By Roselyn Ganyaglo
The Chief Executive of the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), Professor Kobby Mensah, has expressed concern about Ghana’s online image, describing it as increasingly unfavourable for attracting international tourists.
Speaking at a media briefing in Accra, Professor Mensah said digital platforms are “flooded with narratives that undermine Ghana’s potential as a preferred tourism destination,” adding that the media is not amplifying enough positive and accurate stories to counterbalance the trend.
“Our digital spaces are filled with content that does not reflect Ghana’s true strengths,” he said. “GTDC is committed to changing the narrative by leveraging technology to push out compelling and fact-based stories that position Ghana where it truly belongs.”
During the briefing, the CEO announced strong progress in three major GTDC initiatives designed to boost tourism growth and strengthen the sector’s competitiveness. He highlighted Accra By Night as a standout success, describing it as “a flagship domestic tourism attraction” that has carried more than 740 passengers within eight months. The experience—run on a double-decker open-top bus—has also expanded from monthly to weekly tours due to rising demand.
The Ghana Tourism Marketplace (GTM) platform, he added, continues to gain traction. “GTM now hosts 50 vendors, over 240 users, and has processed more than 20,000 cedis in bookings and payments,” Professor Mensah revealed. “This is a major step in strengthening SMEs and helping them tap into the digital economy.”
GTDC has also launched the Ghana Tourism Investment Platform (GTIP), aimed at showcasing tourism assets and linking investors with opportunities across heritage, eco-tourism, culture, and hospitality. “GTIP will help channel investment into areas with high growth potential,” the CEO explained. “These interventions are aligned with the national 24-Hour Economy agenda and are critical to driving sustainable tourism development.”
Professor Mensah emphasised that enhancing Ghana’s online presence remains central to tourism competitiveness. “Improving our digital image is now a key priority for GTDC. It is essential for attracting visitors, investors, and global interest,” he stressed.
Deputy CEO of GTDC, Felicity Nelson, used the platform to encourage entrepreneurs within the tourism value chain to partner with GTDC. “We urge players across the sector to register with GTDC,” she said. “Greater collaboration will help us project a stronger and more attractive image of Ghana to the world.”
Board Chairman of GTDC, Ben Ohene Ayeh, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to institutional renewal and alignment with government priorities. “Management is committed to resetting the organisation to fit into the broader national reset agenda,” he noted. “These initiatives will be fully implemented to sustain the gains we have made.”
