Accra, Ghana – July 11, 2025
Ghana is seeking a strategic partnership with Emirates Airlines to strengthen its tourism industry, enhance hospitality training, and promote cultural branding on a global scale. The move was initiated during a high-level meeting between the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and an Emirates delegation in Accra.
The meeting, led by Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, and Mr. Saood Al-Agili, Country Manager of Emirates in Ghana, focused on joint initiatives in destination marketing, tourism development, and skills enhancement within the hospitality sector.
As part of the proposed collaboration, Ghana is considering a destination branding initiative that would utilize Emirates’ international platforms to promote the country’s heritage and tourism potential. A one-day stakeholder workshop in Accra is also on the table, where Emirates will share strategies used in other regions to grow tourism.
Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie emphasized the importance of reconnecting Ghanaians with their cultural identity and leveraging that pride to attract global interest. “There is a disconnect between who we are, where we come from, and where we want to go,” she said. “Our people must first believe in their uniqueness before the world can appreciate it.”
The Minister also outlined plans to establish a state-of-the-art hospitality training facility by 2026, aimed at equipping Ghanaian youth with practical skills in areas such as culinary arts, front office operations, and customer service. “We must build an ecosystem where our young people are equipped with practical, world-class skills to compete in a global hospitality environment,” she stated.
Mr. Al-Agili expressed enthusiasm for the partnership and reaffirmed Emirates’ commitment to supporting Ghana’s tourism goals. “Emirates has always believed in connecting people, places, and cultures. We are pleased to engage with the Ministry and support Ghana’s vision for a vibrant, competitive tourism sector,” he said.
The Emirates team included Mr. Cecil Tenkorang, Sales Manager, and Ms. Nahna Attakrah, Senior Sales Executive. Also present were Ghanaian government officials, including Deputy Minister Hon. Yussif Issaka Jajah; Chief Director Mr. Joseph K. Amoah; Director of Policy, Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring and Evaluation Dr. Alphonse Kumaza; and Director Mr. Kofi Benning.
Source: Public Relations Unit – MoTCCA
