Akwasi Agyeman, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), has stepped down from his role after eight years of transformative leadership. Since assuming office in January 2017, Mr. Agyeman has overseen the remarkable growth and recovery of Ghana’s tourism sector, even through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, international tourist arrivals soared from 355,108 in 2020 to 1,148,002 in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Domestic tourism also experienced significant growth, with visitor numbers rising from 456,000 in 2017 to 1.4 million in 2023.
During his tenure, Mr. Agyeman led the rehabilitation and redevelopment of key tourist sites and cultural landmarks, such as the Kintampo Waterfalls, Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm, Salaga Slave Market, and Bonwire Kente Museum. These efforts boosted Ghana’s appeal as a leading destination for both domestic and international tourists. He also spearheaded landmark initiatives like “The Year of Return” and “December in Ghana,” which positioned the country as a premier global destination for heritage and holiday tourism.
Mr. Agyeman championed innovation and capacity building within the tourism sector, introducing the National Tourism Destination Single Window Project and the “Visit Ghana” App to promote digital transformation. He also oversaw the training of over 3,000 individuals in customer service, digital marketing, and tourism product development under the Ghana CARES Obaatanpa Initiative. His initiatives significantly enhanced service delivery and tourism promotion, contributing to the sector’s sustainable growth.
Upon his departure, Mr. Agyeman handed over responsibilities to Otto Langmane, the Acting Chief Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Ekow Sampson, Deputy CEO in charge of Operations. His legacy as a visionary leader remains evident in the strides Ghana’s tourism industry has made during his tenure.
