Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey Santana, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), has been appointed to the strategic management team of the newly formed Cruise West Africa Alliance.
The alliance, established during the recently concluded Global Seatrade Cruise Exhibition and Conference in Miami, Florida, aims to promote cruise tourism along the West African coast.
Comprising four member countries—Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia—the Cruise West Africa Alliance seeks to position the sub-region as a united cruise destination, thereby boosting the tourism industry across all member nations.
Mr. Santana joins a three-member strategic management team alongside Mr. Aileya Alie Kargbo from The Gambia and Mr. David DiGregorio from Sierra Leone. Together, they will lead the alliance’s efforts to advance cruise tourism in the region.
In a post-appointment interview, Mr. Aggrey stressed the importance of regional collaboration to grow cruise tourism. He emphasized the alliance’s focus on pooling resources, improving infrastructure, and developing a joint marketing strategy to attract more cruise lines and tourists to West Africa.
He noted that the region’s vast potential—rich cultural heritage, scenic coastlines, and ecological diversity—makes it a prime destination for cruise tourism, and that this initiative is key to unlocking those opportunities.
Beyond tourism, Mr. Aggrey highlighted the potential economic benefits, including job creation and support for local businesses. He urged stakeholders in the sector to unite in making West Africa a strong contender in the global cruise tourism market.
Ghana, which has become an increasingly popular destination for cruise ships, is expected to welcome vessels such as Crystal Symphony, Swan Hellenic Cruises, and Oceanic Nautical Shore at its ports in the coming months.