DRAFT CONSTITUTION OF GHANA TOURISM FEDERATION

(GHATOF)

Table of Contents
PREAMBLE ................................................................................................................... 3 ARTICLE 1: NAME: ...................................................................................................... 3 ARTICLE 2: SEAL OF GHATOF .................................................................................. 3 ARTICLE 3: VISION, MISSION .................................................................................... 4 ARTICLE 4: LEGAL STATUS ...................................................................................... 4 ARTICLE 5: REGISTERED OFFICE ............................................................................ 4 ARTICLE 6: AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ....................................................................... 4 ARTICLE 7: POWERS AND DUTIES .......................................................................... 5 ARTICLE 8: MEMBERSHIP.......................................................................................... 7 ARTICLE 9: BENEFITS, RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS ........... 9 ARTICLE 10: SANCTIONS ......................................................................................... 11 ARTICLE 11: MAIN ORGANS OF GHATOF ............................................................. 11 ARTICLE 12: MEETINGS OF MEMBERS.................................................................. 12 ARTICLE 13: THE GOVERNING COUNCIL ............................................................. 15 ARTICLE 14: REGIONAL BRANCHES ..................................................................... 18 ARTICLE 15: THE SECRETARIAT, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, & EMPLOYEES . 18 ARTICLE 16: FINANCE .............................................................................................. 19 ARTICLE 17: OFFICERS ............................................................................................. 20 ARTICLE 18 WORKING COMMITTEES ................................................................... 21 ARTICLE 19 ELECTIONS AND REMOVAL ............................................................. 22 ARTICLE 20: PROMULGATION AND AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION ...................................................................................................................................... 23 ARTICLE 21: DISSOLUTION OF GHATOF ............................................................... 23 APPENDIX 1: GHATOF MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS ................................................ 25

PREAMBLE
Whereas Tourism has become a major contributor to the economic growth of Ghana; And Whereas identified associations in the Ghana tourism industry find it expedient to come together and establish an apex organisation to collate information and articulate the concerns of the practitioners in the industry and thus influence tourism policy development and growth; And Whereas it is deemed necessary to give the apex body a framework of administration to ensure the proper and effective organisation and running of the body; Now Therefore in pursuance of this vision, this declaration is hereby made;

ARTICLE 1: NAME:
1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 The name of the Apex body shall be Ghana Tourism Federation, and it shall adopt GHATOF as its acronym. The Motto of GHATOF shall be PARTNERSHIP IN SERVICE TO TOURISM GHATOF is incorporated under the Companies Code, 1963 as a Company Limited by Guarantee with Registration number G.----The Logo of GHATOF has the picture of a castle superimposed on a shield flanked by an antelope and a traditional drummer. Above all these is the National Flag of the Republic of Ghana, and below the entire arrangement is a banner inscribed with the name of GHATOF.

ARTICLE 2: SEAL OF GHATOF

2.1

GHATOF shall have a Common Seal with the name of GHATOF and a logo (see article 1.4 above)

ARTICLE 3: VISION, MISSION

3.1 The Vision of GHATOF is to be the primary advocate for private sector leadership in the development of responsible and sustainable tourism in Ghana. The Mission of GHATOF is to cultivate and uphold commitment to the shared goals and objectives of the organisation by delivering services that enhance growth of the tourism industry.

3.2

ARTICLE 4: LEGAL STATUS

4.1 4.2 GHATOF shall be a voluntary, non-profit organisation. GHATOF shall be a juristic person, capable of suing and being sued in its own name and performing all such acts as are necessary for the purpose of exercising its powers and carrying out of its duties.

ARTICLE 5: REGISTERED OFFICE

The Registered Office of GHATOF shall be in Accra

ARTICLE 6: AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The Aims and Objectives of GHATOF shall be; 6.1 Act as private sector advocate for the interests of tourism in Ghana, and to collaborate with all relevant organizations to that end.

6.2

Promote interests and improve the operations of the various associations in the industry as well as to assist in the formation of other potential tourism associations. Promote the welfare of member associations. Encourage and promote the creation of an enabling environment for profitable tourism operations in Ghana. Improve the standards of service offered by Ghanaian tourism organizations. Develop and maintain a code of ethics for tourism practitioners. Establish and maintain effective membership governance. Work with relevant institutions and organizations to develop opportunity and professionalism in the industry. Provide leadership for addressing issues related to tourism.

6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9

6.10 Carry out such other activities as may be required in furtherance of Achieving the vision. 6.11 GHATOF shall adopt a visitor and member services strategy and shall Endeavour to ensure that high quality, customer-focused and costeffective services are provided, creating high levels of customer satisfaction and the maximization of business generated for those of its members involved in tourism-related businesses. 6.12 Organise from time to time, seminars, symposia, workshops and such other programmes and print requisite materials for the education of its members for professional and social advancement.

ARTICLE 7: POWERS AND DUTIES

7.1 GHATOF shall have all the powers and duties necessary to enable it to fulfill its objectives and without limiting the generality of the a foregoing, shall have the following powers and duties.

7.2

In consultations with the member Associations,hire, pledge, lease, purchase or otherwise acquire, let, sell, exchange or alienate, mortgage, burden with servitude or confer any real right in, immovable property. Negotiate or cooperate with any government, regional, metropolitan, municipal, district or community with regard to any matter which is directly or indirectly aimed at the achievement of the objectives of GHATOF. In consultation with member associations, open and administer offices which may be necessary or advisable for the effective and proper exercise of GHATOFs powers and the carrying out of its duties. Acquire insurance cover. 7.5.1 For itself against any loss, damage, risk or liability which it may suffer or incur; and 7.5.2 For the members of the executive Committee, sub-committees, area committees and the member associations employees in respect of bodily injury, disablement or death resulting solely and directly from an accident occurring when performing their duties as employees.

7.3

7.4

7.5

7.6

Open and conduct banking accounts at a bank as defined in the BANKS ACT.

7.7 Draw up, make, publish and and make available books, guides, maps, publications, photographs, films, videos and similar matter intended to inform persons in the country or elsewhere, of tourist attractions and services alone or in cooperation with others. 7.8 Gather, evaluate and process information relating to tourism and sell or otherwise make such information available to persons who are engaged in the tourism industry. Give marketing advice and guidance to persons who are engaged in the tourism industry, if appropriate for a fee.

7.9

7.10 Provide all necessary assistance to the associations with regard to the grading, classification and accreditation of incentive schemes and systems, and with regard to the administration of such schemes and systems. 7.11 Promote and develop tourism awareness and participation by local communities in the activities of GHATOF. 7.12 GHATOF shall exercise all its powers and duties in accordance with a budget and business plan approved by the Annual General Meeting.

ARTICLE 8: MEMBERSHIP
8.1 Membership of GHATOF shall be voluntary and shall be open to business establishments and voluntary associations residing or carrying on business within the Republic of Ghana. Membership of GHATOF shall be acquired by the completion and submission of membership form, payment of membership fees as determined in terms of clause 14.2.1, by the General Assembly at the Annual General meeting of GHATOF and in fulfillment of GHATOFs minimum membership requirements as determined by the Governing Council from time to time. Each member shall be issued with a membership identity certificate and a copy of the constitution by the National Secretariat. The membership certificate shall remain the property of GHATOF. A member association can withdraw its membership provided such member is not indebted to GHATOF. Where such a member is indebted to GHATOF, the debt owned shall first be paid. The member association shall then surrender any Federation property in their custody including the membership certificate to GHATOF. In the case of an office bearer, a written notice of four (4) weeks shall be required.

8.2

8.3

8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7

8.8

Any member who is more than 3 (three) months in arrears in respect of membership dues shall participate in the deliberations of GHATOF without the right to vote on any issue. Any member who is more than 6 (six) months in arrears in respect of payment of dues shall lose the right to vote at meetings and shall not offer himself/herself for executive office.

