By Elizabeth PUNSU
The Ghana Hoteliers Association (GHA) is fully prepared to accommodate passengers -including tourists and business travellers – who fly into the country via the newly designated Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi.
According to the association, Kumasi and its environs boast over 500 hotels, guesthouses, apartments and Airbnb accommodations, ensuring sufficient lodging for both local and international travellers.
“There are more than 700 hotels registered with the Ghana Tourism Authority, with about 500 located in Kumasi and its surroundings. Some of these hotels meet international standards. Areas such as Danyame, Nhyiaeso, Ahodwo and Gyinyase are home to top-tier hospitality establishments,” Mr. Arkoh-Mensah said.
The milestone flight – Ethiopian Airlines flight ETH8719 – in December 2024 touched down at Prempeh I International Airport, marking the first international arrival since the airport was granted international status. This achievement aligns with the country’s broader goal of enhancing its air transport network beyond the capital, Accra.
In an interview with Business & Financial Times (B&FT), Ashanti Regional Chairman-GHA George K. Arkoh-Mensah emphasised the airport’s significance for the hospitality industry.
“The airport is a strategic infrastructure development that will benefit Asanteman and the hospitality industry by attracting more international travellers, tourists and businesspeople. As hoteliers, we see this as a crucial investment that will boost our sector,” he said.
Although the first chartered international flight landed in December, Mr. Arkoh-Mensah revealed that three to four more chartered flights are expected before full commercial operations commence.
“These test flights will help assess the market before full commercial flights begin. While we cannot yet estimate the exact revenue impact, we know that once regular flights start we will accommodate more visitors and our restaurants and hospitality services will thrive. It is estimated that around one million travellers will pass through the airport annually,” he highlighted.
Mr. Arkoh-Mensah also noted that discussions are ongoing between the Ghana Hotel Association, Ghana Tourism Authority and Ghana Airports Company Limited to maximise economic benefits of the airport’s operations.
“There are plans for three to four more chartered flights by April before the full rollout of international commercial flights. This will significantly improve revenue generation, increase tax contributions and enhance foreign exchange earnings,” he explained.
To prepare for the arrival of international travellers, the GHA has been proactive in upgrading hospitality standards.
“Since last year we have organised forums to train our members, ensuring that hotels meet international standards. Many establishments are undergoing renovations, adding new facilities and expanding their services. Previously we had only a few presidential executive suites, but now most of the larger hotels have them,” Mr. Arkoh-Mensah said.
Despite the delay in full launch of commercial flights, he reaffirmed that the hospitality industry is fully prepared to welcome visitors.
“We are ready – our hotels, restaurants, tourist sites, transportation services and tour guides are all set to offer world-class hospitality,” he added.
