The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Maame Efua Houadjeto, is currently leading a four-day strategic management meeting with the GTA’s Regional Directors across the country.
The strategic meeting started on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 and it is expected to end on Saturday, May 10, 2025 in Kumasi.
This high-level engagement aims to chart a unified path forward for the tourism sector, with a strong focus on innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
Madam Houadjeto emphasized that unity and excellence will be the guiding values of her leadership. She outlined her vision to the directors to ensure alignment across all regions moving forward.
The vision, dubbed “GTA: The Next Chapter”, sets a bold and transformative agenda for the Authority’s future.
A key highlight of the ongoing discussions is her commitment to “The Black Star Experience”, a flagship initiative designed to showcase Ghana’s rich culture, history, and creative spirit to the world.
The initiative featured prominently in her presentation as a core pillar of the new vision. “Together, we will elevate Ghana’s tourism to new heights,” she affirmed.
She said there are exciting times ahead for the Authority regarding the reforms being adopted to showcase Ghana to the world.
GTA Officials Pay Courtesy Call on Ga Mantse
Officials of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) led by its Chief Executive Officer, Maame Efua Houadjeto, paid a courtesy call on Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, to formally introduce the new leadership of the Authority as well seek the blessings of the chief custodian of the Ga land for a successful tenure.
The visit, which took place at the Ga Mantse Palace, also afforded the Authority and the King the avenue to build a stronger working relationship geared at highlighting the tourism potentials of the Ga State.
A proposal by his Royal Majesty for GTA to partner the Ga Traditional Council in this year’s Homowo festival was wholeheartedly accepted by the CEO after expressing his appreciation for the visit.
“This year’s Homowo is going to be different because we want to partner the Ministry and the Authority. This year, we want Homowo to go global, it has always been global because people all over the world and the Diaspora celebrate the festival. This year, we want to tie the Homowo and align it with SDG2, the eradication of hunger. We want to collaborate and see how we can eradicate hunger in Ghana. We also believe that there are parts of Accra that have very high tourism appeal.
“Our beaches, the Monkey Sanctuary at Osudoku. There’s also a sculpture village in Accra, including the forts and castles. We believe that these are highlights that, if we can refurbish and put them in proper stead, we could draw numbers and also raise revenue. So this year, we would give the Ministry and Authority an office in the palace so that we can collaborate better, so give us a liaison person so that we can communicate and share ideas on this great project we want to do together.”
Propsal by his Royal Majesty
Describing traditional leaders as “landlords”, the CEO of GTA said it was prudent for her to seek the King’s blessings on the land on which the Authority held many of its activities.
“Since assuming office, it is important for me to come in person, together with my directors, to greet the Ga Mantse, seek his blessings, and open channels of collaboration. Greater Accra is home to several key tourist sites—forts, castles, the Jamestown Lighthouse area, and even the monkey sanctuary. These are not just national treasures but also important cultural landmarks that require local collaboration for effective promotion.”
Maame Efua Houadjeto
The visit also highlighted the President’s flagship initiative, the Black Star Experience, which aims to showcase Ghana, particularly Greater Accra, as a vibrant hub for heritage, history, and immersive cultural experiences.
As part of this initiative, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) is working to revitalize key attractions and festivals to appeal to both domestic and international travelers, thereby boosting tourism and promoting cultural exchange.
During the discussion, infrastructure development and local engagement, particularly in Jamestown, were key areas of focus.
The CEO acknowledged existing challenges, including the need for improved management of the tourist center at the Jamestown Lighthouse.
Although local youth have stepped in to informally conduct tours since the passing of the original manager, she emphasized the importance of providing structured support to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project.
By providing the necessary resources and guidance, the GTA aims to empower local communities and enhance the overall tourist experience.
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