The Ghana Hotels Association (GHA) is renewing its call for a fairer allocation of the Tourism Development Fund as part of activities to mark its 50th anniversary.
GHA Criticizes Current Fund Distribution
During a press briefing on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, the Association’s President, Dr. Edward Ackah Nyamike Jr., described the current structure under the Tourism Act, 2011 (Act 817) as unfair and outdated. He argued that hotels collect the levy but receive no direct support from the Fund.
“It’s not sustainable for hotels to collect the levy diligently and receive nothing in return,” he said. He urged the Ministry of Tourism and its agencies to revise the arrangement and make it more inclusive.
Hotels Struggle to Access the Fund
The Tourism Development Fund is financed through a 1% levy on services provided by tourism enterprises. The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) manages the fund. However, hoteliers have long argued that they struggle to benefit from it due to complex procedures and unclear guidelines.
GHA believes hotels, as the main collectors, should receive support—especially in areas like staff training, facility upgrades, and COVID-19 recovery. Dr. Ackah Nyamike called for reforms to simplify access and increase transparency.
GTA Responds to GHA’s Concerns
GTA’s Deputy CEO of Operations, Mr. Ekow Sampson, acknowledged the Association’s concerns. He clarified that while the levy is paid by patrons, hotels play a major role in collecting it and deserve recognition.
“You have a genuine case, and we’re working on it,” he assured. “Though patrons pay the levy, the hotels ensure it’s collected, and that role matters.”
He also noted the sector’s growth—from 580 hospitality establishments in 1996 to over 5,000 today. He credited the GHA for its significant contribution to this growth.
GTDC Introduces Local Booking Platform
Professor Kobby Mensah, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), emphasized the need to digitize the sector’s infrastructure. He announced plans to launch the Ghana Tourism Marketplace, a local online platform that will reduce reliance on foreign travel agencies.
“We’ve let foreign platforms control our revenue for too long. That’s changing,” he said. “Our homegrown platform will not require registration or subscription fees.”
Celebrating 50 Years of Advocacy
Founded in 1975, the Ghana Hotels Association has championed the interests of hoteliers nationwide. Its golden jubilee celebration will include health walks, blood donations, regional tours, stakeholder meetings, and a grand durbar in December.
Dr. Ackah Nyamike concluded by stating that the anniversary is a time for both celebration and advocacy.
“We want to mark our journey with pride and also push for a new chapter—one where hotels are seen not just as collectors but as true partners in tourism development,” he said.