What we do
Prior to GHCT’s assumption of this role, Midwest Universities Consortium for International Activities, Inc. (MUCIA) and Conservational International (CI) were the entities in charge of coordinating tourism development in the Central Region. GHCT over the past 2 decades, has sought to pursue its mandate through the implementation of various activities in the Central Region covering six administrative districts and eight traditional areas. These activities are funded with proceeds (interests) from the Endowment Fund and are predominantly focused on protecting the natural heritage of the Kakum Conservation Area (protected areas); protecting and preserving the cultural/historic heritage with regards to the Cape Coast and Elmina castles, and Fort San Jago (monuments); and community support (social projects).
The experiences gained over the years have ensured that GHCT is poised at facilitating the conservation of the national heritage for the benefit of the country and more importantly communities around these resources. It has also established considerable international respect and goodwill that cannot be compromised. It will however require the willingness, understanding and co-operation of communities, respective partners and other governmental institutions to carry out its mandate effectively.
Structure
GHCT’s structure is developed to ensure adequate human, financial and material resources to achieve its objectives. The Trust has a thirteen-member Board of Trustees as a governing body, and a Secretariat as manager and implementer of Board decisions and directives.
-
Governance – Board of Trustees
The Board membership was deliberately established to:
-
Reflect the diversity and range of skills needed to ensure the on-going success of the Trust. Critical Committees were set up within the Board for effective functioning.
-
Develop a medium and long-term strategic plan to promote a long-term sustainable vision for the activities and endowment.
-
Set priorities for programmes and funding, establish criteria for grants to communities and NGOs, and develop fundraising and communications strategies.
Operations of the Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees work through five committees namely, Executive, Parks, Monuments, Finance and Business Development (F&BD), and Communications. The Executive Committee, which receives reports, recommendations etc. from the other committees, acts on behalf of the Board in-between board meetings and reports at the full Board meetings.
The key technical/programmes committees of the Board are the Parks and Monuments. On these committees, at least a representative of the major relevant partner statutory institutions (WD of FC and GMMB respectively) are represented at all meetings. The Communications and Finance and Business Development Committees, have general oversight for the communications and finances of GHCT respectively.
The full Board meets twice every year with the committees meeting frequently (minimum 2 times, maximum 4 times) to oversee the operations and to provide strategic direction to the Trust.
Membership
- 13-member board.
- Ghanaian and non-Ghanaian from private and public sector.
- Voluntary.
- No financial benefit beyond out-of-pocket expenses.
- Trustees replaced through nomination and election.
- Trustees retire after serving for 6 years.
Conventions for Trustee Selection
-
- A Chief from the Operational Area.
- Technical Experts in architecture, conservation, forestry, museums, archaeology, etc.
- Technical Experts in business with philanthropic interest.
- Tourism Specialist.
- Development Specialist.
- Fund raisers and those with donor familiarity.
- Influential local personalities.
- Descendants of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.
GHCT Secretariat
The Secretariat carries out activities and instructions, and assumes responsibilities assigned to it by the Board. Operating from Cape Coast in the Central region of Ghana, the Secretariat is responsible for the following:
-
Provide administrative support to the Board
-
Implement Board directives and decisions (including a range of activities such as project management, implementation and enterprise development)
-
Reviews and monitors financial and management systems including disbursements, and grants.
-
Liaises with and provides support to statutory bodies responsible for implementing activities.
-
Manages on-going activities and facilitates the activities of the Board and its Committees including meetings, fundraising and advocacy management
-
Enterprise assets and activities including canopy walkway, KNPVC and its concessions, concessions at Museums, Fort San Jago and GHCT’s product management (post cards, video, certificates of pilgrimage, etc.)
-
Manages financial assets of the Trust, except endowment, and disburses and accounts for all expenditure.
-
Manages a clear and transparent system for grant-making to communities and NGOs to promote the objectives of the Trust.