8.9

8.10 A member association which wants to contest for a place on the Governing Council should be free of debt to GHATOF for at least the last two consecutive years. 8.11 GHATOF members shall put the GHATOF logo at the bottom of their letterheads as a sign of accreditation There are four categories of Membership 8.12 FULL MEMBERSHIP 8.12.1 Any registered association and professional bodies having business activity related to services in the tourism, hospitality and leisure industry. 8.12.2 Full members must have been in existence as a legal entity for at least two years and accept the principles laid down in this Constitution. 8.13 ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP The following shall be eligible to be associate members of GHATOF. Any association whose activities, though not strictly linked to tourism are essential to the operations of the industry. Associate members may not vote nor may they serve on the Governing Council. They may, however, be co-opted to appropriate committees, can attend all sessions of the Annual General Meeting and receive publications of GHATOF. 8.14 AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP The following shall be eligible as affiliate members of GHATOF. Affiliate membership shall be conferred on organizations or bodies who are active in industrial, social, economic and environmental areas that impact positively on the development and growth of tourism. A
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second group here is made up of EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OR MEDIA ESTABLISHMENTS, which produce skilled manpower, carry out research, and consultancy services for the tourism, hospitality and leisure industry. 8.15 HONORARY MEMBERSHIP Honorary Membership of GHATOF may be bestowed upon an organisation or establishment who in the eyes of the Membership have contributed and continue to contribute in an outstanding manner to the objectives of GHATOF. Nominations are submitted to the Governing Council and ratified by the Annual General Assembly. Honorary members may not vote, nor may they serve on the Governing Council, nor will they be required to pay membership fees. 8.16 ASSOCIATION WITH OTHER LIKE BODIES 8.16.1The Governing Council may recommend that GHATOF may affiliate, associate, or cooperate with any organization, institution or society having objectives identical to those of this Federation.

ARTICLE 9: BENEFITS, RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS

9.1
BENEFITS

a/. Results of advocacy actions by GHATOF. b/. Services that help to improve members business that they cannot Obtain elsewhere, such; power of unity and affiliation, benefits of collaboration and synergy, recognition and enhanced prestige, access to training and education through GHATOF. Access to service providers, access to marketing promotion and increased visibility of your business, consulting services (e.g. planning, process, etc. c/. Welfare matters d/. Arbitration and conference resolution
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9.2

a/. All members shall have the right to participate in the formulation and implementation of policies programmes and decisions of GHATOF and in the furtherance of this shall have reasonable access to information needed for the exercise of this right . b/. Members may request the assistance of GHATOF in labour and legal matters and in issues involving state and parastatal institutions and agencies, foreign organizations and private sector bodies and institutions. c/. Members shall have the right to proper and transparent accounting of GHATOFs funds. d/. Members shall have equal right to nominate candidates for election to national offices subjects to Article 13 (2) (b) and (c) of this constitution. e/. Members shall be entitled to copies of all annual reports of GHATOF.

RIGHTS

9.3

a/. Members shall defend the constitution and work towards the realization of the objectives and purposes of GHATOF. b/. Members shall accept the authority of the Annual General Congress, the Governing Council and the decision bodies working on the authority of these organs. c/. Members shall implement decisions of the annual general congress, the Governing Council and of bodies working on the authority of these organs. d/. Members shall recognise GHATOF as their official mouthpiece in the Tourism Industry. e/. Members shall submit copies of their Annual report to the Federation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

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f/. Generally members may seek the assistance of GHATOF in the resolution of disputes.

ARTICLE 10: SANCTIONS

10.1 GHATOF may exclude from membership any member whose continued membership would, in the opinion of the Council, be detrimental to the interests of GHATOF or to the furtherance of its objects. 10.2 Before a member is subjected to disciplinary action the Governing Council shall give the association concerned, a hearing and give the association reasonable time to comply with its decision. 10.3 A member who resigns or is excluded in accordance with the provisions of Article 10.1 shall forfeit all claims to a return of any monies paid to the Association in respect of admission Fee or Annual fees or other payments. 10.4 Where a member fails to comply with a Governing Council decision after the expiry of the stated time the Governing Council shall refer the matter to the Annual General Congress for appropriate action. 10.5 A member excluded from GHATOF may appeal from the decision of the Council to a GENERAL Meeting of the Association. A majority of not less than two thirds of the members present at the General Meeting at which the case is considered shall have the power to annul the exclusion subject to the performance of any conditions which the meeting may think fit to impose.

