A group of professionals in the hospitality sector has launched a network to promote professionalism and ethical standards for enhanced growth and development of the sector.

The network, christened; Hospitality Professionals Network, Ghana (HPNG), is a non-profit organisation geared towards creating an enabling environment for members and businesses to thrive.

It is also to offer career mentorship and coaching to members and provide partnership and sponsorship opportunities with various organisations for mutual interests.

The network is made up of local and international hoteliers, owners of guest houses, and other workers within the hospitality industry value chain.

Launching the network via Zoom in Accra, Mr Akwasi Agyeman, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), noted that the hospitality industry was one of the worst affected in the tourism sector by COVID-19 pandemic.

He said more collaboration was, therefore, required among industry players to bring the sector back on track and facilitate its development.

"We are still in difficult times as an industry and we know the difficulties some of our members are facing and we believe that coming together will help us understand at least some of the dynamics and challenges we all face and how we can get out together,’’ he said.

"...What happened during the COVID-19 has taught us that in times of difficulty, and even in good times you would need that voice that pushes the agenda of the industry."

He commended the group for the foresight and assured members of the GTA's support and partnership to ensure that the sector thrived.

Mr John Addo Kufuor, the CEO of Airport West Hospitality and a Board Member of HPNG, said the network would equip members, especially the youth, with professional and technical skills that would enable them to operate efficiently and effectively.

That, he said, would also ensure that Ghanaians owned the economy to drive its development agenda.

Madam Jeanne Donkoh, Founder of Bioko Treats, also a Board Member, urged industry players to continuously strive and educate themselves to enhance their ethical and professional standards, as well as abreast themselves of changes in the sector.

Mr Herbert Fries, Managing Director of Hospitality Solutions, also Board Member, called for more dialogue and expertise sharing among industry players to address challenges in the sector and promote a more vibrant industry.