The Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC) is enjoying a new lease of life by integrating innovative systems, processes, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at transforming the tourism industry, which has been grappling with serious financial challenges in recent years.
Under its new leadership, significant efforts have been made to digitize the nation’s heritage and tourism sites through virtual tourism. This transformation has taken place within a short period since the new Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Kobby Mensah, assumed office in February this year.
Prof. Mensah disclosed this on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, during the Social Friday segment hosted by Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku in Accra.
He emphasized that he and his team have introduced a new dimension to the sector through training programmes, innovative initiatives, and partnerships with potential private investors. According to him, GTDC is leveraging the Ghana Tourism Marketplace to brand and promote the vast potential of Ghana’s tourism and heritage sites.
Prof. Mensah highlighted the novelty of a new programme designed to align with the government’s 24-hour economy vision. The initiative, dubbed “Accra by Night,” is generating significant enthusiasm among both local and foreign visitors, with bookings already exceeding capacity.
To position young people at the center of tourism growth, GTDC is rolling out capacity-development programmes that equip the youth to design and package tourism products using technology, innovation, and world-class customer service. In the long term, these interventions aim to help young people secure self-employment and sustainable income.
He further revealed plans to develop a comprehensive national tourism and events calendar, capturing all major activities—including national events and entertainment programmes—to serve both local and international audiences and contribute to national development.
Prof. Mensah also noted that the beauty of the city, especially at night, offers refreshing and captivating scenery for visitors seeking authentic urban experiences.
He reiterated the urgent need to upgrade tourism-related infrastructure and enhance human capacity to meet the demands of this multi-million-dollar industry, which he believes remains underutilized.
Reflecting on his first nine months in office, Prof. Mensah disclosed the significant challenges he encountered, including outstanding staff salary arrears and debts that internally generated funds were insufficient to cover. Despite these difficulties, he expressed confidence in the reforms being implemented to restore stability and drive industry growth.