Gilbert Abeiku ’Santana’ Aggrey

Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, popularly known as Abeiku Santana, is a distinguished Media Personality, Marketing Strategist, and Tourism Trade expert with over 27 years of leadership experience across the Media, Marketing, Advertising, Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality sectors in West Africa. 

Currently holding the position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Marketing and Special Duties) at the Ghana Tourism Authority, having been appointed by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana.

His dynamic and visionary approach has been instrumental in elevating Ghana’s tourism profile both regionally and internationally.

As a dedicated advocate for Ghana’s tourism, Abeiku Santana was honored in 2016 by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture as Ghana’s Tourism Ambassador. He seamlessly bridges the worlds of travel, tourism, media, and marketing, positioning himself as a trusted voice and influential leader within these industries.

A serial entrepreneur, Abeiku Santana is the Managing Director of Kaya Tours Limited, Bays Lodge & Apartments, and ABS Homes, where his passion for excellence and innovation continues to shape the tourism and hospitality landscape. His leadership extends to key national associations, including the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG), the Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG), and the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA).

He holds a Master’s Degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management from the University of Cape Coast and a Master’s Degree in Marketing Strategy from the University of Ghana Business School, among other qualifications in Project Management, Public Administration, ParaLegal Studies, and Public Relations.

Prior to his presidential appointment, he held the position of Deputy Executive Director at the Association of Tourist Sites and Attractions Ghana (ATAS-GH) and the Executive Secretary of the Boameman Ghana Foundation.

His career is marked by numerous national and international achievements, such as participating in global tourism trade shows (WTM London, ITB Berlin, INDABA South Africa) and leading groundbreaking tourism initiatives. He has also played pivotal roles in high-level corporate events for brands like Mastercard, Airbnb, MTN, and Kasapreko PLC.

Among his many accolades are recognitions such as Africa Travel 100 Global Leaders 2024, CEO of the Year (Tourism) at the 2023 Ghana CEO Awards, and multiple honors from the National Tourism Awards and EMY Africa Awards.

Abeiku Santana’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and service has made him one of Ghana’s most influential personalities in tourism and media, a role model for young entrepreneurs, and a national asset in promoting the cultural and economic wealth of Ghana.