Tourism Minister tasks new Ghana Hotels Association Executives to drive industry growth

The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has charged newly sworn-in executives of the Ghana Hotels Association (GHA) to lead a new phase of growth, innovation, and global competitiveness in Ghana’s hospitality sector, as the country continues to record strong post-recovery gains in tourism.

At a swearing-in ceremony held in Accra, Dr Alphonse Kumaza, who read the Minister’s speech, disclosed that international tourist arrivals have now exceeded 1.1 million, generating more than 3.8 billion dollars in receipts, with projections expected to approach 4 billion dollars. He added that hotel occupancy rates have also improved significantly across major cities, including Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Tamale.

The Minister described the election of the new executives as both a vote of confidence and a call to duty, stressing the need for the sector to move beyond increasing visitor numbers to maximising value per guest through improved service delivery, unique tourism experiences, and stronger destination branding.

She urged the leadership to focus on enhanced revenue and pricing strategies, standardisation of service quality, investment in staff training, and greater adoption of digital systems to boost competitiveness. She also reaffirmed government commitment to supporting the sector through initiatives such as the Black Star Experience, alongside improved access to finance and stronger public-private collaboration.

Incoming President of the Ghana Hotels Association, Mr Victor Minta, pledged a results driven and inclusive leadership, outlining five key pillars aimed at repositioning the industry. He emphasised structured advocacy and called for reforms in regulatory frameworks to broaden participation and strengthen industry support.

Mr Minta also announced plans to establish a credit union for industry players, develop a local hotel booking platform to enhance visibility, and introduce a leadership summit to encourage dialogue and innovation within the sector.

He noted that while the hospitality industry remains a major contributor to employment and national revenue, it requires a more enabling environment to fully thrive. He further called for transparency and accountability in the use of tourism levies and development funds.

Representing the Ga Mantse, Nii Kojo Ashifie Papanyira highlighted the cultural and economic importance of the hospitality industry, describing it as a key interface between Ghana and the international community. He encouraged hotels to promote Ghanaian culture through guest experiences.

He also urged greater use of local languages in hospitality spaces, particularly the Ga expression “Obaake”, meaning welcome, to strengthen cultural identity and national pride.

The ceremony also recognised the contributions of outgoing executives, with stakeholders calling for continued cooperation to ensure a smooth transition and sustained progress in the sector. The event brought together key players across the hospitality value chain, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing Ghana’s tourism and hospitality industry.

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