As Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Madam Memunatu Pratt has been considered, by many, as one of best performing Ministers, an award which she won at the 2018 Annual Diaspora Focus Award. She has and continues to spearhead several initiatives which have contributed to solving the perennial challenges of the tourism sector such as the high cost of travelling to Sierra Leone and the difficulty in accessing the destination. She also pioneered the establishment of the Entertainment Foundation to unite, consolidate the gains of the industry and ultimately maximizes its benefits.
Dr. Pratt since the inception of her appointment as Minister of Tourism, she has been able to provide the correct leadership and strategic Tourism Governance by applying best practices for tourism sector.
If one could be sincere to measure the tangible performances of the Minister, it is of no doubt that indeed she has made a lot of correct and positive strides to keep the sector alert and proactive; among others she has been able to:
- The introduction of Adopt The Booth Theory, to keep the beaches clean, safe.
- The Establishment of the entertainment foundation.
- The massive ministerial supports extended to entertainers.
- The tourism diagnosis trip to Bonthe/ Shebro Islands.
- The introduction of Bonthe Agro- Cultural and Tourism Festival and KabalaFest
- The rebranding and positioning of Sierra Leone in the tourist generating regions.
- Strong advocacy on Visa Free and Visa on Landing
- Strong and timely advocacy on reduction on Air tickets.
- Negotiation of Tourism studies program at Universities in Sierra Leone.
Hon. Pratt pioneered the establishment of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, where she served as a Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department for close to 24 years. She was also a Visiting Professor to Hiroshima University and Hiroshima Peace builder’s Centre in Japan for over 7 years. She also served as a Visiting Professor and resource person to several universities in Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States. She has over 15 years’ experience in Peace, Conflict Gender, Security and International Studies. She has a number of publications to her name and she is a recipient of the National Prestigious Insignia Award as Grand Officer of the Order of the Rokel (GOOR) from the Republic of Sierra Leone.
Mr. Emmanuel Treku, Chief Executive Officer and Convener, Inter Tourism Expo Accra in His congratulatory remarks said;
“ I have known Madam Memunatu Pratt since 2017 and have followed her leadership style closely in her display of social discipline of grass root approach to sustainable tourism development with respect to all far and near to achieve her goals. During her few months in office (2018), the tourism industry experienced the highest growth rate in leisure visitors since the aftermath of the war. Today, her unique leadership style and competency has rendered Sierra Leone to be quoted by the most popular online publisher, ETurbo News as the must-visit emerging tourist destination.
On behalf of the Chairman, Inter Tourism Expo Accra management team and I send you our congratulations and warmest good wishes as you assume the office of UNWTO Global Chairperson of Women in Tourism. The relationship between Ghana and Sierra Leone lingers on for us to develop multi destination tourism businesses for women in a sustainable environment for the sub region and beyond. Nearer home, we have a common stake in the well-being and development of the peoples of Africa. The Africa Continental Trade Area has given the bi -lateral relationship a new dimension and we have every reason for ensuring that it proves beneficial to Africa.
We have both come to accept the necessity for the closest possible consultation and co-operation between us, particularly at the political level, but in many other contexts as well. I am sure that we shall find many occasions for acting together. I personally look forward to working as closely with you.
We are confident that as you take over the helm of leadership, Women in tourism business and cultural sectors are very optimistic to experience a positive transformation to own majority share of global tourism business owners and leadership.
This year’s edition of Inter Tourism Expo (iNTTA), on the theme ‘’THE NEW TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE AIR TRAVEL’’ is slated for the 12th to 16th October 2022 at the World Trade Centre Accra. The expo is annual focused tourism trade show organized in collaboration with the World Trade Centre Accra, School of Creative Arts, University of Education, Winneba under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture
