Ghanaian broadcaster Austine Woode, who is based in the United Kingdom, has urged President John Mahama to keep Akwasi Agyeman as the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).
In an interview on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, Austine highlighted Akwasi Agyeman’s exceptional accomplishments at the GTA during the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration. He believes that Agyeman’s work should continue under President Mahama’s leadership.
While acknowledging that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) may have other qualified individuals for the role, Austine emphasized the importance of not overlooking Agyeman’s skills due to his political affiliation.
He stated, “I think President Mahama should maintain the current GTA head Kwasi Agyeman. If you check the area of tourism and the ideologies of both political parties, they don’t differ so there will be a case of ideology.”
Austine commended Agyeman for his dedication to the tourism industry, emphasizing the need for positions like the head of the GTA to be based on merit rather than political considerations. He expressed his hope for a political landscape where competence and continuity are prioritized over partisanship.
In the meantime, industry stakeholders have suggested other names for the GTA CEO position, including Abeiku Santana, Gideon Areequaye, Kojo Bonsu, Francis Doku, and Jesse Agyepong.
The GTA’s primary role is to regulate the tourism industry and serve as the destination management organization responsible for promoting and managing tourism both locally and internationally.
About Akwasi Agyeman:
Akwasi Agyeman is the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, overseeing a range of responsibilities including marketing, licensing, research, and development in the tourism sector.
He brings over 15 years of experience in project management, crisis communication, and media relations from his previous roles in various banking institutions.
Under Agyeman’s leadership, the GTA has spearheaded initiatives such as the Year of Return/Beyond the Return and December in GH, showcasing his commitment to promoting tourism in Ghana.
Agyeman holds an MBA in Marketing and Information Systems from Tulane University and has a strong academic background in social sciences and public administration.
