Seth Yeboah Ocran Elected President of Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF)— Promises bold reforms to strengthen Ghana’s tourism industry

By Eugene Nyarko Jnr. I Accra I October 29, 2025 –

The Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) has elected Mr. Seth Yeboah Ocran as its new President for the 2025–2027 term following a keenly contested Executive Council election held at the Coconut Grove Regency Hotel in Accra.

The election, conducted under the supervision of the GHATOF Electoral Committee, saw Mr. Ocran poll 68 votes to emerge President-elect. In the race for Vice President, Chef Isaac Sackey secured victory with 37 votes, narrowly defeating Madam Patricia Owusu Darko, who garnered 35 votes.

The event, described as a landmark in the Federation’s democratic journey, was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, officials from the Ghana Tourism Authority, members of the tourism and hospitality trade associations, and partners from the private sector.

Commitment to Transparency and Unity

In his opening remarks, Mr. William Yeboah, Chairman of GHATOF and head of the Electoral Committee, underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and unity within Ghana’s tourism fraternity.

“Today’s gathering is more than just a routine election; it is a reflection of our collective commitment to the values that bind us as an industry,” he said. “This election reaffirms our mission to strengthen cooperation and drive the transformation of Ghana’s tourism sector.”

He commended the Electoral Committee, the Vetting Committee chaired by Dr. Desmond Alex Akpabli, and the Committee of Inquiry led by Dr. Kwesi Ayisin for their dedication and professionalism in ensuring a credible process. Mr. Yeboah assured all stakeholders that the elections were conducted in full compliance with the GHATOF Constitution and electoral guidelines.

Ministry Reaffirms Partnership with GHATOF

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Director of Policy Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ministry, Dr. Alphonse Kumaza, commended GHATOF for its leadership and continued collaboration with the Ministry.

“GHATOF occupies a central place in Ghana’s tourism ecosystem as the umbrella body for trade associations across the tourism, culture, and creative arts sector,” Dr. Kumaza said.

He noted that the election represented “a celebration of unity, continuity, and collective will” to advance the interests of tourism enterprises across the country.

Dr. Kumaza also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and creating an enabling environment where tourism and the creative economy can thrive as major drivers of investment, job creation, and cultural preservation.

Ocran Outlines Vision for a ‘Bold and Simple’ Agenda

In his victory speech, President-elect Seth Yeboah Ocran expressed gratitude to GHATOF members for the confidence reposed in him and outlined his vision anchored on four key pillars—environmental sustainability, customer service certification, cultural preservation, and institutional collaboration.

He pledged to tackle the issue of single-use plastics, working with local companies to promote eco-friendly packaging solutions to protect Ghana’s environment and tourist attractions.

On customer service, Mr. Ocran proposed a certification system across the Federation’s 15 trade associations—employing over 200,000 people—to generate sustainable funding and improve service standards nationwide.

He also announced plans to establish Tourism Brigades in all 261 districts to monitor hygiene and service compliance in restaurants and eateries, creating an estimated 26,100 jobs.

Highlighting Ghana’s cultural advantage, Mr. Ocran emphasized collaboration with traditional authorities to preserve cultural heritage and promote it as a central pillar of Ghana’s tourism identity.

He further proposed partnerships with the Ghana Police Service to create a specialized Tourism Police Unit and with the Ghana Journalists Association to enhance media training for promoting Ghana’s tourism brand.

“The work starts now,” Mr. Ocran declared. “Leadership within GHATOF is not a prize but a call to serve. Together, we will build a stronger, cleaner, and more competitive tourism industry that reflects the pride of destination Ghana.”

About GHATOF

The Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) serves as the umbrella body for over 15 tourism and hospitality trade associations, representing stakeholders across hotels, restaurants, tour operators, transport services, and cultural enterprises. The Federation plays a key advocacy role in promoting sustainable tourism and supporting policy collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and other development partners.