Hotel operators call for improved business environment

By Elizabeth PUNSU, Kumasi

Players in the hospitality industry have called for stronger collaboration, tax reforms and improved infrastructure to support the growth of the hotel sector and enhance its contribution to the country’s tourism industry.

The call was made at the 13th Biennial Delegates Congress of the Ghana Hotels Association (GHA) held in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region under the theme: “50 years of advocacy, perseverance and impacting Ghana’s tourism and hospitality industry”.

President of the association, Dr. Edward Ackah-Nyamekye, said the association would continue to advocate policies that create a favourable business environment for hotel operators to flourish.

He welcomed the government’s recent review of taxes, coupled with declining inflation, noting that these developments are beginning to ease the cost pressures faced by operators.

“With the current exchange rate, we are not spending so much to import goods. We believe the business environment is becoming friendlier and we will take advantage of that to contribute our quota toward national development,” he said.

Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Ackah-Nyamekye noted that the association has strengthened its position as a key stakeholder in discussions relating to the hospitality industry, particularly in policy development and implementation.

The outgoing national president, who has served for eight years, expressed appreciation to members for their support and urged them to remain committed to the growth of the industry.

Although significant progress has been made over the years, he said the association still has more work to do; and called on members to support the newly-elected leadership to ensure effective management of the sector.

The Omanhene of the Tepa Traditional Area, Nana Adusei Atwenewah Ampem I, in a speech,  also stressed the need for stronger cooperation among players within the hotel industry.

“The strength of this sector depends on unity, professionalism and effectiveness among operators, regulators and government,” he said.

He described the hospitality sector as an integral component of the tourism industry and an important contributor to economic growth, job creation and cultural exchange.

According to him, regulation of the sector must go hand in hand with capacity building, including regular training for hotel owners, managers and staff to improve service delivery.

Nana Ampem I also called on government to review the tax burden on the industry to ease operational pressures and encourage further investment in the sector.

“A review of the current taxes paid by players will help grow the sector,” he emphasised.

He further urged government to ensure stable electricity supply and improve road networks leading to major tourist destinations, noting that such infrastructure plays a critical role in attracting visitors to the country.

Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Boadi, who represented Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, commended the hospitality industry for its contribution to the tourism sector; but indicated that more needs to be done to strengthen the industry.

He noted that the sector requires government support to thrive, and called for pragmatic measures to help operators remain profitable and expand their businesses.

As part of the congress, new national officers of the Ghana Hotels Association were elected to steer the affairs of the association for the next four years.

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