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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.
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
