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GHATOF HR & OD Committee Meets to Chart Strategic Direction for Tourism Workforce Development
The newly constituted Human Resource & Organisational Development (HR & OD) Committee of the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) has held its inaugural meeting, marking an important step towards strengthening human capital, institutional efficiency and staff welfare across Ghana’s tourism and hospitality sector.
The meeting, held yesterday at Coconut Grove Regency Hotel, focused on clarifying the Committee’s mandate, discussing its Terms of Reference, and outlining a strategic workplan to guide its activities for the year.
The Committee is tasked with providing strategic guidance, advisory support and practical interventions aimed at enhancing organisational effectiveness and workforce professionalism within the tourism industry.
Presiding over the meeting was the Chairperson of the Committee and immediate past President of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA), Mrs. Alisa Osei-Asamoah, who emphasised the central role of human resource development in building a competitive and resilient tourism sector.
“Tourism is ultimately driven by people, and without a deliberate investment in human capital, organisational systems and staff welfare, the industry cannot realise its full potential,” Mrs. Osei-Asamoah stated.
“This Committee has been established to provide practical, industry-focused solutions that will raise standards, improve professionalism and ensure sustainability across the tourism value chain,” she added.
She further noted that the Committee’s work would be anchored in collaboration with GHATOF’s principal members and stakeholders, ensuring that its recommendations are responsive to the realities of the sector.
“Our goal is to support member associations with clear HR frameworks, relevant training programmes and organisational development strategies that will translate into improved service delivery and global competitiveness,” she said.
Mandate and Key Functions
Under its Terms of Reference, the HR & OD Committee is expected to perform several critical functions, including an advisory role on human resource policies for GHATOF’s principal members.
This includes guidance on workforce planning, performance management systems, and the training and certification of personnel across Ghana’s tourism and hospitality value chain.
The Committee will also provide organisational development support, advising on institutional reforms, organisational structures and capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening the tourism industry.
In addition, it will design and recommend training and capacity-building programmes to enhance professionalism among member associations and industry stakeholders.
Other responsibilities include contributing expert input to HR and organisational policies that align with GHATOF’s mission and values, as well as promoting staff welfare and development, with a focus on wellbeing, motivation and retention.
Federation-Wide Initiatives
The meeting was attended by the President of GHATOF, Mr. Seth Yeboah-Ocran, who briefed the Committee on key initiatives currently being pursued by the Federation.
He highlighted, in particular, the planned roll-out of a comprehensive certification programme for GHATOF members, describing it as a major step towards standardisation and quality assurance within the industry.
The Committee also discussed a proposed annual workplan that will guide its engagements, stakeholder consultations and training and skills development recommendations in the coming months.
Committee Membership
Members of the HR & OD Committee present at the meeting included:
Mrs. Alisa Osei-Asamoah, CEO, Riali Consult, Former President,TOUGHA
Rev. Emmanuel Geadda-Asando, President, Ghana Progressive Hotels
Mr. Akwasi Marfo,Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Rent a Car,Former Vice President, Car Rental Association
Mr. Prosper Kumi, President, Ghana Barbecue Association
Ms. Hannah Celestina Asiedu, Director of Human Resource and Operations, TOSOGHA.
The establishment and early activation of the HR & OD Committee underscores GHATOF’s commitment to building a skilled, motivated and well-structured tourism workforce capable of supporting Ghana’s ambition to position itself as a leading tourism destination in Africa.
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Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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