GTA CEO Promotes Ghana’s Trade and Tourism Potential at Russia Mission
By Tina Moses Sam
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Maame Efua Houadjeto, has represented Ghana at a high-level Trade and Tourism Mission held in Russia from 16 to 20 February 2026.
The mission formed part of efforts to position Ghana as a competitive and investment-ready destination within the global trade and tourism landscape. It also focused on fostering trade relations by promoting Ghanaian products and services that appeal to Russian tourists and investors, including handicrafts, cocoa, and gold.
The team engaged with Russian media outlets and tourism agencies to increase awareness of Ghana as a prime travel destination and investment hub.
The CEO participated in networking sessions with travel agents, tour operators, and media representatives to facilitate partnerships and joint marketing efforts.
During the engagements, Houadjeto addressed plenary sessions and participated as a panelist in discussions focused on trade expansion, tourism diplomacy, and cross-border investment collaboration.
She also highlighted Ghana’s diverse tourism assets such as historical sites like Cape Coast Castle, natural landscapes like Kakum National Park, and vibrant festivals. Emphasis was placed on Ghana’s growing eco-tourism and cultural tourism sectors.
Discussions also explored establishing direct flight routes, joint promotional campaigns, and cultural exchange programs to boost tourism flows between the two countries.
This mission aligns with Ghana’s broader strategy to diversify its tourism markets and attract more international visitors, thereby contributing to economic growth and cultural understanding.
Her contributions underscored Ghana’s strategy of leveraging tourism as a catalyst for economic transformation, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.
In her remarks, she highlighted Ghana’s strategic location as the gateway to West Africa, its stable political environment, and ongoing government policies aimed at strengthening tourism infrastructure, expanding the creative arts sector, and boosting investor confidence.
According to the GTA, the engagements provided an opportunity to project Ghana’s readiness for deeper international partnerships within the tourism and trade sectors.
As part of the trade exhibition, the GTA chief showcased Fugu, Ghana’s indigenous woven textile, as a symbol of cultural identity, craftsmanship, and authenticity.
The display attracted significant interest from participants and potential investors, drawing attention to the commercial prospects of Ghana’s cultural exports within the global fashion and creative industries.
Officials indicated that the presentation of Fugu formed part of a broader strategy to position Ghana’s cultural assets as scalable economic products capable of penetrating international markets.
Beyond the formal sessions, Houadjeto held targeted meetings with high-level investors and business leaders to outline opportunities within Ghana’s tourism and trade ecosystem.
Discussions covered hospitality and eco-tourism development, creative arts and cultural export expansion, infrastructure partnerships, and destination marketing collaboration.
The engagements, according to the Authority, advanced conversations around long-term partnerships, capital inflows, and technical cooperation aimed at strengthening Ghana’s tourism value chain.
The mission also contributed to strengthening bilateral engagement between Ghana and Russia, opening new avenues for cooperation in trade and tourism.
Houadjeto reiterated Ghana’s readiness to welcome strategic investors and reaffirmed the GTA’s commitment to facilitating partnerships capable of delivering measurable economic impact.
The Authority says the participation reflects Ghana’s proactive approach to trade and tourism diplomacy, as the country seeks to consolidate its position as a preferred African destination for investment, culture and international visitors.
