Sanitation is not just a public health issue—it is a defining pillar of sustainable tourism and national development.

That was the strong message from the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, as she addressed guests at the 7th Kempinski Staff Excellence Awards. The Minister called on hospitality institutions to go beyond luxury and service delivery to embrace environmental responsibility and improved sanitation as a shared national duty.

According to Hon. Gomashie, Ghana’s ambition to become a leading tourism destination cannot be achieved if cleanliness and sustainable practices are confined to hotel walls. She urged hotels, restaurants, and tourism operators to extend sanitation efforts into surrounding communities, stressing that visitor experience begins the moment a tourist arrives—not at the hotel entrance.

“Clean environments attract visitors, protect communities, and strengthen Ghana’s global image,” she emphasized.

Tourism, Sanitation, and the Black Star Experience

The Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to sustainable tourism development under the Black Star Experience, a national initiative aimed at positioning Ghana as a premier cultural and tourism destination. She highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen skills development, improve branding, and promote inclusive growth across the tourism value chain.

Hon. Gomashie noted that sanitation and environmental stewardship are essential to protecting cultural heritage, preserving tourist sites, and ensuring long-term economic benefits for local communities.

Recognising Excellence and Leadership in Hospitality

Commending Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City for its dedication to service excellence, the Minister praised the institution for setting high standards within Ghana’s hospitality industry. She described staff excellence as a critical driver of quality tourism and urged other hospitality players to emulate Kempinski’s commitment to professionalism, discipline, and continuous improvement.

In her remarks, Silvia Rajniak, the first female General Manager of Kempinski, paid tribute to the hotel’s staff, crediting their selfless dedication and consistency for the hotel’s success over the past decade. She emphasized that exceeding expectations—not merely meeting them—has been central to Kempinski’s growth and reputation.

“Our success is built on people—on commitment, teamwork, and a shared belief in excellence,” she stated.

A Call to Action for Ghana’s Tourism Sector

This moment presents a clear call to action:

Hospitality institutions must champion sanitation and environmental responsibility within and beyond their facilities.

Industry leaders must invest in staff development while promoting sustainability as a core value.

Communities and local authorities must work together to maintain clean, welcoming environments that support tourism growth.

As Ghana pursues sustainable tourism under the Black Star Experience, one truth remains clear: tourism thrives where cleanliness, responsibility, and excellence meet.

Sanitation is not optional.
Sustainability is not a luxury.
They are the foundation of Ghana’s tourism future.