Ghana has secured a seat on the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Executive Council.
In a resounding testament to its growing influence and commitment to the global tourism landscape, Ghana garnered an impressive 17 votes out of the 20 valid votes cast during the UNWTO Commission for Africa meeting held in Mauritius.
The significance of this achievement is underscored by the fact that Ghana emerged victorious amidst a competitive field, with five other countries – Nigeria, Rwanda, Namibia, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo – also earning seats on the prestigious council, albeit with fewer votes.
The focal point of attention at the 66th UNWTO Commission for Africa meeting was undoubtedly the election of council members. The theme of the meeting, “Rethinking Tourism for Africa: Addressing global challenges; Promoting Investment and Partnerships,” aptly captured the spirit of collaboration and innovation that pervaded the discussions.
This electoral triumph is a prelude to the formal approval of the new council members at the forthcoming General Assembly meeting of the UNWTO, slated to convene in Uzbekistan this October.
The mandate of the UNWTO Executive Council is of paramount importance. This body, in conjunction with the Secretary-General, plays a pivotal role in formulating and implementing strategies aimed at amplifying the impact of tourism on a global scale.
The council’s efforts are directed towards fortifying the foundation of tourism, fostering sustainable practices, and nurturing partnerships that transcend borders.
Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, Ghana’s Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, articulated his gratitude for the trust vested in him by his fellow ministers, exemplifying the nation’s collective commitment to steer travel and tourism to the pinnacle of the global development agenda.
Dr. Awal underscored Ghana’s dedication to leveraging tourism as a potent force for positive change.
This achievement aligns harmoniously with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s directive to harness innovative strategies that propel tourism, arts, and culture towards significant contributions to national development.
The President’s vision extends to achieving the ambitious goal of welcoming two million international tourists by 2025, accompanied by an annual revenue of $6 billion.
Beyond numeric achievements, Dr. Awal emphasized the imperative of sustainable tourism practices to safeguard the environment while ensuring that local communities reap the dividends of tourism.
He also called for investments in tourism infrastructure and capacity-building along the tourism value chain for the broader goal of enhancing Africa’s competitive edge.