By Hafsa Obeng, GNA
Accra, Nov. 21, GNA – Mr Emmanuel Frimpong, Founding President of the Africa Tourism Research Network (ATRN), has called on government to position tourism and hospitality at the centre of Ghana’s proposed 24-hour economy.
He said the sector could drive jobs, investment and economic activity throughout the day and night, if supported with the right policies, infrastructure, safety measures and skills development.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra, Frimpong who is also a Tourism Consultant, urged government to develop a national night-time economy policy, modernise tourism regulations and create designated 24-hour tourism precincts.
He said safety remains critical, calling for improved night-time policing, CCTV surveillance, street lighting and the establishment of Tourism Police Units.
He said there was the need for extended public transport services, better road networks, ICT connectivity and reliable power supply for hospitality businesses operating round-the-clock.
On human resource development, he encouraged partnerships with HOTCATT and hospitality schools to train workers for night operations, alongside youth employment initiatives tailored to the creative and tourism sectors.
Mr Frimpong proposed tax incentives, subsidies and access to low-interest loans for businesses expanding into 24-hour operations, as well as support for SMEs such as food vendors and entertainment providers.
He urged government to intensify destination marketing through a “Ghana by Day and Night” campaign and promote digital systems, including e-payments, booking platforms and a national tourism database.
Mr Frimpong also called for the establishment of a multi-sectorial taskforce to coordinate the 24-hour economy agenda, as well as environmentally responsible practices and community inclusion.
He said strong political commitment and coordinated leadership would enable tourism and hospitality to become a major engine of Ghana’s 24-hour economy, driving employment, creativity and sustainable growth.
GNA
Christian Akorlie