GH Tourism to go beyond December in GH
After December once again emerged as Ghana’s peak tourism period, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Maame Efua Houadjeto, says efforts are underway to reposition the country as an all-year destination.
She noted that while last year’s December festivities significantly boosted arrivals, sustaining the gains will require stronger regional participation, improved stakeholder coordination and a deliberate shift beyond branding Ghana solely as a December tourism hub.
"Tourism is now translating into real opportunity, it is creating jobs for our youth, opening doors for entrepreneurs, empowering creatives and fueling a fast -growing industry of content creators who are telling Ghana's story in fresh and compelling ways.
"At GTA, we are intentionally focused on harnessing the energy, supporting talent, elevating standards and ensuring that tourism growth is inclusive, sustainable and impactful.
“And that is why we are positioning Ghana not just as a December destination but an all-year tourism powerhouse," she said.
The CEO was speaking at a media engagement held at Accra City Hotel in Accra on Tuesday, January 13, to give firsthand information on the success of 2025 December in Gh as well as the Authority's outline to make Ghana a true tourism destination in the sub-region.
She highlighted the growing global appreciation of Ghana's culture, fashion, music, cuisine and heritage, and explained that tourism is increasingly driving job creation, particularly among the youth.
"Today, the world is not only coming to Ghana for events, they are coming to experience our culture, fashion, culinary experience and people.
"As such, the media must narrate the positive stories that make Ghana a preferred destination for tourists globally.
'" We are not asking the media to do PR job or propaganda for the Authority. That is not it at all. However, in writing about Ghana's tourism, let's be mindful to put out well-balanced stories, not ones that skew the positive image of our country,' she said.
The media engagement was attended by some leading management of GTA, including Deputy CEO, Operations, Ekow Sampson, Deputy CEO, General Services, Bernard Anane Nsiah and Deputy CEO, Marketing and Special Duties, Abeiku Aggrey Santana.
In his address, Mr Anane Nsiah noted the efforts of GTA will be null and void should the media focus on projecting negative stories about the image.
He challenged the media to shape the perception of Ghana's tourism through insightful research on the sector.
Mr Abeiku Aggrey Santana said the world was watching and Ghana's media must not lend its attention to unproductive news items that don't contribute to Ghana's growth.
He said the tourism bar has been raised globally and the world is watching Ghana to take the industry to the next level.
"But here's the truth: if the story is not told well, the progress will not be felt," he added.
One of the major highlights of the forum was the disclosure of the CEO of the government's intention to work on the bad road networks of popular Tourist sites, as well as the continuation of Marine Drive which has been on hold for many years.
'I can say on both projects that the sector Minister has tabled them before the relevant authorities and we will start working on the bad roads this year.”
"For the Marine Drive, the ban that stopped its construction has been lifted so we will see work on it this year,'' she added.
