Sammi Awuku welcomes reconstitution of GTA Board after legal concerns

Akuapem North MP Sammi Awuku has welcomed the reconstitution of the Ghana Tourism Authority, GTA, Board, saying the move addressed legal concerns he raised last month about its composition under the Tourism Act, 2011 (Act 817).

The new Board was sworn into office on July 7, 2026, weeks after Awuku publicly questioned whether the previous board had been constituted in accordance with the law.

“My concern was never about any individual. It was about ensuring that the law was respected and that the Ghana Tourism Authority was properly constituted,” Awuku said in a Facebook post on Sunday (19 July).

“This is why oversight matters”

Awuku, a member of Parliament’s opposition caucus, first raised the issue on June 14, 2026. He said the correction showed the value of parliamentary oversight in checking public appointments.

“This is why oversight matters. When legitimate concerns are raised about the legality of a public appointment, they should be examined and, where necessary, corrected,” he wrote.

He added that correcting an error should not be viewed negatively.

“There is nothing wrong with correcting an error. What matters is that the law is ultimately respected,” Awuku said.

Commitment to accountability

The MP said he would continue to scrutinise public institutions as part of his constitutional duty.

“I will continue to raise such matters whenever necessary and to discharge my responsibilities in the national interest. Accountability is not obstruction. It is a constitutional duty,” he stated.

The Ghana Tourism Authority is the government agency mandated to regulate, develop and promote tourism in Ghana under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts.

The GTA Board’s mandate includes policy direction and oversight of the Authority’s operations. Under Act 817, the Board’s composition is prescribed by law.

Background

The Akuapem North lawmaker Sammi Awuku had questioned the legality of the appointment of the chairperson of Ghana’s Tourism Authority (GTA) board, arguing that the selection may conflict with provisions of the country’s tourism law.

He had called on President John Mahama and the Ministry of Tourism to explain how Gertrude Emefa Donkor, who currently heads the state-owned GoldBod Jewellery company, qualifies as a representative of the private sector as required by law.

Awuku cited Section 4(1) of the Tourism Act, 2011 (Act 817), which stipulates that the chairperson of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) board must come from the private sector.

 

Source: AsaaseRadio