Ghana’s dedication to promoting tourism integration and sustainable development throughout Africa is reaffirmed by the appointment of Mrs. Maame Efua Houadjeto, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), as Vice Chair of the African Travel Commission (ATC). Following a strategic discussion with the commission on the fringes of the 2026 Hotel Managers Conference (HMC), which took place at the Lagos Continental Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria from July 11–12, 2026, she formally accepted her position.
Professor Wasiu Babalola, a member of the Commission’s Board, Dr. Lucky Onoriode George, Executive Director of the ATC, and Mr. Olayiwola Awakan, Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and Chairman of the African Travel Commission, are present at the meeting.
Maame Efua expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her and said that the position was both an honor and a big responsibility. In order to foster increased cooperation, cement regional alliances, and further Africa’s tourism agenda, she promised to work assiduously with the Commission’s leadership and tourism stakeholders throughout the continent.
She claims that Ghana has an obligation to continue taking the lead in promoting regional integration, collaboration, and the growth of sustainable tourism as a result of this historic legacy.
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In order to unleash the continent’s enormous tourism potential, Mrs. Houadjeto acknowledged the difficult task and promised to work to close gaps between West Africa and other parts of the continent while promoting greater cooperation among African countries. She added that more collaboration will encourage travel inside Africa, draw in more capital, generate job opportunities, and promote tourism-based sustainable economic growth.
Mrs. Houadjeto was thanked for accepting the position by Mr. Olayiwola Awakan, Chairman of the African Travel Commission and Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority. He noted that further cooperation among African nations is still necessary to develop a more robust and competitive tourist sector, characterizing her acceptance as a major boost to the Commission’s continental strategy.
Mr. Awakan continued,
“Ghana has always been a major player in African tourism, so he is very certain that the Commission will greatly benefit from Mrs. Houadjeto’s experience and leadership as Vice Chair.”
The Commission said, Ghana’s active involvement in its leadership would bolster ATC’s goal of creating a more cohesive, competitive, and internationally renowned African tourism sector.
Additionally, participants expressed confidence that Ghana’s leadership in the African Travel Commission would bolster the organization’s efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable tourism growth throughout the continent.