Excerpt
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) is the principal governmental body responsible for the regulation, promotion, and development of tourism in Ghana. Established in 1960 as the Ghana Tourist Board, it was reconstituted as the Ghana Tourism Authority in 2011 under the Tourism Act, 2011 (Act 817). This transformation expanded its mandate to include overseeing the implementation of government policies in the tourism sector.
Mandate and Responsibilities
The GTA operates under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, with a comprehensive mandate that encompasses:
Regulation of Tourism Enterprises:
- This includes the registration, inspection, licensing, and classification of accommodations, catering services, travel and tour operations, and charter flight services.
Promotion and Marketing:
- The Authority is tasked with promoting Ghana’s tourism both domestically and internationally. This involves producing promotional materials and participating in fairs and exhibitions to showcase Ghana’s tourism potential.
Research and Development:
- Conducting research and studies on tourism trends to inform policy decisions and facilitate the development of tourist facilities and products.
Human Resource Development:
- Enhancing the skills and competencies of individuals in the tourism industry to ensure the provision of quality services.
Organizational Structure and Leadership
The GTA is structured to effectively execute its mandate, comprising various departments and units that focus on specific aspects of tourism development and regulation. The leadership hierarchy includes the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who is appointed by the President of Ghana. In January 2025, Maame Efua Sekyi-Aidoo Houadjeto was appointed as the new CEO, succeeding Akwasi Agyeman.
Mode of Appointment and Recruitment
The CEO of the GTA is appointed by the President of Ghana. Other appointments within the Authority are made in accordance with public service recruitment procedures, ensuring that qualified and competent individuals are selected to fulfill the organization’s mandate.
Collaborations and Partnerships
The GTA collaborates with various offices and units under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, as well as other governmental and non-governmental organizations, to promote and develop tourism in Ghana. These collaborations are essential for implementing comprehensive tourism policies and initiatives.
Achievements and Initiatives
Over the years, the GTA has launched several notable initiatives to boost tourism in Ghana:
National Chocolate Day:
- Initiated in 2005, this annual event, celebrated from February 10 to 14, aims to promote the consumption of Ghanaian chocolate and boost domestic tourism.
Year of Return:
- In 2019, the GTA organized the “Year of Return” to commemorate 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in the Americas. This initiative attracted around one million visitors and contributed an estimated $1.9 billion to the economy.
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghana_Tourism_Authority
- https://www.motac.gov.gh/ghana-tourism-authority-gta/
- https://gna.org.gh/2025/01/maame-efua-sekyi-aidoo-houadjeto-appointed-ceo-of-ghana-tourism-authority
- https://gna.org.gh/2025/02/ghana-tourism-authority-welcomes-new-chief-executive-officer/
- https://www.myjoyonline.com/ghanas-tourism-leadership-can-kobby-mensah-and-marilyn-houadjeto-deliver-the-mandate/
- https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Ghana-Tourism-Authority-CEO-resigns-hands-over-to-new-CEO-1968465
- https://www.businessghana.com/site/directory/tourism/916/Ghana-Tourism-Authourity
- https://www.commonwealthofnations.org/organisations/ghana_tourism_authority/