Ghana and The Gambia are seeking to deepen tourism cooperation through joint destination marketing, institutional partnerships and skills development, in a move that could expand visitor markets, stimulate private sector activity and create new business opportunities across both countries.
The proposed collaboration is expected to strengthen tourism trade between the two West African countries by encouraging reciprocal travel, improving industry capacity and creating opportunities for businesses in hospitality, aviation, travel and cultural services.
The initiative was discussed during a familiarisation visit by a Gambian delegation, led by Ms Arnie Njie, to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts (MoTCCA) in Accra.
The delegation was received by Mr Yussif Issaka Jajah, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, on behalf of the sector Minister, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie.
Ms Njie said the visit was intended to facilitate knowledge sharing, establish strategic partnerships and identify practical ways to position Ghana and The Gambia as competitive tourism destinations.
She stressed the need to move beyond discussions towards practical initiatives, including reciprocal visits, institutional partnerships and stronger collaboration between public and private sector operators.
The Gambian delegation included representatives from civil aviation, tourism training institutions and private sector organisations, highlighting the importance of coordinated investment in destination marketing, aviation connectivity, professional training and tourism service delivery.
Mr Jajah commended the delegation for involving institutions across the tourism value chain, saying such an approach would support broader cooperation and knowledge exchange.
He explained that the Ministry was responsible for developing policies to guide the tourism, culture and creative arts sectors, while implementation was carried out by its agencies and other relevant institutions.
He welcomed the delegation’s planned engagements with Ghanaian tourism agencies, noting that the interactions would provide insights into the country’s tourism administration, institutional arrangements and operational framework.
Mr Jajah said the Ministry was prepared to engage the delegation on Ghana’s tourism policy framework and explore areas of mutual interest that could strengthen cooperation and improve the competitiveness of both destinations.
He also emphasised the importance of direct engagement among tourism authorities, institutions and industry players in building sustainable partnerships.
As part of the engagement, Dr Geoffrey Deladem Tamakloe, Director of Tourism at the Ministry, presented an overview of the Ministry’s mandate, the responsibilities of its directorate and agencies, Ghana’s tourism attractions, and major events on the country’s tourism calendar.
The delegation is also scheduled to engage key Ghanaian tourism institutions, including the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), as well as stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism industries.
The engagements are expected to establish a foundation for cooperation in destination promotion, tourism product development, professional training and cultural exchange.
For businesses in both countries, stronger tourism relations could create opportunities to attract visitors from neighbouring markets, encourage cross-border investment and increase demand for accommodation, transport, tour operations and other tourism-related services
