The Ghana Hotels Association (GHA) has called on the government to enforce mandatory membership for all hospitality agencies in professional associations, aiming to enhance standards and security within the industry.

The appeal was made by the President of the GHA, Dr. Edward Ackah-Nyamike, during the opening ceremony of the Association’s 13th Biennial Congress.

This year’s Congress of the Ghana Hotels Association (GHA) not only reflects five decades of the Association’s impact but also sets the stage for continued collaboration and development within Ghana’s vibrant tourism and hospitality landscape.

The event in Kumasi highlighted the Association’s enduring commitment to advancing hospitality and its significant role in Ghana’s economy and tourism sector.

It provided a platform for national officers to present reports, engage with delegates, plan strategic initiatives for the coming years, and conduct elections for new national executives who will steer the Association for the next four years.

The President of the Association, Dr. Edward Ackah-Nyamike, speaking at the event, urged the government to enforce mandatory membership in hospitality associations, arguing that such a policy would strengthen guest security, comfort, and safety across the industry.

“As we speak, there are a lot of hotels who are outside the membership of the two main hotel associations of Ghana. We’ve been pushing for government to make it for every hotel to belong as the security, comfort and safety of our guests is concerned,” he explained.

Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, assured of the government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the operations and service standards within the hospitality and tourism industries.

He emphasized the government’s support for policies that foster growth and quality in the sector.

“As government, we will be with you throughout your programs and policies to make sure that whatever support you need, we provide it so that the hospitality industry can grow. To that end, government is making effort to help in providing the appropriate infrastructure that will enhance the outlook of the hospitality industry, he explained.”

Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Richard Asiedu, addressed concerns raised by hospitality agencies regarding the rapid depletion of prepaid electricity meters.

He announced a scheduled meeting to find solutions to these pressing utility issues.

“The major issue with tariffs in Ghana today is about the fast depletion of prepaid meters. We have received a lot of complaints around the country on this issue. The good news is that this morning the executive secretary has summoned the management of electricity company of Ghana in Accra and their working to resolve the issue,” he emphasized.

The Congress was attended by Tepahene, Nana Adusei Atwenewah Ampem I, national officers, regional delegates, as well as representatives from regional regulatory agencies including the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PURC, the Ghana Tourism Federation and other key stakeholders.