President of the Tour Operators’ Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) Mrs. Alisa Osei-Asamoah and her executives have been given a mandate to lead the Union for a second and final term following an election which saw their retention by popular acclamation.
The executives were duly inaugurated last Friday, September 30, where they took oath of office in a brief ceremony at the Labadi Beach Hotel. The colouful event attracted industry stakeholders who were full of praise for the leadership of TOUGHA for their excellent performance in growing tourism in Ghana in the past two years.
CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman said he had enjoyed working with TOUGHA in the last couple of years and was not surprised its leadership has been retained.
He expressed hope that his outfit and the Union would continue to deepen their working relationship in the interest of tourism growth and development in Ghana.
Sharing similar views was the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Development Company, Kwadwo Antwi who hailed the leadership of Mrs. Osei-Asamoah as one that has made TOUGHA a vibrant and formidable unit in Ghana’s tourism landscape.
He articulated his admiration for the President’s ability to insist on making opportunities accessible to TOUGHA members and urge them to continue to take advantage of the many programmes by government to improve their work.
Charge d’Affaires, Barbados High Commission to Ghana, Juliette Babb-Riley intimated her approbation for TOUGHA for being visible and active promoters of the country’s tourism. She disclosed the High Commission’s readiness to work with the union in furtherance of shared objectives.
In her speech, the re-affirmed TOUGHA President, Mrs. Alisa Osei-Asamoah said she was grateful for the support she had enjoyed from members in bringing much-needed transformation to the union.
“Two years ago, on behalf of my team, I promised leadership that will not only amplify the voice of members, but more importantly, leadership that will be transformational in setting our great union on the path of taking commanding height in promoting the growth and development of the travel and tourism industry in our beloved Motherland, Ghana,” she maintained.
For their second term, the President assured members of renewed energy towards making the union a progressive one.
Mrs. Osei-Asamoah reiterated, “I wish to assure you all of our unflinching commitment to transforming the circumstances of TOUGHA by investing more energy into our vision and mission and also inspiring greater and more active participation among members in the forward march to the promised land.”
Also present at the inauguration were members of the Queen Mothers Foundation, Heads of sister trade unions of GHATOF comprising, Dr. Edward Ackah-Nyamike Jr, President of the Ghana Hotels Association, Rev. Emmanuel Geadda-Asando, President, Ghana Progressive Hotels Association and Mrs. Stella Appenteng, who represented GHATOF. Many other private tourism and travel practitioners including Nana Afia Sarpong, Country Director, Delta 3 and Tourism Consultant were also present.
The Executive Members
Mrs. Alisa Osei-Asamoah – President
Michael Orleans – Vice President
Yvonne Donkor – General Secretary
Tina Ross – Financial Secretary/Treasurer
Felix Mintah – Deputy Financial Secretary/Treasurer
Mrs. Bridget Markwei
Karen Walmsley
