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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
President John Dramani Mahama has visited the Akosombo Dam to assess the impact of a fire incident at a substation operated by the Ghana Grid Company.
The fire is reported to have caused the loss of more than 1,000 megawatts from the national power grid, affecting electricity supply in parts of the country.
During the visit, he inspected ongoing restoration works and received briefings from engineers on efforts to restore power. He commended them for what he described as a swift and professional response to the situation.
According to him, the government remains committed to restoring stable electricity supply as quickly as possible.
He added that steps are also being taken to strengthen the resilience of Ghana’s energy infrastructure to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Ghana Grid Company has not yet provided a detailed timeline for full restoration, but work is ongoing to bring affected systems back on stream.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana’s Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, says he and his deputy have publicly filed their annual tax returns to demonstrate leadership and encourage compliance among citizens.
In a facebook post, he explained that the move was meant to show that public officials must lead by example when it comes to fulfilling civic duties.
“Leadership must be demonstrated, not declared,” he said.
He commended Ghanaian taxpayers for their continued contribution to national development, noting that tax compliance plays a key role in sustaining government activities.
According to him, paying taxes is both a legal and moral responsibility. He stressed that all citizens, including public officials, professionals, and businesses, are equal before the law and must meet their tax obligations.
He added that tax revenue is essential for funding key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security.
The minister praised the Ghana Revenue Authority for its work, especially during the ongoing Tax and Good Governance Month in April. He said the initiative helps to educate the public and promote voluntary compliance.
He urged the authority to intensify public education and continue reforms aimed at simplifying tax processes, reducing compliance costs, and improving transparency.
He further encouraged individuals and businesses that are yet to file their returns to do so promptly, adding that support systems and digital platforms are available to assist them.
He said building a strong tax culture would strengthen the country’s economy, improve accountability, and promote fairness in society.
By: Jacob Aggrey
