The Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Cape Coast (UCC) to prepare students at the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management for the job market.

Under the agreement, TOUGHA shall provide internship opportunity for students of UCC, as well as honour invitation by the Department as guest lecturers. Additionally, the Department will also periodically support TOUGHA in the organization of short courses for its members

At a brief signing ceremony on Tuesday March 17, 2022, the President of TOUGHA, Madam Alisa Osei-Asamoah, who initialed for TOUGHA, explained that the collaboration would ensure that TOUGHA shares relevant industry data and information with the Department.

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The President of TOUGHA, Madam Alisa Osei-Asamoah, signing the MoU

Amongst others, she said the partnership, which will span two years, would also give the Department the mandate to offer TOUGHA members who possess the minimum required qualification the opportunity to participate in Post Graduate course of the Department.

Madam Osei-Asamoah indicated that the MoU would offer students the platform to gain hands-on industrial experience for job opportunities after school.

For his part, the Provost of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Prof. Eric Amuquandoh, observed that the initiative would open doors for students in the job market and would also benefit the institutions from the skills, competencies and ideas of these students.

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The Provost of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Prof. Eric Amuquandoh, signing the MoU

He pointed out that the collaboration would close the yawning gap between industry and academia which would help prepare and equip students with the necessary job skills to be successful in the world of work.

“We are happy that you are getting closer…In fact, you are the consumers of our products. So we will work together to produce the desired products,” said Prof. Amuquandoh, who signed for UCC.

In a comment, the Head of the Department, Prof.  Issahaku Adam, commended TOUGHA for the collaboration and added that the Department was happy to be part of an agreement which would produce well-equipped graduates for the 21st century work environment.

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A group Photograph after the MoU

About TOUGHA

TOUGHA is the body representing tour operators in the country. It is incorporated as a Limited by Guarantee Entity by the Registrar General’s Department of Ghana in accordance with the Companies’ Act of 1963 (Act 179) and recognised by the GTA. It is also a member of the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) and affiliated to other continental and global tourism organisations.TOUGHA was set up to, among other things, bring together registered tour operators and foster good working relationship among them.The Union is also expected to influence tourism legislation and contribute to tourism development, ensure high standards in the quality of tourism products and services as well as create awareness for domestic tourism. It also has the mandate of liaising with international institutions for the development of tourism and culture in Ghana.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC