The Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, has disclosed that Ghana is now ranked number one when it comes Tourism in West Africa.
According to him, the number of tourists increased by 47% during the first quarter of this year from 170,000 to 247,000.
The Minister Speaking at a 2 day Presidential Summit on Tourism on the theme “Rethinking Tourism for economic growth and job creation” said, President Nana Addo’s Investments made in the tourism and cultural sectors are paying off.
“Mr. President your investment in the Tourism and culture sector is yielding positive results. The first quarter of this year, the tourism numbers grew 47% from 170,000 last year to 247,000. Our destination Ghana project is on course and I want to assure all the stakeholders we are not resting; we want you to give us your support and partner us to make Ghana a choice. Ghana is now the most attractive tourist destination in West Africa, just two years ago, it was Gambia and Senegal today we are number one. We will continue to do our best.”
Ghana is home to a diverse range of intriguing tourist attractions, including ecotourism, heritage tourism, beach travel, and adventure travel. Its people are also known to be kind and pleasant. Ghana does indeed have all the makings of a desirable travel destination.
Over the last 5 years (2017-2022) Ghana’s tourism sector has experienced a steady growth reaching a pre-pandemic high of 1,130.307 international arrivals in 2019. The rebound from the COVID-19 induced slump has been equally impressive and rapid. From 355,108 international arrivals in 2020, a total of 623,523 in 2021, and 914,892 visitors were recorded in 2022.
The country recently unveiled a 15-year-long tourism plan that seeks to increase the annual number of tourists to Ghana from one million to eight million per year by 2027.
Ghana’s travel industry is projected to raise $8.3 billion a year by 2027, plus associated benefits, according to the plan.