ARTICLE 11: MAIN ORGANS OF GHATOF

11.1 The following are the organs of GHATOF: a/. b/. Annual General Congress comprising five (5) delegates from constituent member associations. Governing Council headed by the President of GHATOF.
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c/. d/.

A Secretariat headed by an Executive Secretary with powers of a Chief Executive Officer. Functional Committees with mandates consistent with the strategic focus and vision of GHATOF.

ARTICLE 12: MEETINGS OF MEMBERS

12.1 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS 12.1.1 An annual general Congress shall be held not later than 3 (three) months after the end of each financial year, at a time and place determined by the Governing Council, provided that at least 14 (fourteen ) days prior written notice of the annual general meeting shall be given to all member associations. The Secretary shall with the prior approval of the Governing Council send the notice convening the annual general congress. Such notice shall state in broad terms, the business to be transacted at the congress and shall specify the terms of any resolutions to be proposed. In the event of a change of date or venue for the Congress, the Governing Council shall send one months notice of such changes to the member associations. Notwithstanding the provisions of clauses 12.1.1 and 12.1.2 the accidental omission to give notice of the annual general congress to not more than 10% (ten percent) of the members of GHATOF shall not invalidate the proceedings at the annual general congress. The meeting shall have a quorum when at least 50% of accredited delegates from the constituent Associations are present.

12.1.2

12.1.3

12.1.4

12.1.5

12

12.1.6 12.1.7

Without exception, every accredited delegate present shall have one (1) vote and voting shall be by secret ballot. Proxy votes will be accepted on condition all necessary arrangements and communication to the Electoral Commissioner is completed 14 days before congress. The President of GHATOF or in his absence the Vice President thereof shall chair the annual general congress, provided that if neither the President nor his Vice is present within 10 (ten) minutes of the time appointed for the holding of the annual general meeting, the members shall elect the Chairperson for the meeting. Where the President without reasonable cause fails to convene an Annual General Congress, a simple majority of the members of the Governing Council may convene the Annual General Congress. the business of the annual general congress shall include at least the following: The election of the person to chair the meeting when necessary. The presentation and adoption of the annual report of the President of GHATOF, and the budget and business plan for the forthcoming financial year. The consideration of the audited annual financial statement of GHATOF. The appointment of auditors for the forthcoming year. The determination of membership fees for the forthcoming year; as more fully set out in Article 14.2.1. The determination of Governing Council allowances as more full set out in Article 15.

12.1.8

12.1.9

12.1.10 12.1.10.1 12.1.10.2

12.1.10.3 12.1.10.4 12.1.10.5 12.1.10.6

13

12.1.10.7

The selection of members to serve on the Governing Council for the next term, as more fully set out in clause 9.

12.2 GENERAL MEETINGS 12.2.1 12.2.2 12.2.2.1 12.2.2.2 12.2.2.3 12.2.3. The First General Congress shall be the inaugural general meeting of GHATOF Other General meetings of GHATOF may be convened at any time by: The Governing Council The President of GHATOF Any 10 (ten) members of the Association Any general meeting shall be convened on not les than 10 (ten) days prior written notice to all members, which notice shall state in broad terms the business to be transacted at the meeting, and shall specify the terms of any resolutions to be proposed and the place, the day and the time of the meeting. The provision of articles 12.1.3. And 21.1.4 shall apply with the necessary changes, to general meetings of GHATOF.

12.2.4.

12.3 QUORUM 12.3.1 The Quorum for general meetings of members of GHATOF shall be 50% of the existing membership of GHATOF at the time.. If there is no quorum after 15 (fifteen) minutes of the appointed time for the meeting, Suspend quorum and have a meeting with notes taken on the agenda as discussed. Such notes shall be considered as the first item on the agenda for the next General Meeting for further discussion. .

12.3.2.

12.4 VOTING AT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS AND GENERAL MEETINGS

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12.4.1 12.4.2

Each paid up member of GHATOF shall have 1 (one) vote per delegate. And all questions arising shall be decided by a majority of votes. A resolution put to the vote shall be decided by a show of hands if demanded by the presiding person of the meeting, or by a member of the association with the support of at least 4 (four) other members, provided that no poll may be demanded if a resolution is tabled with regard to any question of adjournment. A poll shall be taken in such manner as chairperson of the Executive meeting directs. In the case of equality of votes, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, the Chairperson shall have a casting vote.

12.4.3 12.4.4.

ARTICLE 13: THE GOVERNING COUNCIL

13.1 COMPOSITION 13.1.1 13.1.2 13.1.3 13.1.4 13.1.5 13.1.6 13.1.7 This is the primary organ of governance that has overall leadership and management oversight of GHATOF. The Governing Council of GHATOF shall comprise of all nominees of member associations of GHATOF Formulate policy for GHATOF. Implement the decisions of the Annual General Congress. Enforce the Constitution, rules and regulations of GHATOF. Submit Annual Report on the State of GHATOF and Audited Financial Report to the Annual General Congress. Consider all applications for membership of GHATOF and extend invitations to associations it considers qualified for membership of GHATOF. Set up appropriate Committees periodically to perform such functions as the Council shall determine.
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13.1.8

13.1.9

Adjudicate and settle disputes between members.

13.1.10 Subject to the Constitution to take any and all actions consistent with the aims and objectives of GHATOF. 13.1.11 Develop a Code of Ethics for approval by the General Congress. 13.1.12 Maintain overall oversight of the proper management of GHATOF subject to approval by the Annual General Congress. 13.2 MEETINGS OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL 13.2.1 The Governing Council shall meet, adjourn its meetings and otherwise regulate its meetings as it deems fit. It shall meet at least in every quarter of the year. The chairperson of the Governing Council is the President or in his absence, the Vice President thereof; The President shall chair all meetings of the Governing Council, provided that if neither the President nor the Vice President is present within 15 (fifteen) minutes of the time appointed for the holding of a meeting, the remaining members of the Council shall choose 1 (one) of their number present to chair the meeting. May at any time, and upon the request of any 5 (five) members of the Governing Council convene a meeting of the Governing Council.

13.2.2 13.2.3

13.2.4

13.3 The quorum for all meetings of the Governing Council shall be (one half) the number in office at the relevant time. 13.4 All decisions of the Governing Council shall be taken by a simple majority of votes of those present. In the event of equality of votes, the resolution in question shall be defeated.

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13.5 Minutes of all Governing Council meetings shall be kept and signed by the chairperson of the meeting. They shall be available at all reasonable times during business hours for inspection or copying by any member. 13.6 POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL 13.6.1 The Governing Council shall have all the powers and duties of GHATOF as set out in article 5, save for those powers and duties which must be exercised by the members in terms of this Constitution, or in terms of any decision made by the members from time to time. The Governing Council may at anytime establish and disestablish subcommittees, determine the composition and terms of reference of such committees, regulate the conduct of the meetings of such committees and confer on such committees any such powers as it deems fit.

13.6.2

13.7 DELEGATIONS 13.7.1 The Governing Council may delegate in writing any power, function or duty assigned to it or conferred or imposed upon it in terms of this Constitution or by the members, to any subcommittee, are committee, or employee of GHATOF who in turn may further delegate such power, function or duty. The delegation of a power, function or duty under clause 13.7.1 does not preclude the exercise of that power, the performance of that function or the carrying out of that duty by the Governing Council The Governing Council may at anytime amend or revoke any delegation under article 13.7.1 and may delegate its powers, functions or duties subject to any limitations, directives or conditions which the Governing Council may decide. The Governing Council may review and amend any decision in terms of a delegation contemplated by article 13.7.1, subject to any rights that may have accrued.
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13.7.2

13.7.3

13.7.4

ARTICLE 14: REGIONAL BRANCHES

14.1 The General Assembly shall upon the recommendation of the Governing Council establish regional and District branches of GHATOF.

. 14.2 As far as practicable, The Regions shall correspond to the Regions of Ghana. Provided that the Governing Council may recommend to the Annual General Congress to combine some individual regions to form a viable and efficient unit. Two or more Regions may be put together to form, for the time being, one unit. 14.3 Each Regional Branch shall be presided over by a Regional Chair. 14.4 The Governing Council shall have power to make rules for regulating the organization, membership, functions and general conduct of the Regional Branches. 14.5 The Regional Branch shall report to the Governing Council, which shall submit the Regional Report to the General Assembly.

ARTICLE 15: THE SECRETARIAT, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, & EMPLOYEES

15.1 There shall be a Secretariat located in Accra, headed by the Executive Secretary that shall have the daily administrative and operational responsibility for GHATOF business. 15.2 The Secretariat shall have a staff support size appropriate to the administrative and operational needs of the Executive Secretary. 15.3 The Governing Council must as soon as possible after its First meeting; appoint a fit and proper person with knowledge and experience of management and the tourism industry, as the Executive
18

Secretary. This will be done in accordance with the general process of recruitment, through advertisement and screening. 15.4 It shall exercise such powers and duties as delegated to it by the Governing Council. 15.5 The Executive Secretary must be appointed in terms of a fixed term, performance linked contract, for a period not exceeding 3 (three) years, and may be re-appointed after expiry of that period. 15.6 If the Executive Secretary is absent or for any reason unable to perform his/her functions, or whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Executive Secretary, the Governing Council must appoint another person to act as Executive Secretary of GHATOF during such absence or inability or until an Executive Secretary has been appointed in terms of article 15.1 15.7 The Executive Secretary must perform all the functions delegated to him/her by the Governing Council. 15.8 The Governing Council may in consultation with the Executive Secretary, appoint such other employees as are necessary to enable the Executive Secretary to fulfill his/her duties. The Executive Secretary shall be in charge of all such other employees of GHATOF.

ARTICLE 16: FINANCE

16.1 The funds of GHATOF are composed of; a) Membership and Registration fees. These are to be fixed annually by Congress before the beginning of the financial year. b) Donations and grants c) Income from investments d) Loans, fines, special levies, PROVIDED that such loans; levies fines and special levies shall be approved by the Annual
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General Congress upon recommendation by the Governing Council. e) Money raised by GHATOF through its own commercial and fundraising activities. f) Any other source as may be determined by the Governing Council. 16.2 GHATOF shall open a bank account in its name 16.3 GHATOF shall appoint auditors to prepare and audit GHATOFs annual financial statements. 16.4 The accounting records and boos of account of GHATOF shall be kept at the main office of GHATOF, and shall be available at all reasonable times during business hours for inspection or copying by any member of GHATOF. 16.5 All the cheques of GHATOF shall be signed by the President (Vice President as an alternate signatory) and either the Treasurer or the Executive Secretary. 16.6 Any change in signatories of cheques shall be by resolution of two thirds of the membership of the Governing Council. 16.7 The accounting year of GHATOF shall be January1 to December 31.

ARTICLE 17: OFFICERS

17.1 The officers of the Governing Council shall be;

a/. President b/. Vice president c/ Treasurer Article 17.1.2 POWERS AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS
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Article 17.1.2.1 THE PRESIDENT The President shall be elected by the General Assembly 17.1.2.2 QUALIFICATIONS a) He shall be a past President of an association in good standing. b) He should be proposed by his/her Association c) He/she must be a serving President of an Association in good standing 17.1.2.2 .1 In the case of sub-article (c) above such serving President shall relinquish his/her position in the mother association to allow for a bye election to fill the position. 17.1.2.3 DUTIES a/. He shall convene and preside over the Annual General Congress and the Governing Council. b./. Shall present GHATOFs Reports at Annual General Congress. c/. Shall sign all approved and confirmed minutes of GHATOF. d/. Shall be the first signatory to GHATOFs account. e/. Shall have a casting vote at the Governing Council meetings. Article 17.1.2.4
THE VICE PRESIDENT

a/. Shall assist the President in the performance of his duties and perform such functions as shall be delegated to him by the President. b/. Shall act as president in the absence of the President. c/. Shall be the alternate signatory to GHATOFs account.

ARTICLE 18 WORKING COMMITTEES

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Article 18.1: The working committees of GHATOF shall be appointed by the governing council as follows: a) b) c) d) e) f) Finance and Investment Human Resource and Organisational Development Research, Policy and Development. Marketing and Public Relations Advocacy and Legal The Governing Council in consultation with the Executive Secretary may establish working committees to handle specific matters affecting GHATOF.

ARTICLE 19 ELECTIONS AND REMOVAL

19.1 The Governing Council shall elect all officers. 19.1.1 To be elected as an officer of the Governing Council a person shall be a president or a past president of an Association with full membership status and two years good standing of his Association. A person intending to contest election for any national office shall file Nomination papers with the Electoral Commissioner of GHATOF six (6) weeks before the date fixed for the Congress which is to conduct the elections The nomination papers shall be officially endorsed and submitted by his /her Association. All officers shall hold office for a term of two (2) years and shall be eligible for another term of two years. Where at the close of nomination, there is only one candidate for election to an office, there shall be voting held for that particular office and the candidate shall be declared elected unopposed.

19.1.2

19.1.3 19.1.4 19.1.5

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19.1.6

An officer may be removed from office upon the breaking of any of the rules of conduct of GHATOF or the commitment of an act, which brings the name of GHATOF into disrepute. The annual General Congress may remove an officer PROVIDED that notice for the removal of an officer shall have been placed on the agenda for the congress. A member of the Governing Council, who is removed from office in his Association whereupon GHATOF receives notice of such action, shall cease to be a member of the Governing Council.

19.1.7

19.1.8

ARTICLE 20: PROMULGATION AND AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION

20.1 The provisions of this Constitution may be amended or repealed by two thirds (2/3) majority of delegates at an annual General Congress provided that: The proposed amendment has been circulated six (6) months prior to the meeting date and placed on the Agenda of the Annual General Congress in accordance with Article 8 (3) of the Constitution. Only a paid-up member Association of GHATOF shall propose an Amendment or repeal of any of the provision of the constitution The Constitution shall be promulgated when it is approved by two thirds (2/3) majority of delegates at an Annual General Congress.

20.1.1

20.1.2

20.2

ARTICLE 21: DISSOLUTION OF GHATOF

21.1 GHATOF may be dissolved upon a resolution passed by two-third (2/3) majority of existing member Associations
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at a General Congress called for that purpose, provided that 21 (twenty-one) days notice of the proposed amendment or dissolution has been given to members of GHATOF. 21.2 In the case of dissolution, decided by a minimum twothirds of Full Member organisation present at the Congress, one of several liquidators will be nominated by the Congress and the assets of GHATOF will be shared in equal parts among all Members of GHATOF, after payment of all outstanding debts of GHATOF

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APPENDIX 1: GHATOF MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

1. Ghana Hotels Association 2. Ghana Association of Travel And tourist Agents (GHATTA) 3. Ghana Restaurants And Night Clubs Association 4. National Drinking Bar Operators Association (NADBOA) 5. Ghana Traditional Caterers Association (GTCA) 6. Car Rentals Association of Ghana (CRAG) 7. Tour Guides Association of Ghana (TORGAG) 8. Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) 9. Ghana Drinking Bar Operators Association (GHABOA) 10. Indigenous Caterers Association of Ghana (ICAG) 11. Board of Airlines (BOA) 12. Ghana Association of Forex Bureaux 13. African Travel Association (ATA Ghana Chapter) 14. Institute of Hospitality, (IOH, Ghana International Branch) 15. Ghana Tourism Society 16. SKAL Club International 17. Travel Writers Association of Ghana (TWAG) 18. Ecofest Foundation 19. Cook Art 20. Ghana Chefs Association 21. Tourism Writers Association
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