The Minister-designate for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Dzifa Abla Gomashie, has acknowledged the ongoing challenges surrounding hotel rates and infrastructure in Ghana’s tourism sector, stating that inadequate infrastructure is limiting the country’s ability to meet the growing demands of the global tourism market.

Speaking during her vetting on January 22, 2025, Gomashie addressed concerns about the high cost of hotel accommodations in the country, highlighting that even international hotel chains operating in Ghana tend to have rates higher than their counterparts in other countries.

“I agree with you about the lack of infrastructure to meet the growing demands of the world, and our country is bearing that in our faces,” Gomashie stated, acknowledging the disparity in hotel prices. She emphasized that even franchise hotels, which maintain standard rates worldwide, often charge significantly more in Ghana.

“This is an unending discussion, especially where hotel rates are concerned. Even hotels that have franchises in other countries tend to be very high in our country, comparatively,” she added, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure improvements.

Gomashie stressed the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to tackle these issues. “Apart from engaging with the Minister of Finance, I think that everybody and anyone listening to me who is willing to engage with the private sector in Ghana or outside of Ghana to ensure that we improve on our infrastructure capacities, you’re welcome to engage me after the vetting,” she said, signalling that this would be a priority if she is confirmed as a minister.

She also pointed out that enhancing infrastructure would not only improve the tourism experience but would also have a significant impact on the country’s revenue generation. “I agree with you that the lack of these facilities takes away from what could be revenue for our country,” Gomashie concluded.