Ghana Tourism Authority CEO, Maame Efua Sekyi-Aidoo Houadjeto
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), has responded to a viral video showing a local tour guide in Jamestown extorting money from tourists.
The development, which has since sparked concerns online, has prompted the GTA’s CEO, Maame Efua Sekyi-Aidoo Houadjeto, to address the issue of professionalism among local tour guides.
Speaking on the matter, Maame Efua Sekyi-Aidoo Houadjeto emphasised the importance of maintaining professionalism to safeguard the country’s reputation.
“We have a number of local gentlemen and women who volunteer as tour guides, and we believe it’s important to address the situation properly. We think it’s high time we provide them with guidance in their roles,” she stated.
She announced that the GTA is committed to implementing training reforms to equip guides with the skills and ethics needed to enhance the tourist experience.
The Deputy CEO of the GTA, Abeiku Santana echoed these sentiments on the issue.
“What people are saying is, ‘Ghana Tourism Authority, why are you sitting down for the local tour guides to extort money from tourists? You should explain it to us,’ As my CEO said, we will guide you in the best way to do this work.” Abeiku Santana stated.
He said the authority sees this incident as an opportunity to strengthen its oversight of local tourism, particularly in communities like Jamestown, which has the lighthouse.
Meanwhile, social media users have called on the GTA to explain why such incidents are occurring and what measures are in place to protect Ghana’s image as a tourist-friendly destination.
The tour guide in question, has rejected the extortion allegations.
AK/EB
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