Abeiku Santana raises concerns over access to GTA CEO Maame Efua Houadjeto

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in charge of Marketing and Special Duties, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey aka Santana, has asked the Tourism Minister to intervene in recurring difficulties accessing the Authority’s CEO, Maame Efua Houadjeto, for urgent consultations. In a letter dated Thursday, 22nd October 2026, and addressed to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Abeiku said the challenge was affecting his ability to obtain timely guidance, approvals and decisions needed to carry out his responsibilities, particularly in domestic tourism, special events and marketing.

“On several occasions, I have had to request meetings through the CEO’s secretary or personal assistant, only to be informed that she is unavailable,” he stated. He acknowledged the demands on the CEO’s schedule but said the situation had made it difficult for him to perform his duties effectively. “This situation sometimes causes delays in operations, stakeholder engagements, and the implementation of key assignments,” Mr Aggrey wrote.

He also stressed that his concerns were not intended as a personal complaint but were aimed at addressing what he considers a communication gap within the institution. “My intention is not to make a personal complaint, but to highlight a communication gap that needs to be addressed in the interest of effective management and institutional efficiency,” he said.

Abeiku has consequently asked the Minister to intervene to help establish a more effective arrangement for communication and consultation between himself and the CEO, particularly on urgent official matters. “I therefore respectfully seek your intervention, with the knowledge of the Board Chairperson, to help establish a more effective communication and consultation arrangement between the CEO and my office, especially on urgent official matters,” he stated.

Despite the concerns raised, Mr Aggrey reaffirmed his commitment to working with the CEO and the Authority’s management team. “I remain committed to working professionally with the CEO and the entire management team to achieve the Ministry’s objectives and strengthen the performance of the Ghana Tourism Authority,” he said. Abeiku’s Appointment President John Dramani Mahama appointed Abeiku Santana as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority in February 2025 after the National Democratic Congress assumed office on 7th January 2025.

Abeiku Santana is a broadcaster, tourism advocate and entrepreneur with experience in media, marketing, travel and hospitality. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Kaya Tours Ghana Limited and holds a master’s degree in Tourism Management from the University of Cape Coast and a master’s degree in Marketing Strategy from the University of Ghana Business School.