The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Maame Efua Houadjeto, has responded to concerns raised by her deputy over difficulties accessing her office for consultations on urgent institutional matters.
In a letter dated October 24, 2026, addressed to the Chairperson of the GTA Board of Directors, Houadjeto acknowledged concerns raised by the Deputy CEO in charge of Marketing and Special Duties, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, in a letter dated October 22.
The deputy CEO had appealed to the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts to intervene in the matter, raising concerns about delays in securing access to the CEO for discussions and decisions on pressing operational issues.
Responding to the concerns, Houadjeto said she operates an open-door policy, particularly for executive and senior management officers, and expressed surprise and disappointment that the situation had been presented in a manner she believed did not reflect her availability to her deputy.
She, however, acknowledged the need for effective communication and timely decision-making within the Authority, stressing that any communication gaps affecting official assignments must be identified and addressed promptly.
According to the CEO, the responsibilities of her deputy, particularly in domestic tourism, marketing, special events and other assigned duties, require timely consultations on matters with operational, financial, strategic and stakeholder implications.
She agreed that practical arrangements must be put in place to ensure urgent issues receive the necessary attention without unnecessary delays.
To address the concerns and strengthen coordination within the Authority’s executive management, Houadjeto outlined five measures in her response.
The first is the introduction of scheduled executive consultations between the CEO and her deputy to discuss departmental priorities, operational challenges, ongoing assignments and matters requiring executive direction.
The second measure involves establishing clear procedures for flagging and escalating urgent issues, ensuring that matters requiring immediate attention can be addressed even when scheduled meetings are not possible.
She also proposed improved coordination through the executive office to ensure that meeting requests are properly communicated, acknowledged and scheduled according to the urgency and importance of the issues involved.
The fourth measure focuses on clarifying delegated responsibilities, approval processes and decision-making procedures, particularly in areas requiring the CEO’s direct intervention.
The fifth proposal encourages regular engagement among members of the executive management team to minimise administrative delays, resolve operational challenges and ensure the consistent implementation of institutional decisions.
The GTA CEO explained that the proposed measures were intended not only to address the concerns raised by her deputy but also to improve the overall effectiveness of the Authority’s management processes.
She emphasised the need for professionalism, mutual respect, accountability and collective responsibility in carrying out the GTA’s mandate of advancing Ghana’s tourism industry.
Houadjeto further assured the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and the Board Chairperson that management remained committed to maintaining high standards of professionalism and institutional discipline.
She also expressed confidence that both parties could continue working collaboratively, guided by mutual respect and a shared commitment to achieving the Authority’s objectives.
According to her, differences in schedules, operational demands and administrative processes should not become obstacles to the effective performance of their responsibilities.
As part of efforts to address the matter, Houadjeto proposed a meeting at the earliest mutually convenient opportunity to agree on practical arrangements for implementing the measures outlined in her letter.
She reiterated her commitment to strengthening executive coordination, improving operational efficiency and advancing the strategic objectives of the Ghana Tourism Authority.
The letter was copied to the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, the Chief Director of the Ministry, and the Deputy CEO in charge of Marketing and Special Duties.
The response comes amid concerns over communication and access within the GTA’s executive leadership, with the CEO proposing structured consultations and clearer administrative procedures as a way to prevent further delays in decision-making.
The proposed meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for the parties to discuss the concerns and agree on a way forward.
