Tour Guides Association of Ghana has praised the government for its recent urban declogging efforts, calling them timely and beneficial for both tourism and local communities. The Association highlighted the initiative’s role in enhancing the appearance and accessibility of key cultural sites and urged its nationwide replication.
Tata Nkunu Akyea, a professional tour guide and a former lecturer at the University of Cape Coast , emphasized the importance of stakeholder support to sustain and expand the effort. He also welcomed the government’s directive that 80 percent of funds allocated to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) be channelled toward addressing sanitation challenges. He described the move as a strategic step toward empowering local authorities to tackle the menace more effectively.
“We believe this directive is a step in the right direction, as the sanitation menace is best addressed at the local level,” Mr. Akyea stated. “With clear government guidelines and rigorous monitoring, this approach has the potential to yield lasting improvements that benefit both residents and the tourism sector.”
Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie echoed the Association’s support but acknowledged challenges in formalizing training and certification for tour guides. She advocated for an inclusive approach that recognizes on-the-job experience while introducing structured training through collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority.
“This industry is built on passion, experience, and learning,” she noted, stressing the need to raise standards without marginalizing seasoned practitioners.
The meeting was also attended by the Director of Tourism, Dr. Geoffery Tamakloe; the Director of Culture and Creative Arts, Mr. Divine Owusu Ansah; and the eight-member executive team of the Tour Guides Association of Ghana.