Report By: Ishmael Barfi
Prof. Kobby Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Tourism, has called for a reimagining of Africa’s tourism sector as a vehicle for youth-led economic empowerment.
Speaking at the Youth Prosperity Dialogue, part of the 2026 Africa Prosperity Dialogues, held from 4th-6th February, 2026 in Accra, Prof. Mensah emphasized the role of young people as drivers of innovation, creativity, and sustainable wealth creation in the continent’s tourism ecosystem.
He highlighted the importance of meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) as critical components of Ghana’s tourism growth. Prof. Mensah praised his team, particularly the Deputy CEO of Operations, for their outstanding work on the Ghana Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) booth at the event. He invited delegates to explore Accra by Night, showcasing the city’s vibrant nightlife and tourist attractions.
Prof. Mensah introduced two groundbreaking initiatives: the Ghana Tourism Investment Platform (GTIP) and the Ghana Tourism Marketplace (GTM). GTIP digitally connects investors with tourism projects across Ghana, breaking traditional barriers that have historically limited youth participation in capital markets. GTM aggregates tourism services and experiences, linking service providers directly to consumers in local and international markets.
These platforms empower young Africans to innovate, create enterprises, and participate in economic transformation. “Prosperity is not just about economic indicators such as growth rates or employment figures,” Prof. Mensah said. “It’s about creating pathways for youth to realize their potential and actively participate in economic transformation.”
Prof. Mensah highlighted the symbiotic relationship between GTIP and GTM, saying, “GTIP mobilizes capital for innovative ideas, while GTM amplifies those ideas through market access and digital visibility. Both platforms are driven by youth creativity and entrepreneurship.” He added that this model represents a paradigm shift from dependency and job-seeking to ownership, enterprise creation, and central economic participation.
He urged Africa’s youth to take ownership of the tourism sector, saying, “The future of tourism in Africa is digital, creative, and entrepreneurial, and it belongs to you. The platforms may provide the infrastructure, but the vision, innovation, and leadership must come from you.”
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
