Ghana’s tourism sector has recorded a groundbreaking achievement, generating GH¢15.42 billion in revenue from international visitors, according to the latest survey released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).
The report, known as the Ghana International Travellers’ Survey, represents the first comprehensive baseline study on inbound tourism, covering both same-day and overnight visitors.
The release of the findings coincides with the global commemoration of World Tourism Day on September 27, 2025, signaling Ghana’s strong commitment to positioning tourism as a central pillar of national development.
For years, policymakers and industry players have lamented the absence of reliable data to fully measure tourism’s contribution to Ghana’s economy. The new report bridges this gap, laying the foundation for the country’s first Tourism Satellite Account—a globally recognized framework for quantifying tourism’s direct impact on GDP, jobs, and investment.
Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, emphasized the sector’s role in shaping Ghana’s economic future.
“Tourism is not just a cultural and social asset, but a driver of jobs, investment, and growth. These reports provide evidence to shape policies, attract private sector partnerships, and strengthen Ghana’s position as a leading tourism destination.”
Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu
Nearly a Million International Arrivals
The survey tracked tourism inflows from the last quarter of 2022 to the third quarter of 2023. During this period, Ghana welcomed a total of 901,448 international visitors. Of this number, 12,864 were same-day arrivals, while overnight visitors dominated at 888,584, representing 98.6% of total arrivals.
This overwhelming dominance of overnight tourists reflects Ghana’s growing reputation as more than just a stopover destination. Instead, visitors are increasingly spending extended periods in the country, which directly translates into higher revenue generation.
One of the most striking findings of the survey was visitor expenditure. Same-day tourists spent an estimated GH¢24 million, while overnight visitors injected an impressive GH¢15.18 billion into Ghana’s economy.
This unprecedented spending establishes the first official benchmark for the value of inbound tourism and underscores its potential as a foreign exchange earner. Tourism, therefore, stands as a viable alternative to traditional revenue sources such as cocoa, gold, and oil.
Hotspots Driving the Boom
The report also documented visitor patterns across popular sites. Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and historic monuments remain the biggest attractions. Leading the list of most-visited sites were:
- Bisa Abrewa Museum
- Cape Coast Castle
- Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
- Independence Square and the Arts Centre
- National Museum
These sites, with their historical and cultural significance, have consistently drawn both same-day and overnight visitors. They remain at the heart of Ghana’s identity as a cultural powerhouse on the African continent.
The survey further shed light on the characteristics of international travellers. Same-day visitors were largely transit passengers, with arrivals from Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia topping the list. Overnight visitors, on the other hand, were predominantly adults aged between 36 and 64 years, with male tourists outnumbering females in all quarters of the study.
The primary motivation for travel was visiting friends and relatives, although business and leisure trips also featured prominently. This indicates a strong potential for Ghana to tap into the global leisure travel market while enhancing infrastructure to cater to diverse visitor interests.
Policy and Investment Implications
The findings have major implications for Ghana’s tourism development agenda. The GSS report recommends targeted initiatives to promote short-stay tourism, diversification of accommodation options, and the enhancement of visitor experiences through modern facilities and digital platforms.
Additionally, Ghana’s strategic geographic location and its integration into regional trade and travel frameworks position it as a hub for cross-border tourism. By improving transport and border infrastructure, Ghana can attract even more short-haul visitors from neighboring West African countries.
With GH¢15.42 billion in revenue, tourism has firmly cemented its place as one of Ghana’s most promising sectors. Beyond the monetary gains, the sector supports thousands of jobs across hospitality, transportation, culture, and entertainment.
As Ghana embraces its first Tourism Satellite Account, stakeholders anticipate stronger evidence-based planning, better marketing strategies, and increased private sector partnerships to further unlock the sector’s potential.
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