Tourism Ministry Holds A Workshop To Promote Sustainable And Inclusive Growth

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has organised a two-day validation workshop on a draft Tourism Policy in Ho in the Volta Region.

The workshop which was held from the 9th – 11th July 2024, was pointed toward finishing the policy which would assist with reviving the sector and promote feasible and comprehensive growth in Ghana.

The tourism Policy when approved by Cabinet would serve as a blueprint to guide all tourism activities in Ghana.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hon Mark Okraku-Mantey, the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture said more countries are shutting the gap on the tourism industry. Subsequently, the competition on the tourism marketing would be harder, thus there is a requirement for Ghana to be vital in its documentation and development in setting up the policy.

The Minister added that the tourism policy would be the roadmap which would lead the country to the promised land. Along these lines, there was the need to zero in on selling suggestions as a country.

He indicated that the tourism Policy is the game changer and would sustain the industry which is the third earner to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“Ghana must be deliberate about marketing our man-made properties to become a stronger force to complete”, he said.

He shared the story of how Qatar used the hosting of the World Cup tournament to market its tourism potential which currently is yielding results.

Okraku-Mantey was confident that stakeholders who were present at the validation workshop would deliver a document which would give the sector the impetus for growth. He commended the management and staff of the Ministry for their hard work despite the challenges.

On her part, Madam Abena Amponsah-Bio, Cluster Coordinator at GIZ Ghana, said her outfit considers the validation workshop a significant achievement for the tourism sector.

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She added that GIZ Ghana has been implementing programmes and projects that have 360 approaches towards effective migration management. That being said, GIZ has implemented holistic strategies and initiatives before, during and after the migration processes.

Abena Amponsah-Bio stated that GIZ has supported three major migration policies at the national level namely, the National Migration Policy, the National Labour Migration Policy and the Diaspora Engagement Policy.

“Recognizing that the ministry is part of the intersectoral and implementation committee of the diaspora engagement, the tourism policy is to facilitate the diaspora engagement in Ghana,” she emphasized.

The Tourism policy outlines a strategic framework to enhance the tourism experience, preserve cultural heritage and ensure environmental sustainability.