President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the state of customer service in Ghana’s tourism and hospitality industry, warning that poor service delivery is undermining the country’s ability to attract and retain tourists.Speaking during a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.ghnewsmedia.com/news/we-have-averted-dumsor-john-mahama">presidential media encounter</a>, Mahama acknowledged Ghana’s natural beauty and cultural appeal but stressed that negative customer experiences continue to overshadow the nation’s potential as a top travel destination.“One of the things that affects tourism in Ghana and West Africa is that our service [is] poor. You go to a restaurant, and they think that they are doing you a favour. You go to eat, and they think that you owe them, you know, to serve you,” he said.He contrasted Ghana’s situation with other parts of the world where service providers actively engage customers and create a welcoming environment that encourages spending.“If you go to other parts of the world, it's completely different. They are compelled to spend your money because they are all over you. Even before you finish the drink that they have given you, you are halfway. ‘Can I bring you another drink?’ And if you are the shy type and always say, ‘Oh yes, yes,’ and you forget that you have to pay for it,” Mahama added.The former president also criticised the tendency of some business owners to prioritise family connections over professionalism when hiring staff, arguing that this undermines service standards."You spend so much money [to] set up an establishment, [but] instead of going for professionals, you will call your relatives from the village to come and serve people; they pay, and they can't even get their change. You can't find the waiter who took your money. And where you find him, he says, ‘Oh, we have no change.’ I mean, they have a certain sense of entitlement,” he said.Mahama emphasised that until there is a shift in attitude and proper training in customer service, Ghana’s tourism sector will continue to struggle to reach its full potential.“We have a beautiful country. People come, and I mean, they just say, 'This country is good,' but if you hear a lot of the feedback and you say, 'But what is negative about it?' Oh, your service is not the best. “Always, I mean, that’s the feedback that comes,” he noted.While calling for government involvement, he stressed that the private sector must also take responsibility by prioritising customer satisfaction and investing in skilled staff.By: Lucy Mawufemor Kpeglo

Poor service delivery is hurting Ghana’s tourism – Mahama

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has dismissed viral allegations on social media suggesting it replaced the culturally significant greetings “Akwaaba” (Akan) and “Woezor” (Ewe) with “Oobakɛ” (Ga) on signage at the newly renovated Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.In an official statement responding to the controversy, the GTA clarified that it has not authorised or instructed any such replacement.“At no point has the Ghana Tourism Authority ordered or approved the replacement of the culturally significant greetings ‘Woezor’ (in Ewe) and ‘Akwaba’ (in Akan) with ‘Oobakɛ’. These inscriptions remain preserved and respected as part of Ghana's diverse cultural heritage,” the Authority stated.<h2>GTA Distances Itself from Alleged Changes</h2>According to the GTA, any modifications to signage at the park require prior consultation and approval from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and other relevant agencies. The Authority emphasised that it has no knowledge of any alterations and urged the public to disregard the misinformation circulating online.<h2>How the Controversy Started</h2>The debate began when photos of new signage at the Memorial Park went viral. Some social media users criticised the display of “Akwaaba” and “Woezor” without the inclusion of “Oobakɛ”, which means “Welcome” in Ga, the local language of the Greater Accra Region, where the park is located.Critics argued that since the park sits on Ga land, the Ga greeting should have been included or highlighted. Others, however, defended the inscriptions, noting that “Akwaaba” is nationally recognised, while expressing concerns over the inclusion of “Woezor” without “Oobakɛ”, calling it culturally insensitive.The debate intensified after another image surfaced days later, allegedly showing updated signage featuring “Oobakɛ” in place of the original greetings. It remains unclear who made this alteration or whether it had any official approval.<h2>GTA Reaffirms Commitment to Cultural Unity</h2>In its closing remarks, the GTA reassured the public of its dedication to promoting unity and cultural diversity, describing the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park as a “symbol of national pride and unity.”By: Lucy Mawufemor Kpeglo

GTA refutes claims of replacing cultural inscriptions at Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

**By Lucy Mawufemor Kpeglo **


The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has strongly dismissed recent accusations levelled against the sector Minister by a social media personality. 

According to the Ministry, the claims are entirely false, misleading, and calculated to tarnish the Minister’s reputation and undermine the work of the Ministry.

In a statement released over the weekend, the Ministry responded to a video making rounds on social media in which the Minister was accused of being disrespectful and unprofessional during a public engagement. 

The Ministry categorically denied the allegations, describing them as “wholly unfounded and gravely misleading.”

The statement emphasised that the Minister has always conducted herself with humility, professionalism, and a high sense of responsibility. 

It added that her interactions with stakeholders, industry players, and the public have been anchored on mutual respect and a shared commitment to the growth of Ghana’s tourism, culture, and creative sectors.

The Ministry noted that since assuming office, the Minister has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to promoting Ghana’s cultural heritage, supporting creatives, and enhancing the country’s global image as a leading tourism destination. 

Her dedication, according to the Ministry, is evident in the successful initiatives and engagements she continues to lead across the country.

Expressing disappointment at the growing trend of misinformation online, the Ministry condemned the deliberate attempts by certain individuals to misinform the public for personal gain or social media clout. 

It warned that such actions could damage reputations, discourage investment, and disrupt ongoing progress within the sector.

The Ministry called on the individual involved to issue an unqualified apology and urged the public to disregard the misleading claims. It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, open communication, and professionalism in all dealings.

In conclusion, the Ministry encouraged all Ghanaians to support efforts aimed at preserving, promoting, and celebrating the country's rich cultural identity while upholding respect and truth in public discourse.

## Statement from the Ministry

![Ministry of Tourism statement](https://zodidixpxznfsopxdhyr.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/f22a8f30-2274-49ff-90aa-14fcef067d96/1754402537777-jvekiz76y0d.jpg)


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Poor service delivery is hurting Ghana’s tourism – Mahama

GTA refutes claims of replacing cultural inscriptions at Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

Tourism Ministry denies false allegations against minister