GHA-CAR swears in first female chairperson
The Greater Accra Regional Branch of the Ghana Hotels Association (GHA-CAR) has sworn in a former Head of News at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Clare Banoeng-Yakubo, as its chairperson to steer the affairs of the association for the next two years, starting this year.
The co-proprietor of Hunters Royal Hotel at Ogbojo, Accra, is the first female leader of GHA-CAR in its 50-year history.
The swearing-in ceremony, which took place in Accra last Saturday, also saw three other women among the six newly sworn-in executives. They are the Vice Chairperson, the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary.
The ceremony was attended by hotel owners, managers, representatives of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and other stakeholders in the hospitality industry.
In her address, Mrs Banoeng-Yakubo said she would work towards a thriving, inclusive and sustainable hospitality industry during her tenure.
Mrs Banoeng-Yakubo vowed to champion policies that favoured the hospitality industry’s growth. She committed to engage the government on critical issues such as tax incentives, loans and grants needed to create a level playing field for hotels to thrive.
“We need to continue to work assiduously to strengthen our relationship with stakeholders to drive this vision forward,” she stated.
The chairperson also pledged to combat apathy and foster active participation among members by promoting open communication and networking opportunities.
She said that her administration would collaborate with the GTA and other regulatory bodies to provide training and mentorship programmes to enhance industry standards.
Mrs Banoeng-Yakubo’s ascension coincided with the association’s 50th anniversary, a milestone she described as “significant and exciting.”
Golden Jubilee
The Ghana Hotels Association will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year with year-long activities that will culminate in an awards ceremony in January 2026.
Mrs Banoeng-Yakubo called on members to support the celebrations and emphasised the importance of Greater Accra’s contributions.
“Let us shape the future of our industry and create a brighter tomorrow for ourselves, our businesses and our communities,” she added.
For his part, the Regional Director of the GTA, Mr Alexander Nketia, who was the guest speaker at the event, urged the new administration to develop stronger advocacy plans for the association and Ghana's tourism industry.
"The nature of your job is mainly sacrificial. Embrace the habit of sacrifice to help you achieve your objectives," he added.