Culture
GTA Holds First Tourism Stakeholders’ Engagement for 2026; CEO Maame Efua Houadjeto Signals Deeper Collaboration and Industry Training Focus
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has officially kicked off its 2026 engagement calendar with a high-level stakeholders’ meeting, bringing together key players across Ghana’s tourism value chain to set the tone for the year ahead.
The engagement, the first of its kind for the year, was attended by representatives from across the tourism industry, including hospitality operators, tour operators, event promoters, cultural and heritage stakeholders, and allied service providers. Also present were all three Deputy Chief Executive Officers of the Ghana Tourism Authority, alongside Directors and senior management from the GTA Head Office.
In her address, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto, underscored the Authority’s commitment to deeper, more structured stakeholder engagement in 2026, stressing that collaboration remains critical to sustaining the gains made in recent years.
“This year, our engagement with industry stakeholders will be more deliberate, more consistent, and more results-driven,” Maame Efua Houadjeto stated.
“Tourism cannot grow in silos. Our focus is to work closely with stakeholders, listen more, align better, and build a sector that is professional, competitive, and globally respected.”
She further highlighted that 2026 will place strong emphasis on capacity building and training across the tourism industry, aimed at improving service delivery, operational standards, and overall visitor experience nationwide.
“Training is no longer optional. To protect Ghana’s tourism brand and remain competitive, we must continuously upgrade skills, improve service delivery, and professionalise every layer of the sector,” she noted.
“The Ghana Tourism Authority will prioritise targeted training programmes to support industry players and raise standards across the board.”

Reflecting on recent successes, the CEO referenced the impact of December in GH, describing it as clear evidence of what is possible when public and private sector stakeholders work together with shared purpose. She stressed, however, that the focus for 2026 is consolidation—moving decisively from momentum to sustainability.
The engagement also outlined key priority areas for the year, including strengthening December in GH as a structured tourism economy, deepening heritage and cultural tourism, expanding domestic tourism initiatives, enforcing standards and compliance, and driving innovation through strategic partnerships.
Participants welcomed the engagement and reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the Authority to grow the sector, create jobs, and enhance Ghana’s position as a preferred tourism destination.
The Ghana Tourism Authority reiterated its resolve to maintain open and consistent engagement with stakeholders throughout the year, as it works to build a resilient, inclusive, and high-performing tourism industry for Ghana.
#GhTourismReset
#BlackStarExpetience
Culture
MR. Richard Commey Fio is no longer the Ag. Deputy DIrector of National Commision On Culture – Update Website
The digital department of the National Commission on Culture must be up to date and work effectively in discharging their duties.
In this era of digital age, and especially a government agency like National Commission On Culture, they should be updating their website to meet the current situation.
A thorough check on the website by Kpdonline.net reveals that Mr Fio Richardson Commey (PhD) is still posted as the Ag Deputy Executive Director of the Commission. This means his personal data (picture, name, and designation) is still on the website of the Commission and not deleted. Mr Fio Richardson Commey is no longer a staff and the Ag.Deputy Executive Director of NCC. He is currently serving as the Special Aide/ Special Assistant to Honourable Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts.
Kpdonline.net can confirm that a letter dated on the 30th of July 2025 was written to the Acting Executive Director, Mr Wakefield Wisdom Ackuaku, requested immediate deletion of his personal data on the NCC website. This has fallen into deaf ears.
The agency led by Mr Wakefield Ackuako should up their game by being proactive in discharging their duties. Kpdonline.net is still playing its watch dog role and will monitor to see the changes done.
Report by kpdonline.net.
Culture
Vice President Launches Revised National Cultural Policy to Drive Heritage Preservation and Creative Economy Growth
The Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has officially launched Ghana’s revised National Cultural Policy, describing it as a transformative framework aimed at preserving the nation’s rich cultural heritage while promoting economic growth through the cultural and creative industries.
The launch ceremony took place at the National Theatre in Accra on June 8, 2026, bringing together key stakeholders from the arts, culture and creative sectors.
The revised policy serves as a strategic roadmap for safeguarding Ghana’s cultural identity and harnessing the potential of the cultural and creative industries to create jobs, stimulate innovation and drive social transformation.
The new policy replaces the previous Cultural Policy, which was introduced in 2004. It has been aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, positioning culture as a central pillar of Ghana’s national development agenda.
Addressing participants at the launch, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang called on stakeholders across the cultural and creative sectors to collaborate in ensuring the successful implementation of the policy.
“Let this launch mark the beginning of a bold new chapter in Ghana’s cultural journey. Let us come together—government, traditional authorities, the youth and the diaspora—to unlock the full potential of culture and creativity. We must build a nation that draws strength from its heritage, creates opportunities through innovation, and projects its voice with confidence and influence on the global stage,” she stated.
The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, noted that the revised policy is the outcome of seven years of extensive stakeholder consultations. According to her, the framework is designed to support creative entrepreneurs, attract cultural investments and ensure the integration of culture into national development planning.
Work on the revised National Cultural Policy began seven years ago, involving broad consultations with stakeholders across the country.
The policy covers key thematic areas including culture and heritage, culture and society, culture and governance, culture and the economy, culture and technology, as well as oversight, implementation and regulatory mechanisms.
The launch reaffirms Ghana’s commitment to leveraging culture as a catalyst for sustainable development, heritage preservation, economic empowerment and enhanced engagement with the global cultural community.

Culture
Christian Council Backs Mahama’s Decision to Review Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill
The Christian Council of Ghana has expressed support for President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to subject the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, widely known as the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, to further constitutional and legal review before taking a final decision on it.
President Mahama, during a recent visit to the United Kingdom, indicated that the proposed legislation would undergo additional scrutiny to ensure it complies with all constitutional requirements before any action is taken regarding assent.
Speaking in an interview with Citi News, the Christian Council’s Coordinator for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Rev. Jehodia Godwin Amuzu, described the President’s approach as prudent and in line with his constitutional mandate.
According to Rev. Amuzu, the President has a responsibility to seek legal guidance and ensure the bill can withstand any potential constitutional challenge.
“The President, as Head of State, must allow his advisers to thoroughly examine the bill to ensure it satisfies all constitutional requirements. Otherwise, the legislation could be challenged in court and struck down,” he stated.
He urged Ghanaians to remain patient and allow due process to take its course.
“We must appreciate that this is how democracy works. Decisions of this nature cannot be made arbitrarily. We should give the President the benefit of the doubt and allow the constitutional processes to be completed,” he added.
Rev. Amuzu further disclosed that during previous engagements with religious leaders, President Mahama had indicated his willingness to assent to the bill once it is presented to him.
“He assured us that when the bill reaches his desk, he will assent to it. However, from the indications we are receiving, the scrutiny is necessary because the bill is not government-sponsored. The aim is to ensure it is legally sound and fit for purpose,” he explained.
The Christian Council official also welcomed recent calls by Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin for lawmakers to revisit the bill, describing the ongoing public discourse as a positive feature of democratic governance.
“I believe this is healthy for our democracy. We are not operating under an authoritarian system. Democracy thrives on participation, dialogue and accountability. Citizens have every right to take an interest in matters before Parliament and government, while ensuring that the necessary checks and balances are maintained,” he said.
His comments come amid renewed public debate over the future of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill and the respective roles of Parliament and the Executive in determining its eventual outcome.
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