Tourism Ministry Inaugurates Advisory Board to Enhance Sector Policies

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has inaugurated its Ministerial Advisory Board to improve policy direction and strengthen collaboration with stakeholders in the sector. 

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony on Tuesday, the Minister, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, stated that the board’s role is outlined in Sections 39 and 40 of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (Act 327).

She stressed the need for the Ministry’s operations to follow legal and policy guidelines.  She lauded the expertise of the new board members and reaffirmed the Ministry’s focus on inclusive governance.

“Our Ministry manages 13 agencies, and we must ensure decisions are based on legal frameworks to work together effectively,” she said. 

She added that the board will help drive national development through tourism, culture, and creative arts. 

As part of restructuring efforts, the Minister announced new appointments to key positions. “Mr. Divine Owusu Ansah is now Director for Culture, and Dr. Tamakloe will serve as Director for Tourism. A Director for Creative Arts will be appointed soon,” she said. 

On his part, the Chief Director, Mr. Joseph Kwasi Amoah, welcomed the board members and acknowledged delays in setting up the board due to logistical issues.

He thanked them for their patience and said the Ministry was now ready to proceed. 

“Without the board, we lacked necessary guidance. We appreciate your dedication and look forward to working together,” he said. 

The board includes representatives from government ministries and industry organizations. Members are Mr Yussif Issaka Jajah, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts; Mr. Joseph Kwasi Amoah, Chief Director of MoTCCA; Comfort Aki Dede Ashiagbor from the Ministry of Education; Mr. Noah Tumfo from the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry; Mr. Richard Gyasi from the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development; Mr. Kwasi Adu from the Ministry of Finance; Mr. Ahuma Bosco Ocansey of the Ghana Culture Forum; Dr. Kwasi Eyison of the Ghana Tourism Federation; and Naa Juyoo Oshedu Woblor Jueteer Tsofayelor, a cultural advocate and queen mother.

Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD