Last week the new administration headed by President John Dramani Mahama held its first cabinet meeting, and it was obvious after the meeting that the Minister of Tourism was not part of the list of ministers included to form the cabinet.

The exclusion of Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, from the President’s cabinet is surprising, given the critical role tourism plays in Ghana’s economy and national identity. Historically, this portfolio has been a cabinet position, and its absence raises concerns about the government's prioritisation of the sector.

Ministries That Made It to Cabinet 
The President’s cabinet comprises the following ministries and respective ministers:

• Ministry of Finance: Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson

• Ministry of the Interior: Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka

• Ministry of Health: Kwabena Mintah Akandoh

• Ministry of Defence: Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah

• Attorney General and Ministry of Justice: Dominic Akuritinga Ayine

• Ministry of Energy and Green Transition: John Abdulai Jinapor

• Ministry of Education: Haruna Iddrisu

• Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry: Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare

• Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources: Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

• Ministry of Food and Agriculture: Eric Opoku

• Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations: Samuel Nartey George

• Ministry of Roads and Highways: Kwame Governs Agbodza

• Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology: Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed

• Ministry of Works, Housing, and Water Resources: Kenneth Adjei

• Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs: Ahmed Ibrahim

• Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection: Naa Momo Lartey

• Ministry of Transport: Joseph Bukari Nikpe

• Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment: Abdul-Rashid H. Pelpuo

Tourism is a unique industry that shines a light on all others. Its success is deeply intertwined with infrastructure development, transport networks, forestry and wildlife conservation, marine resources, education, healthcare, and agriculture. When tourism thrives, it drives investment in roads and transport systems, encourages the preservation of natural ecosystems, promotes educational exchange through cultural experiences, and stimulates agribusiness by creating demand for local food and beverages.

Thus, even though it is obvious which ministry to include and which to leave out would be a tough choice for Mr. President, the tourism sector’s cross-cutting nature makes it a catalyst for holistic national development, underscoring the necessity of its inclusion in the highest decision-making body.

Reasons Why Tourism Should Have Been Included in Cabinet

There may be, and indeed there are, several arguments to be made for why tourism should have a seat at cabinet meetings, but for this conversation, let me point out six:

Tourism is a Major Economic Driver: Tourism contributes significantly to Ghana’s GDP, providing thousands of jobs and generating revenue through international arrivals, hospitality services, and cultural events. In 2019, before the pandemic, the sector contributed approximately 5.5% to Ghana’s GDP, with over 1.1 million international visitors recorded, and according to the Ghana Tourism Authority, $3.3 billion in tourism receipts. The ‘Year of Return’ and ‘Beyond the Return’ campaigns showcased Ghana’s potential as a tourism powerhouse, reinforcing the need for sustained policy attention at the highest level.

A Key Pillar for Foreign Exchange Earnings: Tourism is one of Ghana’s largest foreign exchange earners, bringing in billions of dollars annually. It rivals the cocoa, gold, and oil sectors in foreign exchange generation. Given the fluctuating prices of commodities, a strong and well-managed tourism sector provides economic diversification, ensuring stable revenue generation for the country. Excluding the sector from cabinet discussions limits its growth potential and strategic planning at the topmost level of government.

The Link Between Tourism and Infrastructure Development: Tourism is interconnected with infrastructure sectors such as transport, roads, and urban development. Many tourist sites in Ghana suffer from inadequate infrastructure, making accessibility a challenge. A tourism minister in the cabinet would ensure that policies on roads, transportation, and urban planning prioritise the needs of tourism, driving development in areas that benefit both locals and visitors.

Cultural Diplomacy and National Branding: Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and creative industries position it as a key player in global cultural diplomacy. The government’s ability to leverage tourism as a soft power tool for international engagement is crucial. Including tourism in the cabinet would ensure that it is integrated into foreign policy, investment discussions, and national branding strategies, boosting Ghana’s global image and diplomatic influence.

Job Creation and Youth Employment: The tourism and creative arts sector employs a vast number of Ghanaians, especially the youth. From tour guides and hotel staff to artists, musicians, and event organisers, the industry has a high employment multiplier effect. In a country grappling with youth unemployment, a well-funded and strategically managed tourism sector can be a game-changer. Its exclusion from the cabinet sidelines an opportunity to address one of Ghana’s most pressing economic and social challenges.

- Ghana’s Tourism is on the Rise, and Exclusion from Cabinet Sends the Wrong Signal: Ghana has gained global attention as a major African tourism hub. Events around December in Ghana, including the likes of Afro Future (Afrochella), Afro Nation, and others such as the Chale Wote Festival and the Year of Return, have significantly boosted Ghana’s reputation over the past half-decade. Keeping tourism out of cabinet sends the wrong message to stakeholders, investors, and the international travel community about Ghana’s commitment to sustaining this momentum.

Countering the Argument That Tourism Can Still Be a Priority

Some argue that the exclusion of tourism from the cabinet does not necessarily mean the government will neglect it. However, history suggests that sectors without direct representation in the cabinet often struggle to receive the same level of attention, funding, and policy advocacy. Cabinet-level representation ensures that tourism remains central in national economic discussions, rather than being relegated to a secondary role where its concerns must be filtered through other ministries.

Vision of Blackstar Experience

Ahead of the 2024 elections, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and President John Mahama indicated how tourism would be positioned as a central economic driver through the vision of the Black Star Experience. This strategy aimed to position Ghana as the premier travel destination for Africans and the diaspora, leveraging Ghana’s rich culture and heritage. Not including tourism in the current cabinet contradicts this vision and weakens the momentum built towards making Ghana a top-tier global tourism destination.

Conclusion

The absence of tourism in the cabinet lineup is a missed opportunity for economic growth, job creation, and national branding. Given its vast contributions and potential, the sector deserves a seat at the highest decision-making table. The government must reconsider this omission and ensure that tourism remains a key priority in Ghana’s national development strategy.

Ghana needs to double its tourism arrivals from the paltry circa 1 million in a short time, which must be backed by bold decisions from the top. The idea that tourism can become the number one foreign exchange earner without being in the cabinet is a mirage. However, this view is not an excuse for the Honourable Minister not to achieve her vision and objectives for tourism. The results must be achieved – Ghana must become a leading tourism destination in Africa in the areas of heritage and culture, eco-tourism, the blue economy, and MICE – regardless of whether the ministry sits in cabinet or not.

The author, COO of Digital Plugin Limited, is a media and marketing communications executive, tourism marketing and events expert, and West Africa Regional Representative of pan-African tourism advisory firm, Africa Tourism Partners. He is also a travel podcaster at the “Africa Rising Podcast”and writer of the “Explore Africa” travel column in Ghana’s Daily Graphic newspaper.