News
GTDC engages media on key achievements; updates public on performance
The Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC) has held a press conference in Accra to brief the media on its achievements for the year and update the public on ongoing projects.
The engagement brought together journalists, management and stakeholders to discuss progress made within the tourism sector.
The event formed part of the company’s commitment to maintaining transparency and strengthening collaboration with the media as key partners in promoting tourism.
Addressing the media, the Chief Executive Officer Prof Kobby Mensah explained that Ghana is home to rare amphibious wildlife species found in only a few countries.
He noted that these animals mostly appear at night which presents an opportunity for tourism investment through observatory facilities and eco adventure projects.
The CEO mentioned that GTDC is working to attract both local and foreign investors to support wildlife based tourism and to boost the country’s visibility as a preferred destination.
He indicated that the company has introduced the Invest in Tourism platform with more than 12 tourism profiles already uploaded for investors to explore.
Prof Mensah highlighted that the Ghana Tourism Marketplace platform was developed to improve the digital image of Ghana.
He explained that many online reports focus on conflict, flooding and corruption which affects how the world views the country.
He noted that GTM is helping to promote culture events and attractions through curated content for global audiences.
He revealed that the platform currently has over 240 users and more than 50 vendors.
He add that It has also generated over 20 thousand cedis in a month which he described as a promising start for long term revenue growth.
He stated that 57 tickets for Accra by Night tours have been purchased from cities including Lisbon Paris and Bronx through the platform.
Prof Mensah added that artificial intelligence features are being built locally to support marketing and data management.
He mentioned that young people will be trained in tourism product development and customer service through a partnership with the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme.
According to him, the trained groups will later list their businesses on the tourism marketplace.
He further announced that the platform will soon help the ministry and the presidency access real time tourism revenue figures.
He expressed confidence in the GTDC team and commended young creatives who are supporting the project despite limited resources.
Prof. Kobby Mensah urged the public to take advantage of tourism platforms and participate in activities that support the industry.
He expressed commitment to promoting Ghana as a top African destination while building a digital system that improves communication marketing and business growth within the sector.
The acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Finance and Administration at the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), Naomi Borley Alabi highlighted that the company is committed to improving tourism products across the country to make the sector more attractive.
She mentioned that the team has been working with local communities to help develop tourist sites and boost domestic tourism.
She noted that GTDC has managed several projects successfully this year, including upgrades to selected tourist facilities and the rollout of promotional activities to attract more visitors.
Naomi Alabi stressed that such efforts are helping to strengthen Ghana’s tourism brand both locally and internationally.
She encouraged Ghanaians and private stakeholders to partner actively with GTDC to grow the tourism economy.
She assured the public that the company will continue to introduce new ideas to support job creation and increase revenue in the sector.
Deputy CEO for Operations at the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), Felicity Nelson explained that the press conference was organised to brief journalists on progress made and future plans for the tourism industry.
She shared that it was important for the public to know how far GTDC has come with various projects that were started during the year.
She noted that the company has recorded achievements in product development, partnerships and investment attraction.
According to her, tourism has great economic potential, and GTDC is working hard to tap into it for national development.
Felicity further stated that the company is open to feedback from the media and the public as it continues to work to improve services.
She assured stakeholders that GTDC will maintain transparency and keep the public updated regularly.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has called for urgent and decisive action following recent xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians living in South Africa.
In a statement issued in Accra on April 29, the caucus expressed concern about what it described as a growing pattern of violence against foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, in areas such as KwaZulu-Natal, Durban and Gauteng.
The group noted that Ghanaian-owned businesses have been attacked, while some individuals have been harassed and assaulted. It added that, in certain cases, victims have also been denied access to essential services.
According to the statement, claims that foreign nationals are responsible for crime and economic hardship are unfounded and should be rejected.
The caucus referred to the widely circulated assault of a Ghanaian, Emmanuel Asamoah, as an example of the severity of the situation. It also raised concern about reports that some incidents occurred in the presence of law enforcement officers without effective intervention.
The Minority acknowledged steps taken by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, including his engagement with South African authorities and efforts to provide consular support to affected Ghanaians.
It noted the public condemnation of the attacks by President Cyril Ramaphosa, describing these as necessary but not sufficient.
The caucus called on the South African government to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible and to hold security agencies accountable where they fail to act.
It urged authorities to take practical steps to protect foreign nationals across the country.
On the part of Ghana, the Minority urged the government to adopt a stronger and more structured response.
It called for direct engagement between President John Dramani Mahama and President Ramaphosa to secure firm commitments on the safety of Ghanaians.
The statement further recommended increased consular support for citizens in affected areas and called for the issue to be escalated to the African Union for an urgent inquiry into recurring xenophobic attacks.
It urged the government to work with regional partners within ECOWAS to present a unified response.
The Minority suggested that Ghana should seek assurances from South Africa, including confirmed arrests, clear prosecution processes and a plan to protect foreign nationals.
It added that compensation should be considered for victims who have suffered losses.
The statement, signed by the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, urged Ghanaians in South Africa to remain cautious and maintain contact with the Ghana High Commission.
It stressed that Ghana must act firmly to protect its citizens and uphold the principles of cooperation and solidarity among African countries.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
Climate Change and Sustainability Ministry backs WiSA International Festival to promote women-led climate action
The Office of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability has expressed support for the Women in Sustainability Africa (WiSA) International Festival, aimed at promoting inclusive climate action and sustainable development across the continent.
In a statement, the Office said it recognises WiSA as an important platform that brings together governments, development partners, the private sector and civil society to drive climate solutions and economic transformation.
The Festival is scheduled to take place on May 1, 2026, at the Cedi Conference Centre from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This year’s event under the theme: Empowering Women For The Economic Sustainability of Africa, will feature, Liu Yaw Nana, Acting Secretary of Ghana-Chinese Business Chamber of Commerce, Issifu Seidu, Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Dr.Agness Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender Children and Social Protection, Bishop E.O Ansah, General Overseer, Eternal Life Church, President, Women’s Development Association, Turkey, Nilgün Zaimoğlu and Chief of Government Relations and Africa UN Global Compact.
Additionally, it will host, Dr.Charity Binka, Chairperson, Chairperson, African Women Leaders Network , Pearl Opoku, Trader and GUTA National Organiser, Lydia Abbey, Makola Market Queen, actress Juliet Ibrahim, CEO of FZ Global Legacy, Francesca Zoppi, The Revival Founder, Yayra Agbofah and many others.
According to the statement, WiSA’s vision, led by Nana Yaa Serwaa Sarpong, aligns with national and continental goals on climate resilience, green growth and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Office noted that WiSA’s focus on empowering women as key drivers of sustainability and economic productivity is a practical approach to addressing climate challenges and development gaps.
It highlighted WiSA’s track record of engaging global institutions and organising multi-stakeholder events as evidence of its ability to mobilise partnerships and deliver results.
The Ministry said the 2026 Festival presents an opportunity to promote climate-smart investments, green innovation and scalable solutions in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and the circular economy.
It added that the event will also support public-private partnerships and strengthen Africa-led solutions in global sustainability discussions.
As part of its commitment, the Office said it will support policy coordination, facilitate engagement with relevant government agencies, and promote an enabling environment for climate finance and green investments.
It also pledged to contribute to knowledge sharing, technical support and stakeholder mobilisation.
The statement emphasised that investing in initiatives like WiSA is key to driving inclusive economic growth, building resilience and achieving long-term development goals.
It further stressed that empowering women remains central to delivering sustainable and equitable outcomes.
The Office called on organisations to partner with WiSA to support climate action and sustainable development efforts across Africa.
By: Jacob Aggrey
