The Ghana Hotels Association (GHA) has urged Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Tourism Minister-designate, to consider allocating part of the one percent tourism levy to support the private sector.
Dr. Edward Ackah-Nyamike, president of the GHA, emphasized that the association has consistently advocated for a portion of the fund to be used for supporting the private sector, especially trade associations, which play a key role in collecting this levy.
“While the levy is meant for industry development, it should also help empower trade associations to carry out their roles more effectively, benefiting the wider tourism sector,” he explained.
This call follows President John Dramani Mahama’s nomination of Madam Gomashie as the Minister Designate for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, on Thursday.
Dr. Ackah-Nyamike expressed the association’s high expectations for the new minister, highlighting the need for support for trade associations, which he believes have significant untapped potential. “A lot of trade associations are very weak and unable to make an impact, but with the necessary support, they can contribute much more,” he said.
He also encouraged Madam Gomashie to focus on the Public-Private Partnership Forum, a provision in the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) Act 817, which aims to bring industry players together. “This quarterly forum will enable her to listen to industry players and understand their challenges,” he added.
The GHA president also called for the consolidation of taxes for the industry at affordable levels, urging the minister to ensure that taxes do not become burdensome and counterproductive. “We hope she will champion the cause of reducing taxes to make them more manageable,” he said.
He also emphasized the need to reduce utility tariffs, which have a significant impact on operational costs. “Reducing these tariffs will go a long way in helping us lower our operational expenses,” he noted.
Dr. Ackah-Nyamike urged Madam Gomashie to support the establishment of a specialized tourism school. This institution would provide in-service training for existing staff in the industry and set uniform standards across the sector. “The tourism school will ensure that there are basic standards taught to staff at all levels in the industry,” he said.
He also suggested that infrastructure development should be prioritized, particularly in the area of medical or health tourism. He called on Madam Gomashie to encourage foreign investments in the industry, noting that “there are many opportunities that require partnerships with investors to help us grow.”
The president of the GHA also mentioned the importance of attracting events like Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), which could bring significant numbers of visitors to the country.
In addition, he called for a focus on promoting domestic tourism. “In partnership with the government, we can rotate the celebration of Independence Day and other national events across the country, encouraging people to travel and experience different parts of Ghana,” he said.
He urged the minister-designate to continue the successful “Beyond the Return” initiative introduced by the previous administration, which had a positive impact on the industry. “She should also monitor the regulatory bodies that oversee the industry,” he added.
Dr. Ackah-Nyamike expressed confidence that Madam Gomashie, with her extensive experience in the tourism, culture, and creative arts sectors, is highly qualified for the role. He praised her qualifications, including her previous experience as a deputy minister and her strong interpersonal skills.
“With a solid foundation built over the past eight years, she is well-positioned to take the industry to the next level,” he concluded.
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