Ghana Strengthens Tourism Agenda Through High-Level Stakeholder Consultative Meeting

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has reaffirmed its dedication to positioning Ghana’s tourism, culture, and creative arts sector as a powerhouse for economic growth, job creation, and national development. This pledge was made during a High-Level Stakeholder Consultative Meeting at the Accra City Hotel, which convened senior government officials, agency heads, private sector operators, and key tourism industry players to strategize on accelerating sector growth and enhancing global competitiveness.

Chief of Staff Calls for Collaboration and Innovation

Delivering remarks on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Chief of Staff Dr. Julius Debrah urged stronger partnerships between government and industry stakeholders to fully unlock the tourism sector’s potential. He stressed the importance of innovation and compelling storytelling in marketing Ghana as a top destination, noting that successful tourism economies thrive on narratives that captivate visitors. “If you don’t tell a story very well, no one knows,” Dr. Debrah said, encouraging stakeholders to develop creative, market-driven tourism products and work closely with government institutions to boost Ghana’s international visibility.

Minister Outlines “Domestic-First, Global-Next” Strategy

In her opening address, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, highlighted the Ministry’s “domestic-first, global-next” approach, which aims to build robust domestic tourism and cultural engagement as the foundation for international expansion. She underscored the sector’s role as a major pillar of national development and called for private sector investment in training and skills development to sustain long-term growth.

Key Achievements and Upcoming Milestones

Hon. Gomashie spotlighted several notable accomplishments, including the launch of the Ghana National Cultural Policy, participation in the UNESCO Culture|2030 Indicators Programme, and the creation of Ghana’s first Tourism Satellite Account. She also celebrated the recent UNESCO inscription of Highlife music, dance, and Kente on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Looking ahead, the Minister announced Ghana’s successful bid to host the 70th Session of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa in 2027, coinciding with the nation’s 70th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

Private Sector Engagement and Tax Compliance

Technical Advisor to the Ghana Revenue Authority, Elsie Appau-Klu Esq., addressed the critical role of the private sector in national development. She emphasized the importance of tax compliance while highlighting recent reforms designed to create a more business-friendly environment. Appau-Klu encouraged small and medium enterprises to take advantage of the modified taxation scheme to fuel growth and job creation within the tourism ecosystem.

Stakeholder Dialogue Charts Way Forward

The meeting wrapped up with an interactive stakeholder dialogue session, during which participants exchanged ideas on improving tourism infrastructure, refining marketing strategies, advancing heritage conservation, and fostering deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors. The consultations are expected to translate into actionable strategies that will drive Ghana’s tourism sector to new heights.

Source: PR Unit – Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts (MoTCCA)