Tourism consultant lauds tourism minister designate 

By Hafsa Obeng  

Accra, Jan. 21, GNA – Dr. Emmanuel Frimpong, a Tourism Consultant and Analyst, has praised Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the tourism minister-designate, as an excellent choice for the ministry, citing her extensive experience in the role. 

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, Dr. Frimpong highlighted her warm personality, her ability to connect with people, and her industry knowledge, which made her the ideal candidate to lead the ministry. 

“She brings quite a lot on her plate, first as an industry person in creative arts and culture, being involved in anything creative arts and culture, coming in as a former deputy minister and exhibiting very good human relations,” he said. 

Dr. Frimpong acknowledged that, due to her experience and personality, there would be high expectations for Madam Gomashie in her role as Minister. 

“We have great expectation as a sector. We expect her to come in with the knowledge and experience she has had in the sector already.  

“She should come in to set the ball rolling because there are a lot of things that must be done at the ministry, the sector agencies, the private sector, and academia.” 

Dr. Frimpong said that the minister-designate must work diligently to position Ghana within the global tourism landscape, considering global trends.  

He also suggested collaborating with security agencies to establish community tourism police at key attraction sites, ensuring support for tourists. 

Dr. Frimpong noted the challenges faced by tour guides and operators, who often experienced harassment from security personnel at borders and police checkpoints.  

He called for dedicated personnel who understand the sector and its economic importance. 

 “Tourism education is also very important. We must be intentional about creating awareness about the role of tourism in the Ghanaian economy and the need for all to treat tourism as such,” he added. 

Dr. Frimpong also urged the minister-designate to collaborate with agencies responsible for sanitation to improve the cleanliness of tourist attraction sites, making them more appealing and welcoming. 

He stressed the need for her to focus on attracting foreign direct investment into the country, noting that aside from hotels, there has been little serious investment in the tourism and hospitality sector due to its lack of appeal. 

“She needs to work with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Ghana Export Promotion Agency and all the agencies concerned to attract the right people to invest in various aspects of the industry.  

“We need to create the enabling environment to attract investors,” he said. 

Dr. Frimpong pointed out that the tourism industry lacked reliable data due to insufficient research and surveys, urging the minister-designate to focus on gathering accurate data to inform policies and decisions that would support sector growth. 

He also highlighted the importance of the Public Private Partnership Forum (PPPF), which brings together private, public sectors, and academia to discuss industry trends and future strategies.  

Dr. Frimpong stressed the importance of training and equipping frontline operators as a top priority. 

He advised Madam Gomashie to avoid gossip and surrounding herself with individuals who had personal interests among sector players.  

Instead, he recommended focusing on strengthening the Public Private Partnership Forum (PPPF) and holding meetings with various groupings and associations. 

Dr. Frimpong also urged the private sector to take the lead in developing the tourism and hospitality sector, emphasizing that it was the responsibility of the private sector, not the government, to drive the growth of the industry. 

“Government will bring policies, and we have to lead it. So, we have to assist the minister by providing ideas and recommendations that will bring a lot of development into the industry. Let us ensure that whatever we do benefits the industry and the entire country.” 

GNA