Tourism Minister calls for cultural identity and excellence in Ghana’s hospitality sector

The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has urged the private sector to integrate culture and high service standards into every aspect of the hospitality industry.

She emphasised that Ghana’s identity should be reflected in every hotel room, tour vehicle, and restaurant. Adding, “Every guest we serve becomes an ambassador for Ghana, and every interaction shapes how the world sees us.”

She said this at the official launch of the Eagles Hospitality School on Monday in Accra.

The minister described the launch as the start of a broader push for superior service in Ghana, adding that hospitality training should focus not just on jobs but on excellence.

Reflecting on her upbringing in Burma Camp, she highlighted the importance of discipline, respect, and cultural pride in hospitality.

She noted the decline in traditional courtesies like saying ‘Yes, please’ or standing to greet guests.

“Tourism’s value isn’t just in our attractions. It’s in the warmth of a receptionist, the knowledge of a tour guide, and the experiences that stay with visitors long after they leave,” she stated.

Madam Gomashie stressed the need to improve service quality and strengthen cultural representation in tourism with events like PANAFEST, Emancipation Day, and the Black Star Experience approach.

“This school should inspire a wider movement, one that celebrates our culture, trains our workforce, and raises Ghana’s profile in global tourism,” she added.

On his part, the Founder and Group CEO of Eagles Hospitality School, Mr Stephen Asante, stated the institution was established to improve service standards in Ghana’s hospitality industry.

“Top-tier service shouldn’t be a luxury or something we bring in from outside. Our approach turns hotels into classrooms, giving students hands-on experience from the very beginning,” he said.

Representatives from Labadi Beach Hotel, ASA Bank, and the Ghana Tourism Authority supported the initiative, acknowledging the demand for practical training and professionalism in hospitality.