Ghana Tourism CEO Explains Difference Between Ghana Tourism Authority and GTDC
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), Prof. Kobby Mensah, has clarified the difference between the roles of the Ghana Tourism Authority and his organisation.
Speaking on Daybreak Hitz, Prof. Mensah described the Ghana Tourism Authority as the “mother agency” in the sector.
He explained that the authority was initially established as a board before transitioning into its current structure, serving as the regulatory and compliance body for the tourism sector.
“The Ghana Tourism Authority is responsible for certification, compliance, and the regulatory framework,” he said, adding that the authority monitors standards and ensures that tourism operators meet required regulations.
Prof. Mensah further noted that the authority also promotes Ghana as a tourism destination by projecting the country’s culture and attractions to the international community.
“They go out there to tell people that we are Ghanaians and this is what we do so they should come to Ghana, while also ensuring that tourism operators comply with quality standards and their responsibilities to the state,” he explained.
In contrast, he said, the Ghana Tourism Development Company focuses primarily on the commercialisation aspect of tourism.
“The company operates as the commercial arm of the ministry by taking tourism products and services to the market and selling them to potential customers,” he said.
Prof. Mensah also highlighted that the company works to attract private investment into tourism-related projects. While the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre plays a broader role in attracting investors to the country, the Tourism Development Company specifically targets investment in tourism initiatives.
He emphasized that both institutions play complementary roles in strengthening and expanding Ghana’s tourism industry.
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