The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in charge of General Services, Mr. Anane Nsiah, has emphasized the critical role restaurants play within Ghana’s tourism value chain.
According to him, as the agency mandated to lead the development of tourism in the country, it is essential for the Authority to regularly engage stakeholders to ensure everyone is aligned with the national tourism vision.
Mr. Nsiah explained that such engagements provide a platform for stakeholders to understand where the industry is heading, raise concerns, and collectively find solutions. “When we work together in harmony, the prospects for the country are much stronger,” he noted.
He revealed that the recent meeting was prompted by concerns observed during the Christmas season, particularly relating to certain charges and business practices within the hospitality sector. These practices, he said, could potentially damage Ghana’s image as a preferred tourism destination if left unaddressed.
“This engagement is really about bringing these issues to the fore, helping stakeholders appreciate the bigger picture of what tourism can do for the country, and collectively defining the culture and standards we want to uphold,” Mr. Nsiah added. He stressed that this collaborative approach is necessary to ensure Ghana remains competitive among emerging global tourism destinations.
Mr. Nsiah made these remarks during a stakeholders’ engagement with the media, which forms part of the GTA’s broader efforts to tackle key operational and regulatory challenges affecting the growth, competitiveness, and sustainability of Ghana’s hospitality sector.
A major focus of the discussions was the increasingly controversial practice of imposing mandatory service charges on customers’ bills, an issue that has sparked public concern and could undermine consumer confidence and the overall reputation of Ghana’s hospitality industry if not properly managed.
Writer: Frederick Nortey
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