4 months ago
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The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) last Thursday concluded the validation of its first-ever comprehensive sector-led tourism policy aimed at revitalising the sector and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth in Ghana.
The policy, developed after extensive consultations with stakeholders, outlines a strategic framework to enhance the tourism experience, preserve cultural heritage, and ensure environmental sustainability.
A statement by Dr Alphonse Kumaza, Ag. Director, Policy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, copied the Ghanaian Times said the Tourism Policy, which was validated in an intellectually-based workshop organised by MoTAC and partially funded by GIZ, sought to provide a “philosophical and directional blueprint” to guide all tourism activities in the country, and a framework that supports lead migration institutions on Diaspora integration and internalisation, migrants’ labour and migration governance in Ghana.
“The collaboration, between the MoTAC and GIZ, leverages the connection between the Tourism Policy and the Diaspora Policy and aligns the strengths of these policies to support and advance development-oriented migration, socio-economic growth, and development in Ghana,” the statement said.
Ghana’s approach to harnessing the potential of its Diaspora, the statement said was encapsulated in the Diaspora Engagement Policy (DEP), which was launched in December 2023. This policy is designed to foster a deeper connection and collaboration between Ghana and its global Diaspora, inspiring the return of skills and investment to the motherland.
“The ‘Year of Return’ and ‘Beyond the Return’ initiatives, which have successfully drawn the Diaspora population to Ghana, deserve a tourism sector policy that will provide a broad frame for effective Diaspora coordination, governance, and tourism activities.”
They added that the synergy between the two policies was pivotal for advancing development-oriented migration, as it created a conducive environment for the Diaspora’s contribution to national development through “remittances, knowledge transfer, and tourism promotion.”
“The DEP aims to empower the Diaspora to participate actively in Ghana’s development drive, leveraging their expertise and resources across various sectors of the national economy.”
“This policy also aligns with the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2013-27, which seeks to enhance infrastructure, diversify tourist attractions, and improve the visitor experience, thereby making tourism a key driver of economic growth and employment generation.”
Additionally, the statement added that the Tourism and Diaspora policies relationship was instrumental in diaspora engagement, as it provided a platform for Ghanaians abroad to reconnect with their roots and contribute to socio-economic growth.
“The Government’s commitment to creating a tourism sector that contributes significantly to Ghana’s GDP is demonstrated through initiatives aimed at improving service delivery and infrastructure, thus making Ghana an attractive destination for the Diaspora and international tourists.”
“The strategic inter-connection between Tourism and Diaspora policies promotes socio-economic growth, strengthens her ties with the global Ghanaian community, ensures inclusive development and benefits the country from the rich tapestry of its Diaspora’s contributions,” the statement said
BY TIMES REPORTER
