Tourism industry representatives have expressed concern about Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, 's absence from President Mahama's Cabinet.
President John Dramani Mahama established his 19-member Cabinet on 20 February 2025, following requirements set out in Article 76(1) of the 1992 Constitution. The Cabinet does not include the tourism portfolio despite previous administrations including this position since President John Agyekum Kufuor's government.
Ghana Hotels Association President Dr Edward Ackah Nyamike Jnr told the Ghana News Agency: "This has been a source of worry to me, and I believe many industry stakeholders share this concern. We need an explanation for why the tourism ministry has been excluded from Cabinet."
Dr Nyamike emphasized that tourism connects with numerous government functions, including food, infrastructure, healthcare, education, internet access, and transportation. He stated, "I find it surprising that the Cabinet appears to question tourism's versatility."
"When tourists consider visiting Ghana, they assess security, accommodation, transport, connectivity, healthcare, water access and food - essentially all aspects of national life. The tourism minister needs Cabinet representation to advance these cross-cutting priorities that affect every part of society," Dr Nyamike added.
He further explained Cabinet membership would enable the minister to influence decisions across other sectors that directly impact tourism development.
The Ghanaian Constitution requires the President to form a Cabinet containing between 10 and 19 ministers. President Mahama's current Cabinet includes ministers responsible for Finance, Interior, Defence, Justice, Health, Energy, Education, Trade, Lands, foreign affairs, Agriculture, and Digital Technology. Other Cabinet positions cover Roads, Environment, Housing, Local Government, Gender, Transport, and Labour portfolios.
President John Dramani Mahama established his 19-member Cabinet on 20 February 2025, following requirements set out in Article 76(1) of the 1992 Constitution. The Cabinet does not include the tourism portfolio despite previous administrations including this position since President John Agyekum Kufuor's government.
Ghana Hotels Association President Dr Edward Ackah Nyamike Jnr told the Ghana News Agency: "This has been a source of worry to me, and I believe many industry stakeholders share this concern. We need an explanation for why the tourism ministry has been excluded from Cabinet."
Dr Nyamike emphasized that tourism connects with numerous government functions, including food, infrastructure, healthcare, education, internet access, and transportation. He stated, "I find it surprising that the Cabinet appears to question tourism's versatility."
"When tourists consider visiting Ghana, they assess security, accommodation, transport, connectivity, healthcare, water access and food - essentially all aspects of national life. The tourism minister needs Cabinet representation to advance these cross-cutting priorities that affect every part of society," Dr Nyamike added.
He further explained Cabinet membership would enable the minister to influence decisions across other sectors that directly impact tourism development.
The Ghanaian Constitution requires the President to form a Cabinet containing between 10 and 19 ministers. President Mahama's current Cabinet includes ministers responsible for Finance, Interior, Defence, Justice, Health, Energy, Education, Trade, Lands, foreign affairs, Agriculture, and Digital Technology. Other Cabinet positions cover Roads, Environment, Housing, Local Government, Gender, Transport, and Labour portfolios.
