Ghana’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, H.E. Mrs Regina Appiah-Sam, has formally presented her Letters of Credence to the Secretary-General of UN Tourism, Mr Zurab Pololikashvili, at the organisation’s headquarters in Madrid.

The presentation signifies Ghana’s continued commitment to strengthening its role within the global tourism community.

Upon receiving her credentials, Secretary-General Pololikashvili congratulated Ambassador Appiah-Sam on her new role as Ghana’s Permanent Representative to UN Tourism. He noted that their discussions focused on practical areas of collaboration, including the expansion of training opportunities, increased tourism-related investment in Ghana, and a deeper engagement between Ghana and the organisation.

“We discussed expanding training opportunities, attracting investment in tourism, and strengthening Ghana’s engagement with UN Tourism,” he stated in a post on X.

Ambassador Appiah-Sam conveyed warm greetings from President John Dramani Mahama and the Government of Ghana. She emphasised the critical importance of tourism to Ghana’s economy, noting its contribution to cultural exchange, job creation, and national development. She commended the Secretary-General for his leadership and for the attention UN Tourism has given to Africa, especially in promoting sustainable growth and regional cooperation.

The Ambassador reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to cultural diplomacy through tourism, highlighting the nation’s unique position as a gateway to Africa and the African diaspora. She referenced Ghana’s rich heritage, historical sites, and the growing interest in initiatives such as heritage tourism and major international events like “December in GH”, which continue to draw visitors from around the world.

Ghana, a founding member of UN Tourism, currently serves on the organisation’s Executive Council and remains actively involved in policy discussions that shape the future of global travel and tourism. Ambassador Appiah-Sam expressed Ghana’s readiness to pursue new avenues of partnership, particularly in capacity building, digital innovation, and youth development within the tourism sector.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to strengthen institutional ties and explore opportunities that will support Ghana’s tourism ambitions. Through enhanced collaboration with UN Tourism, Ghana aims to boost its international profile, attract investment, and further position itself as a leading destination in Africa.

Ambassador Appiah-Sam’s accreditation marks a reaffirmation of Ghana’s determination to play a more prominent role in the international tourism arena, while promoting its cultural legacy and economic aspirations on the world stage.