The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has sent a clear signal that business-as-usual will no longer be acceptable for the Marine Drive Tourism Development Project, calling for decisive action, strict accountability and measurable results as she inaugurated the project’s Board of Directors.
Addressing the Board, Gomashie stressed that the Marine Drive Project must urgently return to a disciplined and results-oriented implementation path, noting that the initiative has suffered delays despite its strategic importance to Ghana’s tourism and urban transformation agenda.
She cautioned that the national interest, value for money and transparency must guide every decision taken by the Board going forward.
“The public expects results,” the minister emphasized, reminding members that the Marine Drive Project is not merely a development scheme but a flagship national investment with the potential to unlock jobs, attract private capital and redefine Ghana’s coastal tourism economy.
She underscored the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts’ role as the Board’s principal policy anchor, urging close alignment with government priorities and sustained collaboration to overcome long-standing bottlenecks.
Gomashie assured the Board of her readiness to provide strategic support and timely intervention but made it clear that governance discipline and professionalism would be non-negotiable.
Placing the project within a broader national context, the Minister noted that Marine Drive represents a vision first launched in 2016 under the leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and charged the Board to protect that vision by delivering a legacy project for future generations.
In response, Board Chair and Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Yussif Issaka Jajah, welcomed the Minister’s directive, assuring her that the Board would act swiftly.
He disclosed plans to immediately set up a technical committee, review existing proposals and commence stakeholder and investor engagements early in the new year.
“The Ministry remains our principal policy and strategic guide, and we will work closely with it to restore confidence in the Marine Drive Project,” he stated.
The five-member Board comprises Yussif Issaka Jajah as Chair, Maame Efua Houadjeto, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority; Kobby Mensah, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Development Company; Divine Owusu-Ansah, Director for Culture and Creative Arts at the Ministry and a private sector representative, with the Chief Director of the Ministry serving as an ex-officio member.
Senior officials present included Geoffrey Tamakloe, Director for Tourism; Kofi Ohene-Benning, Director for Administration; Abeiku Aggrey Santana, Deputy CEO (Marketing/Special Duties); Ekow Sampson, Deputy CEO (Operations); Ben Anane Nsiah, Deputy CEO (General Services); Richardson Commey-Fio, Special Assistant to the Minister; and Naomi Alabi and Felicity Nelson, Deputy CEOs of the Ghana Tourism Development Company.
The inauguration signals a renewed determination by the Ministry to ensure the Marine Drive Tourism Development Project delivers tangible outcomes and reclaims its place as a cornerstone of Ghana’s tourism-led economic growth.
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