We have not released any statement on 24-hour economy – Ghana Hotels Association

The President of the Ghana Hotels Association, Dr. Edward Ackah-Nyamike Jnr, has described a purported press release demanding clarification on the 24-hour economy policy from John Dramani Mahama, Flagbearer of the NDC, as fake.

The release, circulating on social media and posted by Koku Anyidoho, sought to find out how the hotel industry could benefit from the 24-hour economy initiative.

The statement further requested an engagement with Mahama and his team to gain an understanding of the policy, its benefits and to address critical challenges facing the sector.

However, speaking on Hello FM on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, Dr. Ackah-Nyamike urged the public to disregard the statement and treat it with the contempt it deserves.

“The original letterhead of the association bears the names and contacts of all executives just like this one and that is the standard. Someone sent me the supposed press release and said its coming from my office and making rounds on social media. I told him it is news to me. As far as I’m concerned, Ghana Hotels Association has not made any press release on this topic. Not from me, not from my national executives and not from any executives sanctioned by the association so its fake.”

He explained that the association is not political and wishes to emphasise that stance to avoid division among its members.

“Ghana hotels association, we are apolitical and we have maintained that stance over the years with pride. We have members who belong to any of the political parties but when it comes to the association, we are very apolitical. We don’t allow politics to divide us. At the end of the day, what we want is a favorable environment to be provided for the industry to flourish,” he clarified.

He disclosed that he was contacted by the two major political parties - the NPP and the NDC, to assist in drafting their manifestos on the hospitality industry.

“I got an invitation from the NPP to help with their manifesto on the tourism and hospitality industry and I obliged in the interest of the industry. We have realised that we allow the political parties to come out with their manifesto and then we later go and comment about it and fight for the right thing to be done.

“When the invite came, I discussed with few of the executives and I supported the NPP with their manifesto on tourism and hospitality. The NDC also sent a letter through Peter Otokunor to meet with us to discuss issues concerning our industry to add it to their manifesto,” he stated.

MAG/AE