Who We Are
& What We Do.
Our mission
Born out of a deep
love for Africa
Gmela was born out of a deep love for Africa at large and a belief
that Ghana has incredible stories to tell
Our mission is to serve as both creators and connectors, creating unforgettable experiences for visitors to Africa while also bridging
the gap between the thriving tourism industry and local businesses
Our Story
Founder, Shawna A.
Gmela [mel-lah] was born from my deep connection to Ghana, a country I’ve had the privilege of growing up in and watching evolve over time.
I’ve seen firsthand how tourism has transformed Ghana, bringing growth and opportunity, but also highlighting gaps that needed to be filled. The desire to bridge these gaps and create meaningful experiences for both travelers and locals is what inspired me to start Gmela.
As the designated "connector" to Ghana within my social circles—whether with friends, colleagues, or acquaintances—I saw a growing demand from people, especially foreigners, who were eager to visit Ghana and experience it authentically. This inspired me to formalize what I’d been doing informally for years: providing people with real, immersive experiences that go beyond just visiting!
Our values drive all that we do
Our mission is driven by a few key things. First, our admiration for Africa as a continent full of resources, innovation, and incredible experiences. Ghana, in particular, has so much to offer, and we wanted to be creators and connectors of experiences that reflect its beauty. We saw a chance to bridge the gap between the booming tourism industry and the often-overlooked local businesses, ensuring that both travelers and local communities benefit from the connections we help foster.
We also noticed a disparity in engagement between foreign-owned businesses and native Ghanaian entities. To address this, we exclusively partner with Ghanaian and diaspora-owned businesses and individuals who are passionate about providing visitors with a well-rounded, authentic experience. To us, supporting local talent and businesses is core to creating travel experiences that not only showcase the best of Ghana but also uplift the people who make this country what it is
We’re not just about seeing Ghana, we’re about living it to the fullest! From memorable moments to real connections, every part of your journey brings excitement and supports the communities that make Ghana so unique. When you tour with us, you’re not just a visitor, you’re part of something bigger, where the experience stays with you