Hotels association calls for tourism forum, accountability

The Ghana Hotels Association is urging the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture to work with the private sector. They want the Public Private Partnership Forum to meet regularly. This forum is required by Section 42 of the Tourism Act 817.

The Association believes that ignoring this platform has caused ongoing issues in hospitality. Dr. Edward Ackah Nyameke, President of the Association, spoke at a press briefing for their 50th anniversary. He emphasized the need for transparency in managing the Tourism Development Fund.

“The Forum shall meet at least once each quarter,” he stated. The Minister should organize these meetings with both the Authority and private sector partners. The Association also wants clear plans for how the Tourism Development Fund will be used.

They expect updates on the Fund's status and its disbursement plans involving private stakeholders. Additionally, they expressed concerns about strict enforcement and inconsistent licensing from regulatory bodies. These include agencies like FDA, EPA, MMDAs, Fire Service, and NADMO.

The Association noted that varying interpretations of rules have disrupted hotel operations nationwide.