The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), in partnership with Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture, Development Bank Ghana (DBG), and the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) have successfully organized GTA’s  5th Public-Private Partnership Forum. The Forum which was held in Koforidua brought together representatives from both the public and private sectors of the tourism and hospitality industry to collaborate, discuss and strategize on various aspects related to developing the industry. 

 

The Forum which was held under the theme ‘Financial Empowerment for Tourism and Hospitality Sector’, facilitated discussions on key barriers to financing within the Tourism and Hospitality sector and explored strategies to bridge funding gaps for SMEs in the sector through strategic public-private partnerships  

 

Manager of Digital Platforms at DBG, Nana Konadu Boateng, who was a guest speaker at the Forum, reiterated DBG’s catalytic role of driving social and economic transformation in the country. She added that DBG is driven by its mandate to provide the needed financial and technical support to the four focus sectors of agribusiness, manufacturing, ICT, and high-value services, which includes tourism.  

 

According to her, “as a key player in Ghana’s financial landscape, DBG is committed to driving impactful change and growth in the tourism sector. DBG has made significant strides in supporting the tourism industry, with a total investment of approximately GHS247 million so far. This investment underscores our dedication to fostering sustainable growth and development within the sector”. 

 

Nana Konadu Boateng also expressed the Bank’s firm belief in the power of partnerships as a tool for achieving sustainable economic development. “At DBG, we recognise the importance of collaboration and partnerships in driving positive change. We are committed to working closely with stakeholders, including the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), to create a conducive environment for growth and development in the tourism sector”, she said. 

 

Touching on the issue of partnerships, Akwasi Agyeman, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTA, mentioned that “most institutions do not have a special desk for tourism and hospitality players, although they have special people in charge of sectors such as roads and construction. It is therefore our hope that DBG and other financial institutions present will take a cue from these discussions and create ways to partner industry players to assist them in their operations.” 

 

Overall, the forum provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration towards achieving greater financial empowerment for the tourism and hospitality industries in Ghana. The insights and recommendations generated will inform future policy decisions and initiatives aimed at fostering a more robust and resilient tourism economy.