Maame Efua Sekyi-Aidoo Houadjeto Appointed CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority
President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Maame Efua Sekyi-Aidoo Houadjeto as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA). A former parliamentary candidate aspirant for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Mfantsiman Constituency during the 2024 general elections, she succeeds Akwasi Agyeman, who stepped down earlier this month.
Maame Efua, a former Deputy National Women’s Organiser of the NDC, brings a multifaceted portfolio of experience in leadership, hospitality, creative strategy, and social advocacy to her new role. Her appointment is seen as a strategic move to further energize the tourism sector under the Mahama administration’s flagship agenda, “The Black Star Experience”, which aims to reposition Ghana as a premier destination for culture, heritage, and creative excellence.
A Proven Leader with Industry and Advocacy Credentials
Beyond her political engagements, Maame Efua has built an extensive professional career in the tourism and creative industries. She previously served as CEO of Image Consortium, Managing & Creative Director of IE Design, and Acting General Manager of MPlaza Hotel in 2002. She showed great leadership ans strategic transformation at all those sectors. She has deep insights in tourism management, brand development, and service excellence.
In addition to her executive experience, she is widely recognised for her social advocacy and commitment to women’s empowerment. Throughout her career, she has championed initiatives focused on mentoring young women, expanding opportunities for female entrepreneurs in all fields of life, and amplifying underrepresented voices within Ghana’s cultural landscape.
As Deputy National Women’s Organiser of the NDC, she led programmes aimed at building capacity among grassroots, social emancipation initiatives, political participation, and promoting economic inclusion. Her advocacy continues to inspire a new generation of youth and women across the country.
A New Era for the Ghana Tourism Authority
The Ghana Tourism Authority, operating under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, plays a central role in promoting Ghana’s tourism offerings, ensuring quality assurance, and coordinating strategic marketing efforts. Under Maame Efua’s leadership, the Authority is expected to deepen collaboration across government agencies and private sector stakeholders to drive innovation, job creation, and sustainable growth.
She takes over at a time when the Authority is riding the momentum of highly successful campaigns such as the “Year of Return” and “Beyond the Return”, which have significantly increased international tourist arrivals and global visibility for Ghana. Her inclusive leadership style and experience in both the private and public sectors are expected to bring fresh energy to ongoing initiatives while aligning with the government’s new tourism vision.
Looking Forward
Maame Efua’s appointment has been welcomed by industry players, civil society groups, and advocates for gender inclusion, who see her as a symbol of transformational leadership in action. Her blend of professional acumen, advocacy, and grassroots engagement positions her well to steer Ghana’s tourism sector into a new phase of growth—one rooted in identity, creativity, and shared prosperity.
Publisher: The Scribe
