Akwasi Agyeman steps down as CEO of GTA

THE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Akwasi Agyeman, has stepped down after eight years of transformative leadership. His tenure, which began in January 2017, marked a period of innovation, recovery, and growth that reshaped Ghana’s tourism landscape.

Mr. Agyeman’s leadership steered Ghana’s tourism industry through one of its most challenging periods, the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his guidance, international arrivals surged from a low of 355,108 in 2020 to 1,148,002 by 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

Domestic tourism also flourished, with visitor numbers rising from 456,000 in 2017 to 1.4 million in 2023, demonstrating the success of his strategies to make tourism accessible to Ghanaians.

One of his hallmark contributions was the completion of several infrastructure projects that revitalized iconic tourist sites across the country. Sites such as the Kintampo Waterfalls, Kwahu Paragliding Site, Bunso Eco Park, and Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary were rehabilitated and upgraded under his leadership.

Historical landmarks, including the Accra Tourist Information Center, Salaga Slave Market, and Bonwire Kente Museum, were redeveloped, ensuring their preservation and appeal to both domestic and international tourists.

Mr. Agyeman also spearheaded innovative marketing campaigns that captured global attention. Initiatives like “The Year of Return,” “Beyond the Return,” and “December in Ghana” positioned Ghana as a prime destination for cultural and heritage tourism, particularly among the African diaspora.

The “See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana, Feel Ghana” campaign further promoted the nation’s culture and identity, boosting pride and participation in local tourism.

A champion of modernization, Mr. Agyeman initiated the digital transformation of the GTA through projects such as the National Tourism Destination Single Window and the “Visit Ghana” App. These innovations streamlined operations, improved service delivery, and enhanced the visitor experience.

Recognizing the importance of human capital, Mr. Agyeman prioritized capacity building within the sector. Through the Ghana CARES Obaatanpa Initiative, over 3,000 individuals received training in customer service, digital marketing, and tourism product development, ensuring a skilled workforce to sustain the industry’s growth.

His tenure also saw the establishment of key international partnerships that bolstered Ghana’s global tourism profile. Collaborations with institutions like Howard University, Warner Music, and Essence Magazine promoted Ghana as a leading Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) destination in West Africa. These partnerships played a vital role in the success of diaspora tourism efforts, strengthening Ghana’s appeal to global travelers.

Mr. Agyeman’s tenure left an indelible mark on Ghana’s tourism sector, setting a foundation for sustained growth and innovation. His efforts not only elevated the industry but also showcased Ghana’s rich cultural heritage to the world, positioning it as a premier travel destination. As he steps down, his contributions will remain a benchmark for the future of tourism in Ghana.