The Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC) has officially launched its Fleet Pool Management Services (FPMS)—a bold new initiative aimed at transforming tourism transport in Ghana through a robust Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The launch ceremony, held at the GTDC head office, brought together key players from the tourism and transport sectors. It was headlined by the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, and GTDC CEO, Professor Kobby Mensah, who outlined the vision and value of the new service.
FPMS is designed to deliver safe, cost-effective and professional chauffeur-driven transport services, particularly for tourist groups. The platform operates as a centralised transport coordination service that brings together private car rental operators and garages under one regulated umbrella.
According to Professor Mensah, “The idea behind FPMS is to create a sustainable transport ecosystem within tourism by leveraging government’s distributive power to help private businesses reach more clients, deliver higher service standards, and enjoy a stable revenue stream.”
He stressed that the initiative is not merely a service but a flagship tourism logistics solution. “We are introducing a system that promotes certified, high-quality, and customer-oriented transportation. It’s about sustainability, safety and professionalism—all critical to how tourists experience Ghana.”
Under FPMS, registered vehicles from private operators are certified and managed through a single system, ensuring reliable transport with trained, oriented drivers. This not only optimises logistics for tour operators but also boosts the overall tourism experience for both local and international travellers.
In her keynote address, the Minister, Dzifa Gomashie celebrated the launch as a strategic move for Ghana’s tourism growth and called on industry stakeholders to embrace the shared vision.
“This initiative is more than just a fix. It is a model for the future,” she said. “FPMS creates a seamless, dependable supply system that meets the growing demand of local and international tourists. Through aggregation and coordination, it offers Ghana a chance to show the world that we value professionalism, reliability and our collective progress.”
The Minister did not shy away from discussing the deeper importance of connectivity in tourism. Drawing on her recent travel challenges across the African continent, she highlighted the frustrations tourists face with poor transport logistics and connectivity.
“Tourism is not only about sights and attractions. It’s about experiences. A tourist’s journey begins the moment they dream of the destination, step off a plane, onto a bus or into a vehicle.
If that moment is safe, efficient and enjoyable, the first impression is positive. But if it is delayed, unsafe and poorly managed, we risk losing not just revenue but also reputation,” she stated.
Gomashie made an impassioned call for deeper collaboration among tourism stakeholders—from hotels and restaurants to musicians and transporters—to ensure that the full visitor experience reflects Ghana’s rich heritage and values.
“If you own a hotel, let the room reflect Ghana—through our art, our food, our music. Elevate our local cuisine into fine dining experiences. Play Ghanaian music in your reception. Let the tourist feel Ghana in every part of their journey,” she urged.
Benefits to the private sector
The FPMS model offers several clear benefits to car rental businesses and private garages. By signing onto the platform, businesses gain access to a wider pool of potential clients, centralised bookings, and an assured income stream, which is often more stable than individual client sourcing.
The regulated model also aims to reduce substandard service delivery by promoting uniformity in vehicle conditions, driver training, and customer service expectations—enhancing Ghana’s brand as a preferred tourism destination.
The Minister concluded her speech by commending GTDC for its resilience and innovation: ”It is not just about vehicles. It is about values, professionalism, reliability, partnership and progress. It is about building a system that reflects the excellence of Ghana’s tourism brand and supports the goal of positioning Ghana as the preferred destination in West Africa and beyond.”
As part of the launch, certificates were presented to the first batch of rentals that have signed on to the FPMS programme.
