The Ghana Tourism Authority is the public service agency in charge of regulating tourism in Ghana through marketing and promotion, licensing and classification of tourism facilities and services, research and development. The Authority replaced the Ghana Tourist Board in 2011 as the organisation that promotes tourism, with a specific focus on sustainable tourism. Its aim is to see Ghana become the ‘tourism capital’ of West Africa and for tourism to become the leading sector of the economy. The Ghana Tourism Authority was established by Tourism Act, 2011 (Act 817) as the main implementing body of the Ministry of Tourism.
As the implementing agency of tourism policies its functions include:
- The regulation of tourism enterprises namely accommodation, catering, travel and charter operations through registration, inspection, licensing and classification.
- The promotion and marketing of Tourism, both in Ghana and outside Ghana, including the publication of tourism publicity and promotional materials, and participation in fairs and exhibitions.
- Carrying out research and studies on trends in the tourism industry both at home and abroad to aid decision and policy-making.
- Facilitating the development of tourist facilities and products.
The mission of the Ghana Tourism Authority is to ensure sustainable tourism development through the creation of an enabling environment for the provision of quality tourism facilities and services for the travelling public with a well-qualified, highly motivated and dedicated work force and thereby promoting tourism to become the leading sector of the economy.
Operational departments of the Board and their responsibilities are:
Marketing
- Promoting and marketing the country as a tourist destination in Ghana’s overseas and regional markets.
- Promoting domestic tourism and creating awareness of the benefits of tourism.
- Developing strategies for effective marketing and promotion.
- Regulating the business of Travel, Tour and Car Rental Agencies and Charter Operations through registration and licensing.
Research, statistics and information
Carrying out research and studying trends in the tourism industry in order to:
- Segment the market as a guide to the marketing of Ghana’s tourist products
- Provide information on Market Trends for strategic and effective marketing.
- Inform Policy Decision and Direction with respect to Tourism Planning, Development and Promotion
Julius Debrah
Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority
Julius Debrah attended the University of Ghana and achieved a BA in Archaelogy/Sociology (2005-08). As well as being the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Debrah is the Eastern Regional chairmen of the National Democratic Congress.
