Dr Edward Ackah-Nyamike Junior, President of the GHA
The Ghana Hotels Association (GHA) has expressed concern over what it describes as unfriendly tax policies in the 2025 National Budget, which it says are stifling growth in the country’s hospitality industry.
At a press briefing held on April 15, 2025, Dr Edward Ackah-Nyamike Jnr., President of the GHA, voiced the association’s disappointment with the government’s continued imposition of certain levies and the lack of reform in critical areas.
“We are particularly concerned that the COVID-19 Levy is still on the books, even though the pandemic’s emergency phase is over. Even though we have been told that the government is working on scrapping it, including certain other taxes, as I speak, it is still in effect,” he said.
Dr Ackah-Nyamike highlighted several issues hurting the hotel industry, including high utility tariffs, steep import duties, and inflated prices of goods and services. He also called for a review of the capital allowance threshold to ease the burden on hotel operators.
Another pressing issue raised was the withholding of fire safety licenses by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), even after hotels had fulfilled payment requirements.
According to Dr. Ackah-Nyamike, “Some hotels have paid for their licenses but are yet to receive them, while others are experiencing delays without any official explanation.”
The GHA is urging the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to intervene and ensure transparency and accountability in the licensing process. The association is also considering direct engagement with the GNFS to resolve the matter.
Dr Ackah-Nyamike called on the ministry to honour its obligation under the Tourism Act 817 of 2012, which mandates quarterly forums to engage stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector.
“We’ve not had these engagements for years. The absence of these forums leaves industry players feeling sidelined,” he stated.
Akwah Sampson, Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, pledged the Authority’s support for the GHA.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and the hotel industry to build a more efficient and robust system.
Professor Kobby Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), also assured hotel industry players of increased partnership and collaboration for sustainable development and better service delivery.
As the association marks its 50th anniversary, several celebratory activities have been lined up, including:
A health walk in Ho
The unveiling of the GHA @50 anniversary cloth and a donation to the Tema General Hospital
A symposium themed “Fifty (50) Years of Advocacy, Perseverance and Impacting Ghana’s Tourism & Hospitality Industry”
AM/KA