Deputy Chief of Staff, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, has urged tourism industry players to fully adopt artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance Ghana’s tourism experience and drive sustainable sector growth.
Speaking at the 2025 National Tourism Awards in Accra, she said AI presents enormous opportunities for destination marketing, personalised travel recommendations, improved visitor experiences and the ability to predict tourism trends with greater accuracy.
She highlighted the potential of an AI-powered “Visit Ghana” platform capable of offering real-time translation, accessibility mapping and route planning for international tourists, describing it as a transformative tool for the industry.
Nana Bampoe Addo said digitising Ghana’s cultural and historical assets remained essential. Through digital archiving, virtual reality tours and immersive storytelling, she noted, Ghana’s castles, festivals and artisanal crafts could be showcased to millions globally, turning heritage into a sustainable digital export.
She called for increased investment from government and the private sector in tourism technology hubs, as well as the training of artisans and tour guides in digital tools. Supporting youth-led tourism start-ups, she said, would further amplify Ghana’s cultural narratives on the global stage.
“These innovations will ensure that our tourism is not only preserved but propelled, creating jobs and deepening our identity as the Black Star of Africa,” she said.
The Deputy Chief of Staff commended awardees for their excellence, professionalism and resilience, noting that their contribution reflects the creativity and spirit of Ghana.
“Together, let us shape the Black Star Experience, one that celebrates our landscapes, heritage and the ingenuity of our people,” she added.
The 2025 National Tourism Awards, organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) with support from RNAQ Holdings, recognised individuals, corporate institutions and traditional leaders. The Ghana Hotels Association was honoured as Trade Association of the Year.
Traditional rulers recognised for tourism promotion included King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II of the Greater Accra Region, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III of Akwamu, Nana Kobina Nketsia V of Essikado, and Pe Dennis Aneakwoa Balinia Adda of the Upper East Region.
Lakeside Marina Park received Greater Accra’s Eco-Tourism Site & Attraction Development Award, while Devtraco Plus (The Pelican Hotel) and Lawrencia Sarhene of Veronique Heights received the Indigenous Tourism Investment Awards for Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions respectively.
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, said the National Tourism Awards had become the benchmark for quality and professionalism, noting that the achievements of awardees exemplified service excellence and innovation.
“Service that creates lasting memories is what brings visitors back,” the Minister said. “We must reflect on the quality of service we provide and how it influences repeat visits to our country.”
