The Ghana Hotels Association (GHA) has inaugurated an 11-member National Executive to oversee the affairs of the association for the next four years, in a move aimed at strengthening governance and accelerating growth within Ghana’s hospitality industry.
The newly constituted leadership under Mr. Victor Opoku Minta, President of the Association, is expected to provide strategic direction for the sector, reinforce operational standards, and advocate policies that will enhance the competitiveness of hotels across Ghana.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Victor Opoku Minta, in his inaugural speech, said the administration would pursue a stronger, smarter and more sustainable Association anchored on five transformational pillars. He said the approach would be practical and results-oriented, aimed at repositioning the Association to engage more effectively and demand measurable outcomes.
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Mr. Minta said the leadership would push for a review of the existing Legislative Instrument to ensure that all accommodation and tourism establishments become members of the Association, adding that mandatory membership would improve coordination, growth and credibility in the sector. He stressed the need for greater private sector ownership of the industry to drive innovation, visibility and accessibility, and called for accountability in the use of the Tourism Levy and the Tourism Development Fund.
Mr. Minta also announced plans to establish a National GHA Credit Union to support member hotels and staff financially, as well as a GHA Booking Platform to enhance visibility of local hotels, reduce dependence on foreign platforms and retain value within the economy. Nii Kojo Ashifie Papanyira I, speaking on behalf of the Ga Mantse, urged hoteliers to incorporate Ghanaian cultural elements, including traditional music and dance, into their operations to promote national identity.
Dr Edward E. Ackah-Nyamike Jr., immediate past President of the Association, said his administration had strengthened the body into a more structured and visible institution and advocated a conducive business environment for the sector’s growth. He urged the new leadership to continue efforts towards implementing the Public-Private Partnership Forum under the Tourism Act 817, promote alternative energy solutions for hotels and encourage the adoption of technology, including artificial intelligence, in the sector.
Mr Alpohose Kumaza, Director of Policy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, speaking on behalf of the sector Minister, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, reaffirmed Government’s commitment to collaborating with industry stakeholders to improve the regulatory and tax environment.
Other members of the new National Executive include Sir Cosmas Alhassan, First Vice President; Mr Benjamin Afunya, Second Vice President; Mr Louise Baganiya Tindan, General Secretary; and Ms Vivian Nana Ama Opoku, Assistant Secretary. The rest are Mr Philip Akey, Treasurer; Mr Wander John Akuadzi, Financial Secretary; and Trustees Mr Paa Kwasi Inkum, Mr Mac Kwaku Hutor, Mr James Asiedu Kainyie and Mr Ricky Adom.
