The Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) has selected new leadership to direct its affairs for the next two years.
At the election held in Accra at the Coconut Grove Regency Hotel, Seth Yeboah Ocran—Founder and Executive Chair of Yoks Investment Limited—was elected President after receiving 68 of the 72 votes cast.
Meanwhile, Isaac Sackey from the Chefs Association of Ghana was elected Vice-President, narrowly defeating Patricia Owusu-Darko of the Institute of Hospitality by 37 to 35 votes.
All 15 trade associations affiliated with GHATOF participated in this election, each represented by five delegates. The process was supervised by an independent electoral committee and observed by officials of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).
In his acceptance speech, Ocran thanked the members for their support and described the result as a victory for all stakeholders in Ghana’s tourism industry. He acknowledged his predecessor’s efforts and pledged to build on that legacy by focusing on innovation, resilience and collaboration.
Looking ahead, Ocran set out a vision that emphasises increased visibility, policy reform, sustainability and digital transformation for Ghana’s tourism sector—now celebrating its 30th anniversary under GHATOF’s banner. Key initiatives will include a national awareness campaign, integration of certification systems, combating plastic pollution, improving customer service and driving tourism digitalisation.
He also committed to strengthening partnerships with government and industry bodies including the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts, the Ghana Tourism Authority, the National House of Chiefs, the Ghana Police Service, the National Media Commission and the Ghana Journalists Association. Additionally, his administration will support small- and medium-sized tourism enterprises and domestic tourism programmes such as the “Black Star Experience”.
At the event, the ministry’s Director of Policy Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring & Evaluation, Dr Alphonse Kumaza, on behalf of the minister, commended GHATOF for its consistent leadership and collaboration. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to further partnership so that Ghana’s tourism, culture and creative economy can thrive.