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Tourism Ministry engages affected stakeholders after Accra Tourist Centre fire
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has met with stakeholders affected by the recent fire outbreak at the Accra Tourist Information Centre (ATIC) to discuss recovery efforts and long-term support.
The fire, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, August 4, 2025, destroyed parts of the ATIC facility, including “Rockz Waakye,” a popular food joint run by veteran musician Reggie Rockstone.
Although no injuries were recorded, several vendors lost their operating spaces.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie expressed sympathy and assured victims of the government’s support.
She noted that the Ministry was working closely with its directors to secure a temporary workspace for affected operators.
She described the incident as a major setback for the creative and tourism sectors, but assured the stakeholders that government remains committed to their recovery.
The Minister acknowledged infrastructural limitations facing the Ministry and some of its agencies, including space constraints.
She called for unity and dialogue as the sector works towards more sustainable and resilient solutions.
At the meeting, sector players shared their concerns, with many calling for a unified facility to boost collaboration and improve working conditions.
The stakeholders proposed the establishment of a one-stop facility to accommodate all players in the sector.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana National Gas Company has denied allegations of wrongdoing in its recent procurement and insurance contract renewals.
In a press statement issued in Accra on April 13, 2026, the company explained that concerns raised in some media reports were linked to a change in its lead insurer.
It noted that the change followed the expiration of previous insurance contracts at the end of the year.
The company stressed that the new insurance arrangements are lawful and form part of efforts to improve its risk management system to protect its assets.
It further indicated that all contracts awarded so far have gone through the required approval processes by the Public Procurement Authority after receiving financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance.
The statement, signed by the Head of Corporate Affairs, Richard Ernest Kirk-Mensah, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
It added that management remains focused on delivering gas efficiently to meet the country’s energy needs while continuing to strengthen internal systems to ensure good corporate governance and compliance.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has clarified that it now supports the implementation of the Publican Artificial Intelligence system at the country’s ports, following earlier concerns raised in 2025.
In a press statement issued on April 9, the Association explained that claims suggesting it still opposes the system are misleading and based on outdated information from a December 18, 2025 media publication.
It noted that its earlier concerns were legitimate, pointing to a lack of stakeholder consultation, as well as issues related to data security, transparency, and system integration.
At the time, it called for broader engagement to ensure the system would be credible and beneficial to all stakeholders.
According to the statement, the Government of Ghana, through the Finance Ministry and the Ghana Revenue Authority, has since engaged industry players, including the Association, to address those concerns.
The Association described the engagements as constructive, indicating that they helped resolve key issues and showed government’s commitment to improving the system’s implementation.
As a result, it affirmed its support for the Publican AI system, which has already been rolled out at the ports.
The Association acknowledged that the system is facing some operational challenges but noted that such difficulties are common with major technological reforms.
It added that authorities are taking steps to resolve the issues.
It highlighted the potential benefits of the system, including improved revenue mobilisation, increased transparency, reduced revenue leakages, and a decline in unethical practices at the ports.
The statement cautioned the public against attempts by some individuals and groups to misrepresent its position, stressing that such actions undermine national progress.
It further emphasised that it will not allow itself to be used for propaganda or agendas that do not serve the interests of importers, exporters, and the wider economy.
The Executive Secretary of the Association, Samson Asaki Awingobit, signed the statement, reaffirming the group’s commitment to supporting reforms that improve efficiency at the ports and promote a fair trading environment.
By: Jacob Aggrey
