The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has called for stronger policy reforms and increased investment to address gender gaps in Africa’s tourism sector.
She made the call at a ministerial roundtable during the second UN Tourism Regional Congress on Women Empowerment in Tourism in Africa held at Elephant Hills Hotel in Zimbabwe.
She said women form a large part of Ghana’s tourism workforce, especially in hospitality, food services and cultural enterprises, but are still not well represented in leadership and decision-making roles.
She noted that shifting this pattern requires firm policy action rather than gradual changes.
She said her ministry has taken steps to promote inclusion by ensuring women are part of official delegations and leadership spaces.
She pointed to her decision to travel with senior female professionals, including the head of the Ghana Tourism Authority, as part of efforts to lead by example.
The minister outlined measures being implemented to improve access to finance and skills training for women.
“These include funding programmes and support for women-led businesses at the community level to help them grow within the tourism value chain,” she said.
She, however, said many women face challenges moving from mid-level roles into leadership positions. She explained that addressing this gap was necessary to achieve gender balance in the sector.
The minister also highlighted the role of culture and heritage in Ghana’s tourism industry.
She said women play a major part in festivals, food production, fashion and hospitality, and added that providing training and international exposure would strengthen their contribution to national development.
Drawing on her experience in the sector, she described limited funding and institutional support as ongoing challenges. She called for increased government investment, saying the sector has the capacity to create jobs and contribute more to the economy.
Madam Gomashie also encouraged the use of digital platforms, including social media, to help young people, especially women, access opportunities in tourism and the creative space.
She urged policymakers across Africa to adopt practical measures that will reduce gender gaps and expand opportunities for women in tourism.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
