Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), at the Senior Staff Association conference held recently in Tamale, has called for embracing the digital drive to ensure the tourism destination single window project succeeds for economic growth. Staff at the conference were therefore advised to assist with the drive, avoid political squabbling and cooperate to advance the sector.
Chief Executive Officer- GTA, Akwasi Agyeman made these remarks and stated: “Our rich heritage, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty have been the cornerstones of Ghana’s tourism for half a century. We have welcomed the world to our shores, showcasing our warmth, hospitality and unique experiences that the country offers – hence the need to protect it.
“Our commitment to responsibility and inclusion in tourism must play a pivotal role in redefining the industry, because its growth and failure depend on the attitude of staff in working with industry players; and there’s failure in implementing policies.”
The conference, dubbed ‘Thinking Tourism After 50 Years: The Role of Senior Staff’, was used to educate staff on the need to focus on their roles in building resilient organisations, and also to elect new executives.
Mr. Agyeman noted that in the past few years, the ‘Year of Return’ coordinated by the GTA has placed Ghana firmly on the global map of tourism, which has attracted indigenes in the diaspora to leave their homes. “After 50 years, we are not only reflecting on the Authority’s journey but also charting the path forward for Ghana,” he said.
He implored the senior staff to support management and the board to execute their duties, saying: “Together we are not only celebrating our past achievements but also embarking on a journey to make the next 50 years; and so, let us envision a Ghana where tourism is a force for positive change, a source of national pride and a key driver of sustainable development”.
Director of Human Resources-Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, V. Otto Langmagne represented the sector minister Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, and commended the staff of GTA for their contributions toward promotion of domestic tourism, job creation and revenue generation in the country.
He urged them to take advantage of the digital realm to transform and promote the sector to attract more tourists and investors to the country. “We, as a government, are also committed to developing infrastructure to promote the growth of the sector,” he added.
Board Chair of the GTA, Seth Adjei-Baah, said the industry can only thrive with a good attitude and commitment from staff toward industry players. The economy’s current state is not about governance but the inability of staff to encourage more private sector ventures into the hospitality sector to grow the economy, he said.
