In a period when Ghana is poised to maximise revenue from its December tourism boom, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) is embroiled in a public dispute between its top executives. Deputy Chief Executive Abeiku Santana, formerly Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, has written to Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie alleging delays in consultations with Chief Executive Maame Efua Houadjeto. The CEO has rebutted the claim and outlined measures to improve coordination.
Both leaders were appointed by President John Dramani Mahama to inject creative energy and industry networks into the GTA. Their public disagreement, however, projects an institution unable to speak with one voice at a critical commercial window. December is Ghana’s most lucrative tourism season, with festivals, hospitality, aviation and creative arts all riding on seamless promotion and partnership approvals.
While neither executive should be blamed for voicing concerns, professionalism demands that personal grievances be set aside for the national interest. The GTA’s reputation as a custodian of Ghana’s tourism ambitions is at stake, as investors, operators and partners look for stability and confidence.
The board and Tourism Minister Gomashie must intervene decisively, adopting the CEO’s proposed coordination measures to restore trust and ensure the sector delivers results. Ghana cannot market itself as a world‑class destination while its tourism leadership appears mired in an internal cold war.
What follows is a test of whether both executives can put ego aside, rebuild confidence and steer the GTA toward a successful December season that meets the country’s economic and international aspirations.
