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IWD 2025: Accelerating Action for Equality, Leadership for Women in Tourism
As we commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 under the theme: ‘Accelerate Action,’ it is an opportune moment to reflect on the strides we have made towards gender equality in Ghana’s tourism sector while recognising the work still ahead.
Women have long been the backbone of our tourism industry, yet for years, many of them operated in the shadows, their contributions undervalued.
Today, that narrative is changing, but we must hasten our efforts to ensure greater representation of women at the decision-making table and in all aspects of economic empowerment.
The tourism landscape in Ghana is remarkably shaped by women. A sizable number of tour operators are women-led, and I am proud to note that the Executive Council of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) comprises more women than ever before.
This is a testament to the strength, resilience and business acumen of Ghanaian women, who continue to drive innovation and growth in the sector.
At the public leadership level, Ghana has made historic progress by swearing in its first female Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku- Agyemang. Her presence at the highest levels of governance signals a shift towards greater inclusion and presents a beacon of hope for women aspiring to occupy leadership positions.
Additionally, the appointment of Ms Dzifa Gomashie as the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, alongside Mrs Maame Efua Houadjeto as the new CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, reinforces the growing influence of women in the sector.
Their leadership will undoubtedly shape policies that create more opportunities for women in tourism.
However, these milestones must not be the end of our journey toward gender equality but rather fuel our determination to accelerate progress. Women form a significant portion of Ghana’s tourism workforce, from tour operators to hospitality managers, artisans, and cultural entrepreneurs.
Yet, when it comes to key decision-making roles, the numbers remain discouraging. Women must not only be participants in the industry but must also have a voice in shaping its policies, investments and strategic direction.
The theme: ‘Accelerate Action’ calls for more than just recognition; it demands tangible steps toward empowering women in every endeavour, including tourism.
Addressing Key Challenges
Access to Capital: One of the most significant barriers facing women in tourism is limited access to capital. Many women-led businesses struggle to secure funding due to systemic biases in financial institutions.
We must push for gender-inclusive financial policies, create dedicated funding schemes for women entrepreneurs and ensure that women in tourism have the necessary resources to expand their businesses.
Closing the Pay Gap: Despite the increasing presence of women in the tourism workforce, wage disparities remain a pressing issue.
Women often earn significantly less than their male counterparts, even in leadership roles.
Addressing this imbalance requires comprehensive wage transparency policies, equitable salary structures and ongoing monitoring to ensure fair compensation for all.
Training and Capacity Building: Providing women with access to skills training, mentorship, and leadership development programmes is crucial in empowering them to take on decision-making roles.
Investment in educational initiatives tailored to women in tourism will equip them with the tools needed to succeed in a competitive industry.
Representation in Decision-Making: Having more women in leadership positions is essential for shaping policies that are inclusive and beneficial for all.
We must advocate for gender-balanced representation in industry associations, government bodies and corporate boards.
Women’s voices must be heard at every level where tourism policies and strategies are determined.
Workplace Equity and Safety: Ensuring safe and equitable workplaces for women in tourism is non-negotiable.
This includes implementing workplace policies that prevent harassment, creating family-friendly work environments and offering flexible work arrangements that support work-life balance.
A Call to Action
On this International Women’s Day, I urge all stakeholders—government, private sector players and industry leaders—to commit to actionable change.
Let us work together to create an inclusive tourism industry where women are not just contributors but decision-makers. The time for passive advocacy is over; the time to accelerate action is now.
We need clear policies, measurable goals and firm commitments to break down barriers and build a tourism sector where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.
Together, we can accelerate action for gender equality and ensure that Ghana’s tourism industry becomes a model of inclusivity and empowerment. Happy International Women’s Day to us all!
The writer is the President of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA).
By Mrs Alisa Osei-Asamoah
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Prioritise affordable treatment of sickle cell treatment —Health Expert
Health experts have urged Ghana to prioritise affordable and accessible treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) as advanced, but costly curative therapies remain out of reach.
SCD, an inherited blood disorder, affects about three in every 100 newborns in Ghana.
Globally, around 1,000 babies are born with the condition daily, with three-quarters in sub-Saharan Africa.
The disease causes severe complications including chronic pain, anaemia, infections, strokes and organ damage, often leading to shortened life expectancy.
In recent years, gene therapy has been developed as a potential cure.
However, its cost—running into millions of dollars per patient—makes it financially and technically inaccessible in Ghana.
According to Dr Lawrence Osei-Tutu, a Sickle Cell and Childhood Cancer Expert at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, “the country must instead focus on practical, lower-cost interventions such as hydroxyurea”, a decades-old cancer drug proven to reduce painful episodes, hospitalisation and life- threatening complications in SCD patients”.
Taken orally, the medicine improves red blood cell function and is considered safe and effective.
“Hydroxyurea therapy is as good as the cure and a low-hanging fruit to pluck, we must bring a cure to our sickle cell warriors, but do so sustainably.” he urged.
In a chat with The Spectator here, he said to create awareness on the disease, the expert noted that despite its benefits, “hydroxyurea is not widely accessible in Ghana.”
Stressing that, “many patients either cannot afford it or struggle with irregular supply through the health system.”
Moreover, he argued that scaling up access would provide immediate relief while the country builds the infrastructure, trains specialists and secures funding needed to support curative therapies in the future.
With an estimated 15,000 babies born with sickle cell disease annually in Ghana, Dr Osei Tutu cautioned that “failure to improve access to effective treatment will leave many patients vulnerable to preventable complications and early death.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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Let’s reintroduce Cultural Studies to complement educational reforms — Tourism Minister
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has emphasised the importance of reintroducing Cultural Studies in schools as part of Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda.
She said Cultural Studies would complement existing efforts to reposition Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote digital literacy and expand Creative Arts education.
Speaking at the 2025 Homowo Festival of the people of Ningo-Prampram, held on the theme: “Education: The Best Legacy for our Children,” Madam Gomashie said cultural education was critical to national identity and development.
She noted that the festival’s theme aligned with the Government’s vision to transform education in Ghana and encouraged the youth to embrace it not only as a means of personal development but also as a way of preserving traditional values.
These values, including patience, wisdom, and hard work, were at the core of the Homowo celebration, the Minister said.
“Cultural festivals like Homowo are vital instruments for strengthening cultural identity, preserving historical memory, and fostering national unity. Additionally, festivals serve as platforms for educating the youth through storytelling, music, dance, and other traditional practices, while also providing opportunities for community engagement.”
Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing to over GH¢4.8 billion to the economy.
“Festivals give tourists reasons to visit our country. Therefore, with the right infrastructure and the development of all the domains, the sector can do more than what has been recorded,” she added.
Mr Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, commended the community for their vibrant participation in the festival. He announced plans for the construction of a new nursing training school in Ningo, aimed at expanding access to healthcare education in the area.
Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Paramount Chief of Great Ningo Traditional Area; King Dr Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area; Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area; Naana Dugbakuwor Dugba II, Paramount Queen Mother of Great Ningo; and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Special Envoy on Religion and Inter-Faith Affairs, who represented the Chief of Staff, were among dignitaries at the festival. -GNA
