The Ghana Hotels Association (GHA) wants greater stakeholder engagement and enhanced transparency in the Tourism Development Fund’s administration.
The Association’s president, Dr. Edward Ackah-Nyamike Jnr., 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 of the Fund, how it is being managed and how the private sector – the main contributors – benefits from it,” said Dr. Ackah-Nyamike Jnr.
The GHA also 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.
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 adds.
There has to be harmonisation of regulatory processes and adoption of digital systems to ensure consistency, efficiency and accountability.
The Association expressed disappointment with the 2025 national budget, particularly lack of substantial tax relief for the hospitality sector. It laments continuation of the 1% COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, which it described as outdated and burdensome.
These notwithstanding, 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 successful implementation of the policy.
It also pledged support for the ‘Black Star Experience’ tourism project, noting the integral role of hotels in delivering memorable tourist experiences.
However, the Association renewed its call for legislation mandating membership in recognised hotel associations to foster unified industry advocacy and uphold professional standards.
The GHA marks its 50th anniversary under the theme ’50 Years of Advocacy, Perseverance and Impacting the Tourism and Hospitality Industry in Ghana’.
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.
