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Prof. Kobby Mensah’s leadership and sustainable tourism in Ghana – Noel Nutsugah writes
Renowned academic and political marketing expert Professor Kobby Mensah has been appointed by the President of the Republic of Ghana as the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC).
His leadership comes at an important moment when the tourism sector seeks innovative strategies to boost growth while preserving the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
One of the key philosophies that will shape his tenure is sustainable tourism—a vision that aligns with global best practices and Ghana’s long-term tourism objectives.
What is Sustainable Tourism?
Sustainable tourism refers to a responsible approach to travel and tourism that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It balances economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being by minimising negative environmental impacts, such as pollution, deforestation, and over-tourism. It also helps preserve cultural heritage by ensuring that local traditions, customs, and historical sites are safeguarded. This will lead to economic inclusivity so that local communities benefit from tourism investments and employment opportunities.
What Prof. Kobby Mensah Brings to the Table
With his deep expertise in strategic tourism marketing, branding, and media relations, Prof. Mensah is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Ghana’s tourism sector. His leadership at GTDC will likely focus on branding Ghana as a Sustainable Tourism Destination and repositioning it as a leading eco-tourism and cultural tourism hub in Africa. He is also expected to develop strategic marketing campaigns that promote responsible tourism.
Another critical area he will likely focus on is community-centred tourism development, which ensures that local communities are actively involved in tourism projects by encouraging local entrepreneurship in the tourism value chain, like hotels, restaurants, tour guides, and artisanal businesses.
The venerable Professor is also expected to encourage eco-friendly infrastructure and investment by advocating for environmentally sustainable hotel and resort developments and supporting green initiatives such as waste management, clean energy, and conservation projects within tourism sites.
In the coming months, I look forward to several collaborations with government agencies, tourism operators, and international bodies to implement sustainable tourism policies to drive partnerships with investors who align with sustainability principles.
A New Era for Ghana’s Tourism Sector?
I am hopeful that under Prof. Kobby Mensah’s leadership, the GTDC is poised to advance Ghana’s tourism industry through responsible, community-driven, and eco-conscious strategies. His vision for sustainable tourism will not only attract visitors but also ensure that Ghana’s natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural legacy are preserved for future generations.
His appointment signals a progressive shift towards a tourism sector that prioritises both economic growth and environmental responsibility.
As Ghana continues to expand its tourism footprint, Prof. Mensah’s leadership could be a game-changer in positioning the country as a sustainable tourism model for Africa and beyond.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opened applications for members interested in contesting as its parliamentary candidates in the 2028 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the party said interested members must declare their intention to contest between Sunday, November 1, and Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
According to the statement signed by the party’s Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, prospective candidates must complete an online form within the specified period.
The party said a non-refundable application fee of GH¢5,000 would be charged to each prospective candidate.
It added that all applicants would undergo vetting and screening to determine their eligibility to contest on the party’s ticket.
The NPP announced plans to organise capacity-building workshops for prospective candidates in December 2026. The workshops will be held across the Northern, Middle and Southern zones, with details of the venues to be announced later.
The party stressed that the guidelines would apply to all prospective candidates, including sitting NPP Members of Parliament who wish to contest again.
It further warned aspirants against starting campaign activities following the opening of the application process.
According to the statement, the existing directive prohibiting campaign activities remains in force until the party gives official clearance.
It cautioned that anyone who violates the directive would face appropriate sanctions under the party’s constitution and regulations.
The NPP said the process was designed to promote fairness, transparency and equal opportunities for all aspirants as it prepares to select candidates for all 276 constituencies ahead of the 2028 elections.
It urged prospective candidates to follow the guidelines and conduct themselves with discipline and respect for one another throughout the process.
The party said its broader objective was to strengthen unity within its ranks and rebuild public confidence ahead of the 2028 general elections.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
eputy Foreign Minister accompanies Veep to Shanghai to champion Global South reform, industrial drive
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, accompanied Vice-President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang on a successful working visit to Shanghai, China, from 15th to 19th October 2026, at the invitation of the East China Normal University (ECNU).
The highlight of the visit was the 2026 Global South Academic Forum held on 17th October, which brought together over 200 scholars, policymakers, political party leaders and media professionals from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, under the theme “Global South Political Parties: Governance and Modernisation.”
In her keynote address, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang asserted that political independence is only truly the beginning, stating that “winning political power and governing effectively are related but not the same responsibility.” She called for stronger South-South cooperation, multilateralism and reform of the global financial architecture to end debt traps, ensure fair risk assessments and promote climate policies that respect different national circumstances.
On 18th October, she addressed a business forum with Chinese investors, linking Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy policy to industrialization. Warning that training youth without factories creates unemployment, she appealed for factories to be established in Ghana to serve the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market, with priority on value addition in cocoa processing, shea butter, cashew, coconut and timber.
On October 19, Ghana’s Ambassador to China, Kojo Bonsu, hosted a dinner at the Shangri-La for the Vice-President, attended by members of the Ghanaian community and business leaders, who praised the thorough preparation by the Ghana Embassy staff for the visit.
Throughout the trip, Mr. Quayson coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to align the engagements with Ghana’s jobs and transformation agenda.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
