The Car Rental Association of Ghana (CRAG) has officially submitted a detailed proposal to the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Dzifa Abla Gomashie, aimed at fostering stronger collaboration between the car rental industry and the tourism sector.
The presentation, held at the Ministry’s office in Accra, brought together key stakeholders from CRAG and officials from the Ministry. Discussions focused on innovative strategies to enhance tourist mobility and improve service delivery within Ghana’s travel and hospitality ecosystem.
CRAG’s proposal outlines a strategic plan to integrate licensed car rental services into the country’s broader tourism infrastructure. It emphasizes the vital role of safe, reliable, and professional transport in shaping positive visitor experiences—particularly for international tourists visiting cultural heritage sites, eco-tourism destinations, and urban attractions across Ghana.
The document also advocates for targeted policy reforms. These include streamlining licensing procedures, raising road safety standards, and promoting the use of digital booking platforms within the car rental sector.
During the meeting, CRAG President and CEO of St. Michael Car Rentals, Michael Sarpong, reiterated the association’s commitment to contributing to Ghana’s tourism growth.
“A regulated and empowered car rental industry can play a major role in driving tourism by providing safety, convenience, and accessibility for travelers. Our proposal is a call for innovation and partnership,” he said.
He added that CRAG members are eager to collaborate with the Ghana Tourism Authority on joint promotional campaigns and training initiatives for drivers.
In her response, Minister Dzifa Gomashie praised CRAG for its proactive approach. She acknowledged the central role transport plays within the tourism value chain and expressed the Ministry’s openness to reviewing the proposal and exploring potential collaborations.
“Tourism is inherently multi-sectoral, and transport is a key enabler,” she noted. “We welcome CRAG’s initiative and look forward to working together to improve travel experiences for both domestic and international visitors.”
The proposal also recommends the creation of a national car rental registry, the introduction of a standardized code of conduct for operators, and the establishment of designated pick-up and drop-off points at major tourist sites and airports. According to CRAG, these steps will help professionalize the industry and enhance Ghana’s image as a well-organized, tourist-friendly destination.
As Ghana continues to position itself as a leading tourism hub in West Africa, this proposed partnership between CRAG and the Ministry could significantly modernize the nation’s transport infrastructure and elevate service standards. The association has pledged to follow up with technical consultations and stakeholder workshops in the coming months to refine the proposal and support its successful implementation.