The National Treasurer of the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) is calling for capacity building for its members in order to help develop the country´s hospitality industry. Mr. Orlando Vincent Quarcoo says some members of the association do not have adequate knowledge in certain job requirements which is detrimental to the tourism industry. Mr. Quarcoo was speaking in an interview with Joy Business Report in the Eastern Regional capital, Koforidua where he said the capacity building case was key in helping to realize Ghana’s dream of becoming an international icon in the tourism sector. According to him, some bar operators lack basic skills in record keeping and simple accounting practices. This, he said, sometimes caused some members to misappropriate loans acquired to expand businesses adding that some bar operators do not keep their working environment clean enough, a situation that does not auger well for the tourism industry. The manger of the Business Development Department of Koforidua Polytechnic, Stephen Nyarko-Darbie responding to thie call said some outfits such as his, are coming out with several workshops aimed at building the capacities of these businesses. The workshop, according to him, comprises basic accounting practices, record keeping, customer care and other relevant areas. He added that this move would help expand these businesses in order to absorb those being trained in the Polytechnics in the near future. Story by Benjamin Henaku