Tourism Ministry deserves Cabinet status –Industry players demand

ON Thursday, February 20, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama's new administration held its inaugural Cabinet meeting, and the  Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie was notably absent from the list of 19 ministers forming the government’s key decision-making group.

The omission of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts raises concerns, particularly when it held cabinet status in the previous administration, making its absence all the more mind-boggling.

According to Statista, a global data and business intelligence platform, in 2022, the travel and tourism sector in Ghana contributed about $3.4 billion to the country’s Gross Domestic Product(GDP).

This increased compared to the $3.1billion registered in the preceeding year. In 2023, the share was forecast to reach other $3.6 billion.

Thus the exclusion of the Tourism Minister from the government’s highest decision-making body doesn’t sit well with some industry players who have expressed their views on the matter.

Raising his concerns, Mr Francis Doku, West Africa Regional Representative of Pan-African tourism advisory firm, Africa Tourism Partners, “Tourism is a unique industry that shines a light on all others”.

He mentioned that its success was deeply intertwined with infrastructure development, transport networks, forestry and wildlife conservation, marine resources, education, health care and agriculture.

He acknowledged that even though it might have been a tough decision for President Mahama to select his Cabinet team, the economic productivity of Tourism, particularly in other sectors of the economy, couldn’t be overlooked.

“When tourism thrives, it drives investment in roads and transport systems, encourages the preservation of natural ecosystems, promotes educational exchange through cultural experiences and stimulates agribusiness by creating demand for local food and beverages,” he said.

Mr Doku pointed out the other benefits of Tourism, including it being a major economic driver, a key pillar for foreign exchange, the link between tourism and Infrastructure development, cultural diplomacy; and national branding and job creation; and youth employment.

“Ghana has gained global attention as a major African tourism hub. Events around December in Ghana, such as Afro Future, formerly Afrochella, Afro Nation and Chale Wote Festival, have significantly boosted Ghana’s reputation over the past half-decade.

“Keeping tourism out of cabinet sends the wrong message to stakeholders, investors and the international travel community about Ghana’s commitment to sustaining this momentum,” he said.

In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, PaJohn Bentsifi Dadson, Culture and Tourism Advocate, said perception played a significant role in the decision to form a Cabinet, the inner circle where crucial decisions were made.

“For those outside, knowing their representative is in this inner club provides reassurance that their voices are being heard.

“The tourism sector, despite being the third-highest foreign exchange earner, often feels overlooked. Exclusion from the cabinet can relegate the sector to a supporting role, undermining its importance.

“However, a strong-willed minister can still drive change. The tourism minister's role extends beyond regular working hours, requiring collaborations with various sectors due to the industry's multifaceted nature.

“For instance, improving roads to tourist sites such as Kakum Park in the Central Region necessitates coordination with the Road Minister or Local Government Minister,” he said.

“Cabinet membership commands greater respect and influence, elevating the sector's profile. I think when you are in Cabinet, the regard is a lot higher than the common floor members,” he added.

Media personality and host of Showbiz A-Z, Kwame Dadzie, said that given its vast contributions and potential, the Tourism Ministry deserved a seat at the highest decision-making table.

“The government must reconsider this omission and ensure that Tourism remains a key priority in Ghana’s national development strategy,” he recommended.