Catherine Afeku unveiled as Brand Ambassador for World Tourism Forum Institute
Catherine Ablema Afeku, a former Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture has been unveiled as the Brand Ambassador for Africa for the World Tourism Forum Institute (WTFI).
This is part of efforts by the WTFI to amplify Africa’s voice on the global tourism and investment stage.
Mrs Afeku was presented with her appointment letter and unveiled at a ceremony in Accra by WTFI’s representative in Ghana, Richard Owusu.
The event had in attendance, the Minister of Tourism, Abla Dzifa Gomashie.
WTFI
Headquartered in London, the WTFI is a global platform dedicated to shaping the future of tourism and investment.
Through strategic summits, policy engagement, and investor matchmaking, it serves as a catalyst for sustainable development and public-private cooperation in the tourism sector.
In her appointment letter, the WTFI, through its President Bulut Bağcı, said Mrs Afeku earned the position because as Minister, she championed numerous high-level initiatives to promote Ghana as a cultural powerhouse and a destination for global tourism investment.
Her appointment is a testament to her outstanding leadership, international recognition and her dedicated efforts in transforming tourism into a vehicle for inclusive growth in Ghana and across the region, he said.
Mr Bağcı, sees the appointment as marking a significant step in the institute’s efforts to deepen its strategic footprint across the African continent.
He said Mrs Afeku’s proven experience, visionary leadership, and deep cultural insight make her uniquely suited to lead the mission.
"With your guidance, we will amplify Africa’s tourism voice on the world stage and accelerate meaningful investment for a sustainable future,” the appointment letter read.
Ghana’s gain
Ms Gomashie described the appointment of the WTFI ambassador as timely, as the ministry seeks to firmly establish Ghana as the most preferred tourism destination.
She invited the world to view the positive reaction of President John Dramani Mahama to the former Minister’s appointment as evidence that “tourism has no party colours.
“To President Mahama, this is a win for Ghana, irrespective of the political persuasion of the Ghanaian through whom the honour has come,” she said.
A message of congratulations from the Office of the President, signed by Deputy Chief of Staff, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, indicated that Mrs Afeku’s appointment was not only a moment of pride for her, but also an honour done to Ghana, promising that “she would be accorded all the requisite co-operation in her handling of her role.”
Gratitude
Mrs Afeku expressed gratitude to President Mahama for embracing the achievement of a citizen of Ghana.
“I was honoured as a citizen of Ghana and I am happy that the current sector Minister and the President of my country see it as such. This is a new day in Ghana politics,” she said.
Recognised for her diplomatic acumen and deep understanding of regional dynamics, Mrs Afeku now assumes a broader continental role — one that involves advocating for investment, innovation, and infrastructure development across Africa’s tourism and hospitality landscape.
