Akwasi Agyeman has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) after overseeing a period of significant growth and transformation in the country’s tourism sector.

Appointed in January 2017, Agyeman guided the GTA through several challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, the sector experienced a remarkable recovery. International tourist arrivals surged from 355,108 in 2020 to 1,148,002 in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Domestic tourism also saw considerable growth, with the number of visitors rising from 456,000 in 2017 to 1.4 million in 2023.

Agyeman’s tenure included the rehabilitation of key tourist sites such as Kintampo Waterfalls, Kwahu Paragliding Site, and Bunso Eco Park. He also oversaw the redevelopment of cultural landmarks like the Accra Tourist Information Centre and the Nationalism Park, while spearheading major initiatives like “The Year of Return” and “December in Ghana,” which helped position Ghana as a leading holiday destination.

Additionally, Agyeman embraced digital innovation, launching the National Tourism Destination Single Window Project and the Visit Ghana App. His commitment to capacity building also led to the training of over 3,000 individuals in areas such as customer service, digital marketing, and tourism product development through the Ghana CARES Obaatanpa Initiative.

Agyeman has handed over his responsibilities to Otto Langmane, Acting Chief Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, and Ekow Sampson, the Deputy CEO in charge of Operations. His resignation follows a wave of departures from heads of state institutions after the December 7 Presidential Election, including Sammi Awuku, former CEO of the National Lottery Authority, and Julie Essiam, former Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority.

Source:TheDotNews