Ghana’s tourism sector has achieved a historic milestone, generating $4.8 billion in revenue and welcoming over 1.28 million international visitors in 2024. This performance underscores Ghana’s growing reputation as Africa’s gateway for cultural heritage, leisure, and investment, solidifying its position on the global tourism map.

According to the 2024 Ghana Tourism Report, themed “Growth and Stability,” international arrivals grew by 12% over 2023 figures, driven by strong numbers from the United States, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom. Nigeria alone recorded a remarkable 25% jump in visitor numbers, reflecting Ghana’s strengthened regional appeal.

The United States, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom continued to top Ghana’s source markets, with arrivals from Nigeria alone soaring by 25%. From the bustling streets of Accra to the serene beaches of Elmina, visitors are coming to reconnect with roots, discover hidden gems, and experience Ghana’s legendary warmth.

Events like December in GH (DiGH) have become powerful magnets, drawing crowds from around the world to celebrate music, arts, and cultural heritage. According to the report, DiGH visitors stayed an average of 22 nights and spent over $700 per day, a testament to Ghana’s appeal as a premium festive destination.

In the domestic scene, Ghana recorded 1.68 million visits to key tourist attractions, a 19% increase over last year. The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park retained its crown as the most visited site, while Kakum National Park and Bunso Arboretum continued to charm nature lovers.

The hospitality sector saw robust expansion, with 6,702 licensed tourism enterprises operating nationwide, up from 5,786 in 2023. Hotel occupancy rates remained healthy, and average tourist expenditure per trip reached $3,742, indicating strong visitor confidence in Ghana’s offerings.

Ghana also made waves in cruise tourism, welcoming 14 cruise ships carrying more than 12,600 passengers, a 38% increase over 2023. The country’s ports at Tema and Takoradi saw passengers, mostly Americans, express overwhelming satisfaction, with 88% describing Ghana as an “ideal tourism destination.”

Speaking at the launch of the report in Accra, the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto, celebrated the sector’s resilience and future potential.

“Tourism continues to serve as a powerful tool for economic transformation, social cohesion, and national branding,” she said. “Thanks to targeted marketing campaigns, strategic partnerships, and our ‘See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana, Feel Ghana’ initiative, we have reaffirmed Ghana’s place as the Gateway to Africa.”

Houadjeto highlighted key achievements, including stronger collaborations with the private sector, investments in training and certification, and a renewed focus on sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities and protect Ghana’s natural and cultural heritage.

“Our goal is not only to attract visitors but to ensure that tourism development benefits local communities and preserves our heritage for generations,” she added.

She called on all stakeholders—public, private, and civil society—to join forces in shaping the future of Ghana’s tourism story, unlocking new markets, strengthening infrastructure, and leveraging digital innovation.

With rising arrivals, robust domestic engagement, and record-breaking revenues, Ghana’s tourism sector stands poised to drive inclusive economic growth, inspire cultural pride, and shape a new chapter on the African and global tourism stage.

Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Yussif Issaka Jajah, described the report as a powerful “mural” reflecting Ghana’s tourism journey.

“This annual report is more than a compilation of facts and figures. It is a mural that reflects our progress,” he stated.

He emphasised that data is the compass guiding Ghana’s strategic decisions in an era of climate instability and shifting traveler preferences. “Tourism creates jobs, promotes investment, strengthens cultural identity, and fosters mutual understanding among people,” he added.

Looking ahead, he outlined the Ministry’s focus on renovating forts and castles, expanding regional tourism clusters, supporting youth and women-led businesses, and leveraging AI and digital tools to enhance visitor experiences.

He further challenged stakeholders to confront weaknesses in heritage site visitation, urging research into why Ghana’s forts and castles — home to 29 functioning sites out of 62 in the Gulf of Guinea — receive lower visitation despite their global importance.