The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has called on the private sector to embed Ghanaian culture and service excellence at the core of the country’s hospitality experience.
The Tourism Minister, speaking at the official launch of the Eagles Hospitality School in Accra, emphasised the need to infuse national identity and high standards of service delivery in every aspect of the tourism and hospitality sector.
“In every hotel room, every tour vehicle, every restaurant, there must be a sense of who we are,” Gomashie declared. “Every guest we serve is an ambassador, and every moment is a chance to shape a global perception of Ghana. That is why we must train not just for jobs, but for excellence.”
The event attracted key stakeholders from the tourism, hospitality, and education sectors and was described by the Minister as “not just the opening of an institution, but the beginning of a movement for service excellence in Ghana.”
Drawing on her formative years growing up in Burma Camp, Gomashie underscored the importance of discipline, respect, and cultural pride—values she believes must guide every interaction in the industry. She lamented the decline in culturally respectful practices such as the use of phrases like “Yes, please” and the act of standing to greet.
“The true value in tourism is not measured by the size of our attractions alone,” she said. “It is found in the warm smile of a receptionist, the cultural depth of a tour guide, and the memorable encounters that make visitors storytellers when they return home.”
With major cultural celebrations such as PANAFEST, Emancipation Day, and the Black Star Experience approaching, the Minister highlighted the urgent need to enhance service delivery and promote cultural identity at every touchpoint of the visitor experience.
“This school must not stand alone,” she urged. “Let it be the heartbeat of a wider movement that celebrates our culture, trains our people, and elevates Ghana’s position on the global tourism map.”
Founder and Group CEO of Eagles Hospitality School, Stephen Asante, shared that the institution was founded on a long-held vision to raise the standard of service across Ghana’s hospitality ecosystem.
“We believe that top-class service shouldn’t be a luxury or imported from abroad,” Asante said. “Our hotels are being converted into classrooms, where students don’t just learn theory but gain hands-on experience from day one.”
The initiative received strong support from key industry players, including Labadi Beach Hotel, ASA Bank, and the Ghana Tourism Authority. They all endorsed the school’s mission, affirming the growing demand for practical training and professional discipline across the hospitality value chain.
By: Daniel Orlando-Ho/newsalertgh.com
