Tourism Leadership In Ghana: Challenges, Prospects And Opportunities

Abstract

Tourism in Ghana, with its rich cultural heritage and natural resources, holds immense potential for economic development and global recognition. This review article examines the challenges, prospects, and opportunities facing tourism leadership in Ghana. Challenges include infrastructure limitations, marketing inefficiencies, and the impact of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Prospects for growth lie in sustainable practices, community engagement, and digital technologies. Opportunities on the horizon include collaborative partnerships, innovative marketing strategies, and eco-friendly initiatives. The article employs a narrative review methodology, analyzing 15 selected studies on Ghana's tourism industry. The results highlight challenges such as barriers to entrepreneurship, skill development gaps, and bureaucratic hurdles. Prospects encompass collaborative destination development, government prioritization, and the evolving role of tourism in national development plans. Opportunities include stakeholder involvement for competitive advantage, community development through tourism, cultural tourism's employment potential, and eco-cultural tourism for rural revitalization. The synthesis provides a comprehensive understanding of tourism leadership dynamics in Ghana, offering a blueprint for sustainable growth, economic development, and inclusive benefits for all strata of society. The article underscores the need for visionary leadership, collaboration, and adaptive strategies to navigate challenges and capitalize on the vast potential of Ghana's tourism sector.