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Tourism Authority Leadership Transition Opens New Chapter as Ghana Tourism Soars to Historic Heights
Ghana’s tourism sector is experiencing a significant leadership transition that coincides with the industry’s unprecedented success. Akwasi Agyeman, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), has stepped down from his position after a transformative tenure. Appointed in January 2017, Mr. Agyeman led the GTA through challenging periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic, achieving a remarkable recovery and growth in the tourism sector.
“Every statistic of growth in tourism tells a human story — of jobs created, communities empowered, and Ghana standing tall as Africa’s gateway.”
Adwoa Nyamekye, Tourism Researcher
Remarkable Achievement Record:
During his tenure, international tourist arrivals surged from 355,108 in 2020 to 1,148,002 in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Domestic tourism also witnessed a significant rise, with visitor numbers growing from 456,000 in 2017 to 1.4 million in 2023.
Infrastructure Legacy:
Mr. Agyeman spearheaded the rehabilitation of major tourist attractions, including Kintampo Waterfalls, Kwahu Paragliding Site, Bunso Eco Park, Denkyira Kyekyewere Eco Park, Tano Boase Sacred Grove, Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm, and Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary.
Groundbreaking Initiatives:
Mr. Agyeman’s tenure featured groundbreaking initiatives, including “The Year of Return” and “December in Ghana,” which positioned Ghana as a top holiday destination. He embraced digital transformation, launching the National Tourism Destination Single Window Project and the Visit Ghana App.
New Leadership Structure:
Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie has inaugurated new boards for the Ghana Tourism Authority and the Ghana Tourism Development Company, signalling the government’s renewed ambition to position Ghana as a must-see world tourism destination. The boards, entrusted with bold and creative stewardship, will drive the sector toward durable expansion, fresh innovation, and tighter collaboration among every partner in the value chain.
Diverse Expertise:
The newly sworn-in boards bring together a diverse mix of expertise, combining talent from academia, business, and the cultural sector. The Ghana Tourism Authority’s board features prominent figures such as Gertrude Emefa Donkor and Samuel Seth Passah, while the Ghana Tourism Development Company board includes Professor Kobby Mensah and Dora Nanahemaa Adjoa Awindor.
Strategic Focus Areas:
The primary mandate of these boards is to push forward the development of tourism as a key economic driver. Their work will focus on implementing strategies aimed at attracting more international visitors, improving the regulatory environment for tourism businesses, and promoting Ghana’s rich cultural heritage through iconic sites such as the Cape Coast Castle.
Capacity Building Impact:
Mr. Agyeman’s commitment to capacity building saw over 3,069 individuals trained in customer service, digital marketing, and tourism product development through the Ghana CARES Obaatanpa Initiative.
Industry Debate and Future Direction:
The transition comes amid ongoing debates about tourism development. Recent exchanges between former MP Kennedy Agyapong and Deputy Minister Mark Okraku Mantey have highlighted the need for continued focus on developing Ghana’s tourism potential, with calls for greater transparency about progress in upgrading tourist attractions to international standards.
Opportunities for Diaspora Engagement:
The leadership transition creates opportunities for:
- Fresh partnerships with diaspora tourism entrepreneurs
- Innovation in heritage tourism product development
- Technology integration in tourism services
- Sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities
This leadership transition occurs at a pivotal moment when Ghana’s tourism sector is experiencing record-breaking growth, positioning the new leadership to build on solid foundations while implementing innovative strategies for continued expansion.
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