Dr Edward Ackah-Nyamike, President of the Ghana Hotels Association (GHA), has called on the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts to reinstate the Public–Private Partnership Forum (PPPF), as mandated under the Tourism Act.
He warned that the forum’s absence has fueled perceptions that the Ministry is prioritising creative arts over tourism and hospitality.
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Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, Dr Ackah-Nyamike explained that the PPPF was designed to provide a quarterly platform for the Minister to meet industry players, discuss challenges, update policies, and address concerns affecting the tourism sector.
“If the minister is meeting industry players every quarter, any outstanding issues or concerns facing the sector will be raised for clarification. But without these regular engagements, people form their own impressions, and that is what is happening now,” he said.
The GHA President noted that stakeholders feel the creative industry is receiving more attention, citing initiatives such as the National Theatre project and the GH¢20 million Creative Arts Fund.
While these perceptions may not reflect the Ministry’s actual priorities, the lack of the PPPF means tourism and hospitality players are not receiving timely updates.
Dr Ackah-Nyamike also highlighted concerns regarding the Tourism Development Fund, stating that the PPPF would provide a platform to explain government’s allocation and utilisation of the fund since its inception in 2012.
He emphasised that tourism thrives on consistent public–private collaboration and warned that without regular engagement, the sector risks losing direction and momentum.
“The PPPF is an official monitoring and communication system. If the Minister cannot attend a meeting, the deputy should, and if not the deputy, then the Chief Director. What is important is that the updates must continue,” he stressed.
Restoring the forum, he said, would ensure industry players are aware of the Ministry’s focus, funding priorities, and investments, fostering harmony, confidence, and stronger collaboration within the sector.
