Akwasi Agyeman, the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), has stepped down after a significant term in office. He was appointed in January 2017 and guided the GTA through challenging periods.
His choice to depart comes in the wake of a series of comparable departures by executives of governmental institutions following the presidential election on December 7. Two significant resignations are those of Julie Essiam, the previous Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and Sammi Awuku, the former CEO of the National Lottery Authority.
Under his leadership, the number of foreign tourists exceeded pre-pandemic figures, increasing from 355,108 in 2020 to 1,148,002 in 2023. There was a notable increase in the number of domestic tourists, growing from 456,000 in 2017 to 1.4 million in 2023.
Mr. Agyeman oversaw the enhancement of well-known tourist attractions such as the Kintampo Waterfalls, Kwahu Paragliding Site, Bunso Eco Park, Denkyira Kyekyewere Eco Park, Tano Boase Sacred Grove, Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm, and Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary.
He advocated for the advancement of technology through the introduction of the Visit Ghana App and the National Tourism Destination Single Window Project. Additionally, in line with his commitment to capacity building, the Ghana CARES Obaatanpa Initiative has provided training to over 3,069 individuals in digital marketing, customer service, and tourism product development.
Throughout his tenure, Mr. Agyeman introduced innovative initiatives such as “The Year of Return” and “December in Ghana,” which established Ghana as a favoured travel destination.
Mr Agyeman handed over his responsibilities to Ekow Sampson, the Deputy CEO overseeing Operations, and Otto Langmane, the Acting Chief Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.