…as it launches golden jubilee celebrations
By Juliet ETEFE ([email protected])
The Ghana Hotels Association (GHA) has called for greater stakeholder engagement and enhanced transparency in administration of the Tourism Development Fund, as it launched a series of events to commemorate its golden jubilee.
Speaking at a press briefing, association president Dr. Edward Ackah-Nyamike Jnr. underscored that sustainable development within Ghana’s tourism and hospitality sector is contingent on structured collaboration between government and the private sector.
Dr. Ackah-Nyamike expressed concern over the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture’s continued failure to convene the mandated Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Forum, as stipulated under Section 42 of the Tourism Act, 2011 (Act 817).
The provision requires the minister, in conjunction with Ghana Tourism Authority and private sector actors, to hold quarterly forums which address sector challenges.
“It has been almost three months since Abla Dzifa Gomashie assumed office as minister, and yet no effort has been made to organise the PPP Forum. This is a statutory obligation – not a courtesy – and its absence undermines the cooperation needed to grow the industry,” he stated.
Calls for clarity on tourism development fund
The association also voiced dissatisfaction with opacity surrounding the Tourism Development Fund, which is financed through levies collected from industry establishments.
“We remain in the dark regarding balance in the Fund, how it is being managed and how the private sector – the main contributors – benefits from it,” said Dr. Ackah-Nyamike. “We are calling for full transparency on its disbursement mechanisms and governance structures.”
Regulatory challenges and operational frustrations
On regulatory matters, GHA criticised what it described as excessive and inconsistent oversight from agencies such as the Ghana Tourism Authority, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and local assemblies.
Dr. Ackah-Nyamike noted that hotel operators continue to grapple with arbitrary licencing fees, duplicative inspections and absence of digitalised service delivery.
“The issues range from harsh enforcement and ambiguous licencing procedures to discretionary interpretations of governing laws. In some cases, fire certificates have not been issued despite payment of the required fees, further eroding trust in the regulatory system,” he stated.
He called for harmonisation of regulatory processes and the adoption of digital systems to ensure consistency, efficiency and accountability.
Critique of 2025 budget and tax burden
The association also expressed disappointment with the 2025 national budget, particularly lack of substantial tax relief for the hospitality sector. It lamented continuation of the 1% COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, which it described as outdated and burdensome.
“We had anticipated the consolidation of numerous taxes into a manageable composite levy. Instead, we are burdened with outdated levies that are stifling hotel operations,” said Dr. Ackah-Nyamike.
Support for national policy initiatives
Commenting on broader policy initiatives, GHA declared its support for government’s proposed 24-hour economy policy, stressing the pivotal role hotels already play in this context. It urged government to engage closely with the association to ensure the policy’s successful implementation.
It also pledged support for the ‘Black Star Experience’ tourism project, noting the integral role of hotels in delivering memorable tourist experiences.
In addition, the association renewed its call for legislation mandating membership in recognised hotel associations to foster unified industry advocacy and uphold professional standards.
Golden jubilee celebrations
The GHA has unveilled a calendar of events to mark its 50th anniversary under the theme ’50 Years of Advocacy, Perseverance and Impacting the Tourism and Hospitality Industry in Ghana’.
The celebrations will commence with a 10-kilometre health walk in Ho, Volta Region, on Thursday 24 April 2025.
Further activities include unveilling the GHA@50 anniversary cloth and a donation to Tema General Hospital on 24 July 2025. A symposium reflecting on five decades of advocacy will take place 23 October 2025 in Cape Coast.
The anniversary will culminate in an Honorary and Competitive Awards Night on 24 January 2026, celebrating the contributions of individuals and institutions to Ghana’s hospitality sector.
As it marks half a century of service, GHA reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the hospitality industry’s interests and partnering with stakeholders to shape a more resilient and inclusive tourism economy.
