Ghana has become a member of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation's (UNWTO) Executive Council.

The UNWTO is responsible for promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism, while also driving economic growth, inclusive development, and a sustainable environment through tourism.

Five other countries, namely Nigeria, Rwanda, Namibia, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, were also selected to serve on the council during the 66th UNWTO Commission for Africa meeting in Mauritius.

The council's role includes consulting with the Secretary-General to implement decisions that will enhance global tourism.

The official unveiling of the council will take place at the next UNWTO General Assembly meeting scheduled for October in Uzbekistan.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, expressed Ghana's commitment to prioritize travel and tourism on the global development agenda.

He also called on African tourism ministers to focus on sustainable practices to protect the environment and ensure that local communities benefit from tourism.

Dr. Awal further emphasized the need for investments in tourism infrastructure and capacity-building for operators along the tourism value chain to enhance Africa's competitiveness in the sector.

President Akufo-Addo has given directives for the implementation of innovative strategies to maximize the contributions of tourism, arts, and culture to national development.

He aims to achieve two million international tourist arrivals and annual receipts of $6 billion by 2025.