The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has turned to a blend of seasoned professionals, private sector stakeholders, and government officials to steer its policy direction, following the inauguration of a new Ministerial Advisory Board.
Rather than simply a ceremonial move, the inauguration signals a decisive effort by the Ministry to elevate stakeholder participation in crafting effective and inclusive policies for one of Ghana’s most culturally rich and economically promising sectors.
At the heart of this initiative is Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie, who stressed that the Board’s primary role would be to offer strategic guidance on policy formulation, operational planning, and public engagement—key tools in revitalising tourism and the creative economy post-COVID.
“With your commitment and determination to play the role assigned to you by the Civil Service Act, I can only hope that the Ministry is set to achieve the goal that underpins its creation and ultimately attain remarkable strides for our country,” the Minister said.
Bridging Government Vision and Public Input
The Advisory Board includes representatives from major ministries such as Finance, Education, Local Government, and Trade, along with leaders from civil society and the private sector—ensuring a 360-degree lens on decision-making.
Madam Gomashie emphasised that this cross-sectoral approach is not only essential for sound policy advice but also legally mandated, with a focus on aligning decisions with the operational frameworks of the Ministry’s 13 oversight agencies.
“Our decisions must take into account the laws that established these agencies. It is up to us to familiarise ourselves with them, so we can provide sound advice that shapes the sector’s direction,” she noted.
A Platform for Inclusive and Strategic Governance
Deputy Minister Yussif Jajah reinforced the Ministry’s commitment to participatory governance, saying the Advisory Board reflects Ghana’s broader civil service values of transparency, stakeholder input, and institutional collaboration.
In his remarks, Dr. Kwesi Eyison of the Ghana Tourism Federation hailed the Board’s formation as a strategic step toward deepening public-private collaboration.
“We are committed to working together to achieve the Ministry’s vision and mission,” he said, underscoring the role of the private sector in driving tourism and cultural enterprise.
Board Composition: Experience Meets Advocacy
The Board brings together a diverse set of perspectives, including:
-
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie – Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts
-
Mr. Yussif Jajah – Deputy Minister
-
Mr. Joseph Kwesi Amoah – Chief Director, MOTCCA
-
Madam Comfort Aki Dede Ashiagbor – Ministry of Education
-
Mr. Noah Tumfo – Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry
-
Mr. Richard Gyasi – Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs
-
Mr. Kwasi Adu – Ministry of Finance
-
Mr. Ahuma Bosco Ocansey – Ghana Culture Forum
-
Dr. Kwesi Eyison – Ghana Tourism Federation
-
Naa Juyoo Oshedu Woblor Jueteer Tsofayelor – Culture Advocate
Together, they are expected to play a vital role in navigating policy hurdles, crafting innovative strategies, and ensuring the Ministry leaves a sustainable legacy.
“It is a big ministry with many people who need our attention. But I believe that collectively, we can jump every hurdle,” the Minister concluded.
With tourism and the creative arts poised to become economic growth drivers, the Ministry’s move signals not only a governance milestone but a deliberate shift toward inclusive and innovation-driven sector leadership.
