The Tourism Research and Advocacy Centre (TRAC), a tourism think-tank and advocacy organization, has commended Madam Catherine Afeku, Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture on her appointment as Cabinet Minister by President Akufo-Addo.

The move, according to the group, affirms government’s recognition of the huge untapped potential of the tourism sector, which when harnessed, would impact greatly on the socio-economic development of the country.

President Akufo-Addo in accordance with Article 76 (1) of the 1992 constitution on Tuesday released a list of 19 ministers who he has appointed to his cabinet.

The appointees include Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts – Catherine Afeku, Minister of Trade and Industry – Alan Kyeremanten, Minister of Finance – Ken Ofori-Atta,Minister of Defence – Dominic Nitiwul, Minister of Interior – Ambrose Dery, Minister of Energy – Dr. Boakye Agyarko, Attorney General – Gloria Akuffo, Minister of Foreign Affairs – Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, Minister of Agriculture – Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Minister of Education – Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Minister of Health – Kwaku Agyemang-Manu, Ministry of Monitoring and Evaluation – Dr. Anthony Akoto Osei, Ministry of Regional Reorganization and Development – Dan Kweku Botwe, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources – John Peter Amewu, Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources – Joseph Kofi Adda, Ministry of Railway Development – Joe Ghartey, Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations – Ignatius Bafuor Awuah, Ministry of Transport – Kweku Ofori Asiamah, Ministry of Special Development Initiative – Mavis Hawa Koomson.

Read Statement below:

COMMENDATION TO GOVERNMENT ON INCLUSION OF MINISTER FOR TOURISM IN CABINET.

The Tourism Research and Advocacy Centre, (TRAC) notes with great delight, the President's appointment of Hon Catherine Afeku, Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture as a cabinet Minister. For us, this signals the premium government places on tourism and the sector's phenomenal contribution to the socio-economic development of the country.

The move also projects government’s recognition of the huge potential of tourism.

While commending the President for this notable feat, we would also urge that tourism is given even more urgent attention by declaring it a national developmental priority for the next five years.

As outlined in the Tourism Act of 2011, efforts should be made to develop tourism from the local level. MMDA’s should, therefore, be charged with vigorously committing to employing tourism as a major vehicle for development.

We hope the inclusion of Hon. Catherine Afeku in Cabinet will open a new chapter of the State’s commitment towards making Ghana a competitive and viable tourist destination.

Issued in Accra

Mr. Ebo Quansah

Tourism Research and Advocacy Centre

0249549455