The Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) has elected a new executive council to steer the affairs of the country’s private tourism sector for the next two years.

The election, held at the Coconut Grove Hotel in Accra, brought together major stakeholders from the hospitality, leisure, and tourism industries.

Formed in 1995, GHATOF represents over 25 trade associations, including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, caterers, and tour guides. The Federation serves as the umbrella body for private sector players in Ghana’s tourism value chain and contributes one percent of industry earnings to the National Tourism Fund, which supports training and promotion initiatives.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Director of Policy Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Dr. Alphonse Kumaza, said the elections demonstrate unity and continuity within Ghana’s tourism ecosystem.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deepening collaboration with GHATOF to boost tourism development.

After the ballots were counted, Seth Yeboah Okran emerged as the new President of GHATOF. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Okran outlined his four-point vision to transform Ghana’s tourism landscape, focusing on environmental protection, customer-service certification, cultural preservation, and security in the tourism sector.

“We find single-use plastics everywhere, from our food packaging to our beaches, and it’s harming both our health and the environment. We’ll partner with local producers of eco-friendly materials to promote cleaner surroundings and sustainable tourism.”

He also announced plans to establish a Tourism Brigade across all 261 districts, an initiative expected to create over 26,000 jobs to help enforce hygiene and service standards nationwide.

“If every restaurant, chop bar, and hotel maintains the same level of standards, tourists can eat anywhere in Ghana with confidence.”

Mr. Okran further pledged to collaborate with traditional leaders to document and preserve Ghana’s cultural heritage and to work closely with the media and the Ghana Police Service to enhance the country’s tourism image and security.

“Our culture is our safari. We’ll work with the chieftaincy institutions and journalists to tell Ghana’s story from our own perspective,” he added.

The newly elected executives are expected to strengthen partnerships that attract investment, create jobs, and position Ghana as a preferred tourism destination in Africa.