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Prof. Kobby Mensah’s leadership and sustainable tourism in Ghana – Noel Nutsugah writes
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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.
Construction of a major underground stormwater drain along the Dr. Busia Highway within the Kaneshie enclave will commence on September 7, 2026.
The Project Coordinator for the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project, Dr. Kwadwo Ohene Sarfo, announced this at a special media briefing on Wednesday.
According to him, the works will involve the construction of a double-cell underground rectangular drain measuring approximately 10 metres wide and 1.95 kilometres long, stretching from Pamprom Junction to First Light Junction.
The new drain will replace the existing two 1.2-metre diameter pipes, which are inadequate to carry the volume of stormwater in the area.
Dr. Sarfo said the drain will connect at one end to the recently completed section within the Accra Academy campus and at the other end to the existing drain at Pamprom Junction.
He said the construction is expected to run from September 2026 to October 2027.
The project forms part of government’s broader flood prevention and mitigation programme aimed at addressing perennial flooding in Accra.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn from the party’s National Chairmanship race.
In a statement issued yesterday, Chairman Wontumi who is currently serving a 20-year jail term said his decision was driven by his love for the party and his unwillingness to let his personal circumstances distract the NPP from its rebuilding efforts.
“There are moments in the life of a man when the heart wants to continue, but duty demands sacrifice. Moments when one must quietly set aside personal ambition, not because the dream has died, but because the family he loves must not be made to carry his burden. Today, I find myself at such a painful moment,” he wrote.
He disclosed that after many nights of prayer, sober reflection and consultations with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and trusted supporters, he concluded that his present situation must not become an additional burden on the NPP.
“This is not the decision my heart desired, but sometimes, true love requires us to release what we deeply want in order to protect what we love even more,” he added.
Recounting his years of service, Chairman Wontumi said he had served the party with everything within him, walking through heat and rain, travelling to remote communities and standing with the grassroots in both victory and defeat.
“For many years, I have served the NPP with everything within me… The NPP is not merely a political party to me. It is my family. It is my home. It is a cause to which I have dedicated a significant part of my life,” he stated.
He explained that the party, already carrying the pain of electoral defeat and the huge responsibility of preparing for the future, should not be made to carry his personal weight.
“That is why I cannot allow my present situation or personal ambition to distract the party from the difficult work of rebuilding. I cannot ask the party to carry my weight when it is already carrying the pain of defeat and the enormous responsibility of preparing for the battle ahead. I would rather carry this pain quietly than allow the party I love to suffer because of me,” he said.
He further sympathized with his supporters across the 16 regions, acknowledging that the decision would be painful for many who had sacrificed for his campaign.
“To my teeming supporters across all sixteen regions, I know this message will hurt. I know many of you will read it with tears in your eyes because I understand the sacrifices you have made for this journey,” he said.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
