Renowned Ghanaian musician, Samini, has urged stakeholders of Ghana’s creative industry to conduct a SWOT analysis to ascertain the industry’s current state and decide the way forward.

Samini made this call while delivering a speech at the inaugural Presidential Summit on Tourism 2023, which was held on May 31 at the Peduase Lodge under the theme, ‘Rethinking Tourism for Economic Growth and Job Creation’.

The event brought together key stakeholders from the Ghanaian creative industry to discuss the state of the sector and strategize a way forward.

Elaborating the proposal he put forward regarding the need to conduct a SWOT analysis, Samini pointed out that this would enable stakeholders to understand the industry’s current state, identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and ultimately determine the path forward.

Samini further explained that to shape the future of the tourism and creative space, formulation of clear plans and policies must be prioritized. By outlining a strategic framework, the industry could overcome challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

In addressing the audience, Samini presented his speech titled ‘The Seven Gold Coins’, which highlighted essential factors crucial for the industry’s success. He emphasized the importance of strategic collaborations among stakeholders across the continent with the aim to harness Africa’s rich cultural heritage, and position it to meet and compete with global standards.

Recognizing the significance of training and development, Samini highlighted the need for continuous skill enhancement in the tourism sector. The current GIMPA SRC President stressed that, investing in training programs for tour guides especially, would equip these professionals with the necessary tools to deliver exceptional experiences to tourists visiting Ghana.

He also called for concerted efforts to make tourism more appealing and attractive to the youth. By tapping into their creativity and leveraging digital platforms, Samini believes the sector could capture the attention of young people and instill a sense of pride in Ghana’s cultural identity.

In his closing remarks, Samini touched on the significance of consistent and constructive dialogues between the government and the private sector. This collaboration would foster effective growth in Ghana’s tourism and creative industries, paving the way for sustainable development and job creation.

The event was attended by high-profile personalities including the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare; Dr Awal Mohammed, the Minister of Tourism; Mark Okraku Mantey, the Deputy Tourism Minister; Kwasi Agyeman, the CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority; Okyeame Kwame, Ken Agyapong Jnr. among other industry players.

The maiden Presidential Summit on Tourism 2023 served as a landmark event, emphasizing the commitment of the Ghanaian government and industry stakeholders to revitalize the tourism sector.