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Tourism minister urges innovation as Ghana Hotels Association marks 50th anniversary
The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ablah Dzifa Gomashie, has called on hoteliers to embrace innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation to strengthen Ghana’s hospitality sector.
She made the call in a Facebook post after joining members of the Ghana Hotels Association (GHA) on Friday to mark the Association’s 50th anniversary at the Ridge Royal Hotel in Cape Coast.
The event was held under the theme “50 Years of Advocacy, Perseverance, and Impacting Ghana’s Tourism and Hospitality Industry.”
Dzifa Gomashie commended the Association for its significant contribution to Ghana’s tourism growth over the past five decades, describing its journey as a story of “vision, resilience, partnership, and values.”
She noted that the GHA has served as a vital bridge between government, regulators, and industry players, helping to shape policies, improve service standards, and sustain operations through economic and global challenges.
“The hospitality industry remains the backbone of Ghana’s tourism ecosystem, providing not just rooms but experiences that form the first and last impressions of visitors to the country,” she stated.
The minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to partnering with the private sector to build a resilient and competitive hospitality industry.
She urged hoteliers to support the national campaign against indiscriminate littering and illegal mining, known as galamsey.
The minister outlined several initiatives being undertaken by the ministry and its agencies, including a review of the National Tourism Policy, hospitality training and certification programmes, investment incentive reviews through the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), and destination infrastructure improvement projects.
She further encouraged industry players to adopt eco-friendly practices, renewable energy solutions, and inclusive growth strategies that empower women, youth, and local communities.
Dzifa Gomashie called for stronger collaboration between hotels and other players within the tourism, culture, and creative arts sectors to enhance Ghana’s appeal as a preferred destination.
The celebration brought together hotel owners, government officials, and tourism stakeholders to reflect on the achievements of the past 50 years and explore ways to sustain the growth of Ghana’s hospitality industry.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has appealed to regional Queenmothers Association to support efforts to achieve 30 per cent women’s representation in leadership by the close of 2026, noting that women remain significantly underrepresented in elected positions.
The ministry said queenmothers had a critical role to play in identifying, mentoring and grooming the next generation of women leaders.
Speaking at an engagement with regional paramount queenmothers, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection and Member of Parliament (MP) of the Krowor Constituency, in the Greater Accra Region, said the ministry required active collaboration from queenmothers to encourage more women to contest elections.
Dr Lartey noted that negative stereotyping and the persistent association of female politicians with promiscuity continued to discourage many competent women from seeking leadership roles.
“The attacks, insults and shaming push many capable women out of the race before they even start,” she mentioned.
She urged queenmothers to provide direct support to young women in their communities who aspire leadership positions.
According to her, such support should include mentoring, coaching and guiding women through the processes of declaring interest, campaigning and navigating political party structures.
Dr Lartey encouraged women to remain persistent in pursuing leadership opportunities despite setbacks.
“Leadership is not always won on the first try. They should not give up if they do not succeed at first,” She added.
Responding on behalf of the association, Nana Otubea II, President of the All Regional QueenMothers Association and Paramount Queenmother of the Nkonya Traditional Council, described the call as laudable and pledged the association’s support towards achieving the 30 per cent target.
She commended Dr Lartey and the ministry for their efforts in advancing the welfare and empowerment of women.
Nana Otubea II also praised Parliament for passing the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, describing it as a landmark legislation that would deepen Ghana’s democratic governance architecture.
She said the law would help improve female representation in leadership by mandating progressive targets and promoting gender parity in public life and decision-making.
Nana Otubea II urged that the full implementation of the Affirmative Action Act should include the integration of queenmothers into the National House of Chiefs, describing their exclusion as inconsistent with the principles of equity and inclusion.
She further stated that queenmothers play central roles in dispute resolution, chief nomination, community development and women’s mobilisation, yet are sidelined when national chieftaincy policies are formulated.
She called for legal and administrative reforms to permit the election of paramount queenmothers to the National House of Chiefs, suggesting that at least one queenmother from each region be represented. – GNA
