Mr. Seth Yeboah Ocran, a member of the Car Rentals Association, has been elected as the new President of the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) after securing an overwhelming 68 out of 72 votes cast at the 2025 GHATOF Executive Council Elections held on Wednesday in Accra.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Ocran expressed profound gratitude to members of the Federation for the confidence reposed in him, describing the victory as a collective triumph for all stakeholders in Ghana’s tourism industry.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled by the trust you have placed in me. This virtue is not mine alone, it is a triumph of every tour operator, hotelier, car rental operator, traditional and indigenous caterer, event vendor, forest bureau operator, tour guide, chef, craftsman, cultural ambassador, transport company,
travel agent, community tourism entrepreneur, creative artist, and every worker who passionately keeps Ghana’s tourism alive,” he said.
Mr. Ocran commended the Electoral Committee for conducting what he described as a fair and transparent election and extended appreciation to his fellow contender, Mr. Charles Adujemfi, who graciously stepped down at the last minute.
“In truth, there were no losers in this election. The real winner is Ghana’s tourism industry,” he noted.
The president-elect also paid tribute to the outgoing leadership for their dedication and hard work in steering GHATOF to its current stage, assuring members that his administration would build on that legacy through innovation, resilience, and collaboration.
He emphasized that the new leadership was assuming office at a defining moment in Ghana’s tourism journey.
“Tourism is not just about beautiful destinations; it is about jobs, trade, culture, identity, and national development. We must be ready not only to welcome visitors but to inspire them, satisfy them, and retain them,” Mr. Ocran stated.
As GHATOF marks its 30th anniversary this year, he outlined a bold vision anchored on visibility, policy reforms, sustainability, and digital transformation.
“The key priority areas include a national visibility and public awareness campaign, policy reforms and certification integration, plastic pollution prevention initiatives, customer service implementation projects, tourism sustainability and digitalization programmes.”
Mr. Ocran also pledged to strengthen collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Ghana Tourism Development Company, National House of Chiefs, Ghana Police Service, National Media Commission, Ghana Journalists Association, and international partners.
He further assured support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and indigenous tourism businesses to access financing, promote domestic tourism through initiatives like the ‘Black Star Experience’, and integrate the diaspora into Ghana’s tourism ecosystem.
“I did not come with all the answers, but I promise to listen, consult, and serve. My administration will be inclusive, transparent, and accountable. Every association under GHATOF, large or small, will have a seat at the table and a voice that matters.”
Mr. Ben Anane Nsiah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, in Charge of Administration, GTA commended the outgoing GHATOF leadership for their contribution to the growth of the Federation and urged stakeholders to rally behind the new executives.
“You have brought GHATOF this far, and as the new leadership takes over, we must all support them to achieve what we collectively desire for Ghana’s tourism,” he said.
In the vice-presidential race, Mr. Isaac Sackey, a member of Chef’s Association of Ghana, emerged winner with 37 votes, narrowly defeating Madam Patricia Owusu-Darko of the Institute of Hospitality, who garnered 35 votes.
All 15 trade associations under GHATOF participated in the elections, with five representatives each. The newly elected executives will serve a two-year term.
