Corporate Responsibility - Easy Track Ghana

Are you the type of traveler that is concerned about:

   • the environment?
   • poverty?
   • local people and cultures?
   • human rights?
   • who profits?

These are things that concern us as well. Easy Track Ghana always has your enjoyment as our first concern, but we are also aware of our many other responsibilities.

We are responsible to Ghana	We file corporate income taxes with the Ghana IRS. Many businesses in Ghana do not. We are licensed by the Ghana Tourist Board. We are a proud member of the Tour Operator Union of Ghana. We have a strong policy of "Keep It In Ghana" to help the Ghanaian economy by preventing "leakage".
We are responsible to our Employees	We are Ghana owned, operated and managed. We pay our staff a fair wage, but our non-Ghanaian co-founder Steve takes no salary. We pay SSNIT (Ghana Social Security) for our salary staff. We pay NHIS (National Health Insurance Scheme) premiums for all staff and immediate family. We provide training workshops, pay for staff training and make training mandatory. We empower our staff to actively participate in the development and management of our business.
We are responsible to the Community	We sponsor area improvement projects. Our 'One Extra Bag' program. We partner with responsible organizations. * Volunteer Partnerships for West Africa * Transitional Center for AIDS Prevention We sponsor programs at local schools and culture groups. Salary staff receive pay when working on community development projects.
We are responsible to Native Cultures	Respect for local cultures by following tradition. Some places we take you: * may not allow photographs * may require you change your clothing * may recognize gods that you do not * may practice animal sacrifice We have Rules for Visitors to help provide guidance. We ensure that proper respect is shown at visited sites. We do not permit religious, political or cultural views be imposed on local communities.
We are responsible to the Environment	We carry away all that we carry in to a location. We do not have printed brochures or run print advertisements. We do not maintain air conditioning, printers or a copier in our office. All appliances are unplugged at night. We do not litter. We do not mark or disfigure the surroundings.
We are responsible to You	You are treated as an individual with respect. You get a personalized adventure at a fair price. Your comfort, enjoyment and well-being are our highest concerns. Your driver is safe and experienced. Your guide will ensure you get a fair price when making purchases.
Tourism is one of the largest segments of the Ghanaian economy. We know very well that we must use this position to ensure we preserve our culture and scenic beauty while lifting those in poverty to a better life. Your positive experience will ensure others want to see Ghana.

"Keep it in Ghana"

Economic impact studies consistently find a high level of "leakage" of initial tourist spending, with much of it leaving the host country to pay for profits on investments by transnational hotel chains and tour operators, and for imported goods and services used in the tourism industry. The World Bank estimates this leakage to be nearly 75% of what travelers spend for travel to a developing economy. This leakage may be so significant that it partially neutralizes the money generated by tourism.

Easy Track Ghana believes this practice is wrong for a developing economy. Our pledge of responsibility is a promise to you that we “Keep It In Ghana”.

* We use local businesses when possible, even if it costs more.

* We use Ghanaian-owned and operated hotels and resorts. We only use non-Ghanaian hotels or resorts upon special request.

* We do not allow our tours to be sold by non-Ghanaian consolidators or tour operators for commissions that leave Ghana.

* We patronize eating establishments that provide safe, locally grown food and beverages.