The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Maame Efua Houadjeto, has paid a strategic working visit to the UNESCO Accra Office, where she held high-level discussions with Edmond Moukala, Head of Office and Representative of UNESCO to Ghana.
The meeting, held at the UNESCO Office in Accra, focused on strengthening institutional collaboration in the promotion of culture and education, as well as exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be leveraged to boost Ghana’s tourism development and global competitiveness.
Discussions centered on practical strategies to deepen cooperation between the GTA and UNESCO in safeguarding Ghana’s cultural heritage while positioning it as a viable economic asset.
Both institutions acknowledged that culture remains one of Ghana’s most powerful soft power instruments and a strategic pillar for inclusive growth.
Speaking during the engagement, GTA CEO Maame Efua Houadjeto underscored the importance of synergy
“Tourism and culture are inseparable. Ghana’s heritage is not just a memory of the past; it is a powerful economic engine for the future.
Strengthening our collaboration with UNESCO allows us to harness culture, education, and innovation particularly AI to drive sustainable tourism growth.”
She emphasized that integrating AI into destination marketing, visitor experience management, data analytics, and digital storytelling would position Ghana ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving global tourism landscape.
In his remarks, Edmond Moukala, Head of Office and Representative of UNESCO to Ghana, highlighted UNESCO’s commitment to supporting member states in advancing education, science, culture, and communication for sustainable development.
Established in 1945, UNESCO works globally to safeguard cultural and natural heritage, promote quality education, foster scientific cooperation, and encourage intercultural dialogue.
Through initiatives such as the World Heritage Programme and Education for Sustainable Development frameworks, the organization supports countries in translating heritage preservation into socio-economic impact.
Mr. Moukala noted “Ghana has immense cultural capital and the opportunity lies in connecting heritage, education, and emerging technologies to create sustainable value.
UNESCO stands ready to support Ghana in protecting its heritage while embracing innovation to enhance tourism management and knowledge sharing.”
The discussions further covered youth engagement, the digital documentation of heritage assets, curriculum integration to build tourism awareness, and sustainable site management approaches aligned with global standards.
In the end, Mr. Moukala presented a copy of the book World Heritage for Sustainable Development in Africa to the GTA CEO a symbolic gesture reflecting a shared commitment to ensuring that Africa’s heritage becomes a foundation for sustainable economic transformation.
Mr. Moukala presented a copy of the book World Heritage for Sustainable Development in Africa to the GTA CEO
The CEO was accompanied by Ben Anane Nsiah, Deputy CEO in charge of General Services
Ekow Sampson, Deputy CEO in charge of Operations and
Bright Asempa Tsadidey Director of Corporate Affairs.
Their presence underscored the strategic weight the GTA places on partnerships that elevate Ghana’s cultural and tourism agenda on the global stage.
The engagement reaffirmed the Ghana Tourism Authority’s commitment to building robust international collaborations that leverage culture, education, and innovation as engines of national development.
As Ghana strengthens its position as a leading tourism destination in Africa, partnerships with institutions such as UNESCO remain critical in transforming heritage into measurable economic and social impact.
By 1960news.com
