region’s growing potential as a tourism destination, creating opportunities for local businesses, artisans, musicians, caterers, transport operators and other service providers linked to the tourism value chain.
Management of Gibako Guest House is of the view that the award, being an achievement, will also encourage them to keep investing in quality hospitality and innovative tourism experiences.
Management commended the Ghana Tourism Authority for a thorough assessment and technical advice which resulted in Gibako Guest House qualifying for the best Tourism Newcomer of the year 2026.
The Tourism Newcomer of the Year award places Gibako among the region’s promising hospitality brands and reinforces the Ghana Tourism Authority’s commitment to recognizing businesses that contribute to the development of tourism in the Upper East Region.
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