The Ghana Tourism Development
Company (GTDC) is gearing up to introduce an exciting new initiative—night
tours—aimed at boosting the country’s tourism sector and aligning with broader
economic goals, according to Chief Executive Officer Professor Kobby Mensah.
The announcement, made during an interview on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z with host
Kwame Dadzie, signals a fresh direction for Ghana’s tourism industry under
Mensah’s leadership, which began in January 2025 following his appointment by
President John Dramani Mahama.
Professor Mensah, a renowned
marketing expert and Associate Professor at the University of Ghana Business
School, revealed that the GTDC has developed approximately 12 new tourism
products and services since he took the helm. Among these, the night tours—branded
as “Accra by Night”—stand out as a flagship offering. “We are going to do night
tours, which we believe ties into the NDC’s 24-hour Economy concept,” Mensah
said, referencing the ruling National Democratic Congress’s policy to stimulate
round-the-clock economic activity. The initiative aims to showcase Ghana’s
vibrant nightlife, cultural heritage, and urban landscapes after dark,
providing both locals and tourists with a novel way to experience the capital
and beyond.
The night tours are part of a
broader strategy to diversify Ghana’s tourism portfolio, which has
traditionally leaned on daytime attractions like historical forts, nature
reserves, and cultural festivals. Prof. Mensah emphasized that his team has
been diligently building and costing these products, projecting their impact
over the next five years. “I have focused my attention on building products and
services and also costing them—that is, making projections for the next five
years—and that is what my team has been doing,” he explained. In addition to
“Accra by Night,” other proposed offerings include a Science Park tour and the
Ghana Tourist Market Place, though details on these remain forthcoming.
Industry stakeholders have
welcomed the announcement, viewing it as a strategic move to tap into an
underserved segment of the tourism market. Ghana’s nightlife, with its bustling
markets, live music scenes, and street food culture, has long been a draw for
adventurous travelers, but organized night tours could elevate its appeal on a
global scale. “This is a brilliant idea,” said tourism consultant Nana Osei,
speaking to local media. “It not only extends the hours tourists can explore
but also creates opportunities for local businesses—restaurants, artisans, and
entertainers—to thrive after sunset.”
Professor Mensah’s vision for the
night tours aligns with his broader mandate at GTDC, which includes attracting
investment, promoting sustainable tourism, and enhancing the country’s cultural
assets. Since taking office, he has outlined four key pillars for the agency:
investment in tourism infrastructure, human capital development, preservation
of cultural heritage, and technological innovation. The night tours are
expected to leverage digital tools—such as online booking platforms and
interactive guides—to ensure a seamless experience for visitors, a nod to Prof.
Mensah’s emphasis on integrating technology into tourism frameworks.
The initiative also dovetails
with President Mahama’s “Black Star Experience” vision, which seeks to position
Ghana as a cultural and historical hub for Africa and its diaspora. By
spotlighting Accra’s nocturnal charm—think illuminated landmarks like the Kwame
Nkrumah Mausoleum, bustling hubs like Osu Night Market, or the rhythmic beats
of Hiplife and Highlife at local venues—the night tours could offer an
immersive experience that celebrates Ghana’s past and present.
While specific launch dates and
routes for “Accra by Night” have yet to be announced, Prof. Mensah hinted that
preparations are well underway. The GTDC is collaborating with the Ghana
Tourism Authority and private sector partners to finalize logistics, including
safety measures, transportation, and trained guides. Given Accra’s reputation
for relative safety compared to other African capitals, the tours are poised to
attract both international visitors and domestic explorers eager to see their
city in a new light.
Prof. Mensah’s track record lends
credibility to the project. Known for his work on the Destination Legon Tourism
Marketing Exhibition—a university-led initiative that bridges academia and
industry—he brings a data-driven, creative approach to tourism development. His
appointment in January 2025 was hailed as a game-changer for GTDC, an agency
tasked with mobilizing resources and fostering partnerships to grow Ghana’s
tourism sector.
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