Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammi Awuku has described the reconstitution of the governing board of the Ghana Tourism Authority as a welcoming development that upholds the provisions of the Tourism Act, 2011 (Act 817)
The new board was inaugurated on July 7, 2026, following concerns raised by the lawmaker over the legality of the previous board’s composition.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, July 19, Awuku said his intervention was driven by the need to ensure compliance with the law rather than to target any individual.
“My concern was never about any individual. It was about ensuring that the law was respected and that the Ghana Tourism Authority was properly constituted,” he wrote.
The opposition MP noted that the development underscores the importance of parliamentary oversight in promoting accountability and ensuring public institutions operate within the framework of the law.
According to him, legitimate concerns regarding public appointments should be carefully examined and addressed where necessary.
“There is nothing wrong with correcting an error. What matters is that the law is ultimately respected,” he stated.
Mr. Awuku further pledged to continue scrutinizing the actions of public institutions, stressing that holding government accountable is part of his constitutional responsibility.
“I will continue to raise such matters whenever necessary and discharge my responsibilities in the national interest. Accountability is not obstruction. It is a constitutional duty,” he added.
The controversy began in June when the MP questioned whether the appointment of the previous GTA Board Chair complied with the Tourism Act.
He argued that Section 4(1) of the Tourism Act, 2011 (Act 817), requires the chairperson of the Authority’s governing board to be drawn from the private sector.
Mr. Awuku specifically sought clarification from President John Mahama and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts over the appointment of Gertrude Emefa Donkor, who heads the state-owned GoldBod Jewellery company. He questioned whether her role in a state-owned enterprise met the Act’s requirement for a private sector representative.
