Ghanaian playwright and tour guide, Nii Ayi Solomon, has encouraged young people that whatever they choose to become in life, they should also consider becoming tour guides.
Speaking to staff, students of GHANATA Senior High School, and invited guests under the theme “Tour Guides As Peace Ambassadors,” Nii Ayi Solomon said, “Whatever you become in life, consider also becoming a tour guide. It is a beautiful skill to have, meeting people, interacting with them, showing them around, and constantly reading and learning.”
He explained that tour guiding goes beyond simply reciting information. Many people think tour guides must memorize many facts, but according to him, tour guides are not just escorts; they interpret culture. “We are cultural interpreters and storytellers,” he said. “You must make sure the stories you tell are clear and engaging. You should know how to structure your story in an interesting way.”
He added that the way a guide tells a story even on a bus can determine whether people listen attentively and want to hear more. “When you finish speaking and people still want to ask questions, then you know you have done well,” he noted. He encouraged students to sharpen their storytelling skills while still in school.
According to him, anyone considering tour guiding as a profession must build strong knowledge and competence by reading widely. He pointed out that some tourists may even know more than the guide, so continuous learning is essential.
He also stressed the importance of emotional intelligence. “Some tourists may come with personal emotional challenges, but as a guide, you are responsible for managing the group,” he explained. A good guide must be able to read the mood of the group and understand their emotions. After spending one or two days with tourists, a guide should be able to tell what they like, what they dislike, and how they interact.
Nii Ayi Solomon further advised guides to know when to speak and when to remain silent. Not all groups want constant talking. Some prefer a brief introduction, quiet travel time, and a short conclusion at the destination. Too much rhetoric, he said, can make people bored.
Sharing an experience from South Africa, he noted that professional boundaries are important. For example, if a tourist uses a wheelchair, it may not be the guide’s responsibility to push the wheelchair unless officially assigned. Instead, such assistance should be arranged at the destination to ensure fairness and professionalism within the group.
He concluded by advising tour guides to always avoid misinformation and remain accurate in the stories they tell.
Writer: Frederick Nortey
