Minister-designate for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has emphasized the urgent need to improve Ghana’s hospitality infrastructure to boost tourism, attract more visitors, and increase national revenue.
Speaking during her vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament on January 22, 2025, Gomashie highlighted the challenges facing the sector, particularly the inadequate infrastructure that hampers both domestic and international tourism. She acknowledged that the state of the hospitality industry has compelled many Ghanaians to seek tourism experiences abroad, a trend that negatively impacts the local economy.
Addressing the committee, she noted, “This is an ongoing discussion, especially regarding hotel rates. Even international franchises operating in Ghana tend to have higher rates compared to other countries. The lack of infrastructure to meet growing demands, both globally and domestically, is glaring.”
Gomashie pledged to prioritize collaboration with the private sector to enhance the country’s hospitality infrastructure, encouraging local and international investors to contribute to this effort. She stressed that improving infrastructure is crucial to maximizing the sector’s revenue potential.
“Apart from engaging with the Minister of Finance, I am open to working with any private sector stakeholders, both in Ghana and abroad, who are willing to support our efforts to expand infrastructure capacity. If I am given the nod, this will be a key area of focus to ensure we address this pressing issue,” she added.
Gomashie also reiterated that the current infrastructure deficit undermines the country’s ability to capitalize on its tourism potential, urging collective action to reverse this trend and position Ghana as a competitive destination.
