Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has officially inaugurated the new Governing Board of the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC) in a ceremony held in Accra on Monday. The event marks a significant step towards revitalising Ghana’s tourism sector, with the minister urging the board to provide strategic leadership and drive sustainable growth.
The inauguration, attended by a diverse group of cultural and private sector representatives, underscores the government’s commitment to diversifying the economy through tourism. In her address, Hon. Gomashie emphasised the need for innovative approaches to position Ghana as a premier destination for cultural and leisure tourism. “We are committed to boosting Ghana’s tourism industry, ensuring it benefits all stakeholders while preserving our rich heritage,” she said.
The newly appointed board, chaired by Ben Ohene-Ayeh, has pledged to prioritise accountability and innovation. Mr Ohene-Ayeh expressed confidence in the board’s ability to reposition Ghana on the global tourism map, stating, “Our focus will be on sustainable practices that enhance both economic returns and cultural preservation.”
The ceremony featured a series of discussions and presentations, with board members engaging on strategies to attract investment and increase tourist expenditure, which stood at approximately $946 million in 2020, according to recent Statista data. This aligns with broader efforts to build on the 22% rise in international visitors recorded in 2024, as reported by the Ghana Tourism Authority.
The move comes amid growing recognition of tourism’s economic potential, with the sector contributing 5.7% to employment in 2022 and supporting over 735,000 jobs in 2021. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Sustainable Tourism highlighted that community-based tourism initiatives could boost local incomes by up to 15% in developing nations, a model the GTDC aims to emulate.
Hon. Gomashie, a veteran actress and producer whose career began in 1985 with the Talents Theatre Company, brings a unique perspective to her role. Her leadership is seen as a bridge between Ghana’s cultural heritage and its economic aspirations, with the ministry hopeful that the new board will address challenges such as ecological impacts and ensure benefits reach local communities.
The inauguration is viewed as a pivotal moment for Ghana’s tourism strategy, with plans to enhance infrastructure and promote eco-tourism, particularly in regions like the Upper East, where sustainable practices are gaining traction.
Further details of the event can be explored via the official ministry post: