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DRAFT CONSTITUTION
OF
GHANA TOURISM FEDERATION
(GHATOF)
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Table of Contents
PREAMBLE ................................................................................................................... 3ARTICLE 1: NAME: ...................................................................................................... 3ARTICLE 2: SEAL OF GHATOF .................................................................................. 3ARTICLE 3: VISION, MISSION .................................................................................... 4ARTICLE 4: LEGAL STATUS ...................................................................................... 4ARTICLE 5: REGISTERED OFFICE ............................................................................ 4ARTICLE 6: AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ....................................................................... 4ARTICLE 7: POWERS AND DUTIES .......................................................................... 5ARTICLE 8: MEMBERSHIP.......................................................................................... 7ARTICLE 9: BENEFITS, RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS ........... 9ARTICLE 10: SANCTIONS ......................................................................................... 11ARTICLE 11: MAIN ORGANS OF GHATOF ............................................................. 11ARTICLE 12: MEETINGS OF MEMBERS.................................................................. 12ARTICLE 13: THE GOVERNING COUNCIL ............................................................. 15ARTICLE 14: REGIONAL BRANCHES ..................................................................... 18ARTICLE 15: THE SECRETARIAT, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, & EMPLOYEES . 18ARTICLE 16: FINANCE .............................................................................................. 19ARTICLE 17: OFFICERS ............................................................................................. 20ARTICLE 18 WORKING COMMITTEES ................................................................... 21ARTICLE 19 ELECTIONS AND REMOVAL ............................................................. 22ARTICLE 20: PROMULGATION AND AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION...................................................................................................................................... 23ARTICLE 21: DISSOLUTION OF GHATOF ............................................................... 23APPENDIX 1: GHATOF MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS ................................................ 25
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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 The name of the Apex body shall be Ghana Tourism Federation, and
it shall adopt GHATOF as its acronym.
1.2 The Motto of GHATOF shall be PARTNERSHIP IN SERVICE TO
TOURISM
1.3 GHATOF is incorporated under the Companies Code, 1963 as a
Company Limited by Guarantee with Registration number G.-----
1.4 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
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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.
3.2 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.
ARTICLE 4: LEGAL STATUS4.1 GHATOF shall be a voluntary, non-profit organisation.
4.2 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.
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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.
6.3 Promote the welfare of member associations.
6.4 Encourage and promote the creation of an enabling environment for
profitable tourism operations in Ghana.
6.5 Improve the standards of service offered by Ghanaian tourism
organizations.
6.6 Develop and maintain a code of ethics for tourism practitioners.
6.7 Establish and maintain effective membership governance.
6.8 Work with relevant institutions and organizations to develop
opportunity and professionalism in the industry.
6.9 Provide leadership for addressing issues related to tourism.
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 cost-
effective 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 itto fulfill its objectives and without limiting the generality of the a
foregoing, shall have the following powers and duties.
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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.
7.3 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.
7.4 In consultation with member associations, open and administer officeswhich may be necessary or advisable for the effective and proper
exercise of GHATOFs powers and the carrying out of its duties.
7.5 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.
7.6 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 sellor otherwise make such information available to persons who areengaged in the tourism industry.
7.9 Give marketing advice and guidance to persons who are engaged inthe tourism industry, if appropriate for a fee.
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7.10 Provide all necessary assistance to the associations with regard to thegrading, 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 localcommunities in the activities of GHATOF.
7.12 GHATOF shall exercise all its powers and duties in accordance with abudget and business plan approved by the Annual General Meeting.
ARTICLE 8: MEMBERSHIP8.1 Membership of GHATOF shall be voluntary and shall be open to
business establishments and voluntary associations residing orcarrying on business within the Republic of Ghana.
8.2 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.
8.3 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.
8.4 A member association can withdraw its membership provided such
member is not indebted to GHATOF.
8.5 Where such a member is indebted to GHATOF, the debt owned shall
first be paid.
8.6 The member association shall then surrender any Federation property
in their custody including the membership certificate to GHATOF.
8.7 In the case of an office bearer, a written notice of four (4) weeks shall
be required.
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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.
8.9 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.
8.10 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 MEMBERSHIP8.12.1 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 increasedvisibility of your business, consulting services (e.g. planning,
process, etc.
c/. Welfare matters
d/. Arbitration and conference resolution
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9.2 RIGHTS
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/.Membersshallhave the right to proper and transparent accounting
of GHATOFs funds.
d/. Members shall have equal right to nominate candidates for electionto 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.
9.3 RESPONSIBILITIES
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 inthe Tourism Industry.
e/. Members shall submit copies of their Annual report to the
Federation.
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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/. Annual General Congress comprising five (5) delegates from
constituent member associations.
b/. Governing Council headed by the President of GHATOF.
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c/. A Secretariat headed by an Executive Secretary with powers of
a Chief Executive Officer.
d/. 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 andplace 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.
12.1.2 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.
12.1.3 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.
12.1.4 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.
12.1.5 The meeting shall have a quorum when at least 50% of
accredited delegates from the constituent Associations are
present.
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12.1.6 Without exception, every accredited delegate present shall have
one (1) vote and voting shall be by secret ballot.
12.1.7 Proxy votes will be accepted on condition all necessary
arrangements and communication to the Electoral
Commissioner is completed 14 days before congress.
12.1.8 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.
12.1.9 Where the President without reasonable cause fails to convenean Annual General Congress, a simple majority of the members
of the Governing Council may convene the Annual General
Congress.
12.1.10 the business of the annual general congress shall include at least
the following:
12.1.10.1 The election of the person to chair the meeting when necessary.
12.1.10.2 The presentation and adoption of the annual report of the
President of GHATOF, and the budget and business plan for the
forthcoming financial year.
12.1.10.3 The consideration of the audited annual financial statement of
GHATOF.
12.1.10.4 The appointment of auditors for the forthcoming year.
12.1.10.5 The determination of membership fees for the forthcomingyear; as more fully set out in Article 14.2.1.
12.1.10.6 The determination of Governing Council allowances as more
full set out in Article 15.
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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 The First General Congress shall be the inaugural generalmeeting of GHATOF
12.2.2 Other General meetings of GHATOF may be convened at any
time by:
12.2.2.1 The Governing Council
12.2.2.2 The President of GHATOF
12.2.2.3 Any 10 (ten) members of the Association
12.2.3. 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.
12.2.4. The provision of articles 12.1.3. And 21.1.4 shall apply with the
necessary changes, to general meetings of GHATOF.
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..
12.3.2. 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 shallbe considered as the first item on the agenda for the next
General Meeting for further discussion. .
12.4 VOTING AT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS AND GENERAL MEETINGS
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12.4.1 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.
12.4.2 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.
12.4.3 A poll shall be taken in such manner as chairperson of the
Executive meeting directs.
12.4.4. In the case of equality of votes, whether on a show of hands or
on a poll, the Chairperson shall have a casting vote.
ARTICLE 13: THE GOVERNING COUNCIL
13.1 COMPOSITION
13.1.1 This is the primary organ of governance that has overall
leadership and management oversight of GHATOF.
13.1.2 The Governing Council of GHATOF shall comprise of all
nominees of member associations of GHATOF
13.1.3 Formulate policy for GHATOF.
13.1.4 Implement the decisions of the Annual General Congress.
13.1.5 Enforce the Constitution, rules and regulations of GHATOF.
13.1.6 Submit Annual Report on the State of GHATOF and Audited
Financial Report to the Annual General Congress.
13.1.7 Consider all applications for membership of GHATOF and
extend invitations to associations it considers qualified for
membership of GHATOF.
13.1.8 Set up appropriate Committees periodically to perform such
functions as the Council shall determine.
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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 andotherwise regulate its meetings as it deems fit. It shall meet at
least in every quarter of the year.
13.2.2 The chairperson of the Governing Council is the President or in
his absence, the Vice President thereof;
13.2.3 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.
13.2.4 May at any time, and upon the request of any 5 (five) members
of the Governing Council convene a meeting of the Governing
Council.
13.3 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 ofGHATOF 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.
13.6.2 The Governing Council may at anytime establish and disestablishsubcommittees, determine the composition and terms of referenceof such committees, regulate the conduct of the meetings of such
committees and confer on such committees any such powers as it
deems fit.
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 sub-
committee, are committee, or employee of GHATOF who in turn
may further delegate such power, function or duty.
13.7.2 The delegation of a power, function or duty under clause 13.7.1does not preclude the exercise of that power, the performance of
that function or the carrying out of that duty by the Governing
Council
13.7.3 The Governing Council may at anytime amend or revoke anydelegation 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.
13.7.4 The Governing Council may review and amend any decision interms of a delegation contemplated by article 13.7.1, subject to
any rights that may have accrued.
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ARTICLE 14: REGIONAL BRANCHES
14.1 The General Assembly shall upon the recommendation of theGoverning 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
15.1There 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
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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 suchabsence 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 fixedannually by Congress before the beginning of the financial year.
b) Donations and grantsc) Income from investmentsd) 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 andfundraising activities.
f) Any other source as may be determined by the GoverningCouncil.
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.
16.7The 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
17.1.2.2QUALIFICATIONSa) He shall be a past President of an association in good standing.
b) He should be proposed by his/her Associationc) He/she must be a serving President of an Association in good
standing
17.1.2.2 .1In the case of sub-article (c) above such serving Presidentshall relinquish his/her position in the mother association to allow for a
bye election to fill the position.
17.1.2.3 DUTIESa/. 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) Finance and Investmentb)
Human Resource and Organisational Development
c) Research, Policy and Development.d) Marketing and Public Relationse) Advocacy and Legalf) 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.
19.1.2 A person intending to contest election for any national officeshall 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
19.1.3 The nomination papers shall be officially endorsed and
submitted by his /her Association.
19.1.4 All officers shall hold office for a term of two (2) years and
shall be eligible for another term of two years.
19.1.5 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.
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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.
19.1.7 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.
19.1.8 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.
ARTICLE 20: PROMULGATION AND AMENDMENTS TO THE
CONSTITUTION20.1 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:
20.1.1 The proposed amendment has been circulated six (6) months
prior to the meeting date and placed on the Agenda of theAnnual General Congress in accordance with Article 8 (3) of
the Constitution.
20.1.2 Only a paid-up member Association of GHATOF shall propose
an Amendment or repeal of any of the provision of the
constitution
20.2 The Constitution shall be promulgated when it is approved by
two thirds (2/3) majority of delegates at an Annual General
Congress.
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 two-
thirds 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 Association4.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 Bureaux13.African Travel Association (ATA Ghana Chapter)14.Institute of Hospitality, (IOH, Ghana International Branch)15.Ghana Tourism Society16.SKAL Club International17.Travel Writers Association of Ghana (TWAG)18.Ecofest Foundation19.Cook Art20.Ghana Chefs Association21.Tourism Writers Association