Some members of the GTA LAdies Club

The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr Akwasi Agyeman, has urged women in tourism to work hand in hand to break the stereotypes that hold women down. 

He said “We need more of our women to rise to positions of authority that will enable them to influence policies, especially those that will affect the fortunes of other women.”

Mr Agyeman made this observation at the just ended Biennial Congress of the GTA Ladies Club, at Kwahu in the Eastern Region.

The congress was aimed at bringing members across the regions of Ghana together to know how best to help the organisation achieve its goals, look at ways of empowering one another and exchange views of improving the welfare of female staff.

He congratulated the club on their commitment and efforts towards the successful operations of the GTA and urged them not to relent on their efforts in creating a more formidable force of the Authority.

Mrs Doreen Fianko, Founder of the Club said there were conscious and unconscious biases against women, which hindered their movement.

“This is the reason women need to be empowered to equip and allow them to redefine their gender roles and to make strategic life choices which will allow them more freedom to pursue their desired goals,”she said.

Mrs Emma Rachael Akua Oduro, Outgoing President of the Club, also urged women in the Tourism, Arts, Culture and Hospitality industry in Ghana, to mentor and coach one another through support groups in order to meet the growing demands within the industry.

The Ladies’ Club has a membership of almost 200 drawn from all the 16 regions of Ghana.

Some activities that took place during the congress included, leadership training programme, empowerment summit, a donation, election and swearing in of new executives, tour and picnic.

The newly sworn in executives are Madam Francesca Quansah, President, Ms Abigail Kwayisi, Vice President, Madam SelaseTettevi, Organiser, Nana YaaBoadu, Assistant Organiser, Madam Millicent Nweada, Public Relations Officer, Madam Ellen Gyeambea, Secretary and Madam DelaMelchidek, Financial Secretary.