tourism and leisure in ghana

18 things to know before traveling to Ghana

Mar 7, 2024 • 7 min read

Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning for more, here's what you need to know to prepare for your trip to Ghana © Houssam Ghandour / Getty Images

Travelers have plenty to look forward to on their trip to culturally rich Ghana .

Welcoming Ghana is considered one of the friendliest spots in West Africa, and with its compelling history, vibrant clothing prints and flavorful dishes , tourists keep coming back for more.

Life in Ghana generally moves at a slow, relaxed pace, but it can also be chaotic and fast in different settings. Embrace the cultural differences, mass traffic and intense bargaining, and you may fall in love with the place. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning once again, here's what you need to know to prepare for your trip to Ghana.

1. Gather the necessary documents for entry

Getting the paperwork together to visit Ghana is a process on its own and can be pricey. All visitors to Ghana must have a valid visa , and they range in cost depending on whether you apply for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. Your visa for Ghana can take nearly three weeks to arrive unless you shell out extra for an expedited service.

A yellow fever vaccine is also required for entry into Ghana. Check with your local health department or medical clinics to get vaccinated. Malaria pills are also strongly recommended for visitors and can be prescribed by your doctor. If you can't get your hands on them before coming, pharmacies in Ghana have plenty in stock, and they tend to be a lot cheaper.

2. Carry a copy of your passport

If you plan to visit different cities outside of Accra , be sure to print a copy of your passport to keep in your bag as you travel around the country. Police stops are common, and officers are known to ask for passport information.

3. Forget you have a left hand

In Ghana, actions like eating, waving and handing an item to someone are to be done with your right hand only (sorry, left-handers!). From an early age, many Ghanaians are taught that their left hand is to be used for cleaning themselves in the bathroom. Therefore, your left hand is considered filthy and should not be used for eating and other activities. Using your left hand for gestures and main tasks is considered highly disrespectful.

4. Eating with your hands is a cultural practice

Soup-based meals are paired with a starch staple food like fufu or banku and eaten with your hands (remember the right-hand rule!). Be observant of how those around you are eating, embrace the culture and dig in.

5. Keep your thumbs down 

While the thumbs-up gesture in many places signifies approval, in Ghana, it shows disrespect. 

6. Always greet others 

Greetings in Ghana are a big deal, and it’s considered rude to not greet others. When you enter a room, you should say hello, good morning, good afternoon or good evening. When you meet a group of adults and greet them with a handshake, start with the person on the farthest right. 

7. Respect your elders

Respect for elders is immense in Ghana. You should not greet elders with a hat on your head. If you are wearing a hat, take it off completely or lift it halfway while extending your greeting. Give up your seat on the bus for those older than you. Crossing your legs and having your hands in your pockets in the presence of elders are gestures that are frowned upon. 

8. Be mindful of clothing cultures from city to city

Ghanaian clothing culture tends to lean more towards the conservative side. Accra is more relaxed, and you’re likely to see more shorts and crop tops. However, people elsewhere tend to cover up, so bring clothing that covers your chest and shoulders and reaches or goes past your knees.

9. Learn common phrases in Twi and other languages 

Ghana is home to many different languages and ethnic groups. Twi, Ewe, Ga and Krobo are a few of many languages spoken depending on the region. English is widely spoken, but it's important to remember that not everyone speaks it, especially once you are out of Accra and into rural parts of Ghana. Learning a few phrases in the local language is always appreciated and embraced by Ghanaians.

10. Watch your belongings

Pickpocketing and instances of petty theft might be the biggest concern you'll have in Ghana. Pickpocketing can be prevalent in crowded areas like Osu, Madina and Makola Market. Always keep your bag in front of you and away from the roadside to avoid snatching incidents. Don't carry a large amount of cash on you.

Your phone should always be in sight and accounted for. Motorcyclists in Accra are known to snatch phones out of the hands of people as they are passing by both in cars and when walking. It is wise to never stick your phone out of a car window for pictures and videos.

11. Expect the police to stop you

Police stops in Ghana occur frequently, mainly at night but they can happen throughout the day. Your vehicle can be randomly searched by officers, and they may ask for ID and search your bag. These searches usually last for about five minutes, and it is best to comply. 

Bribery is common in Ghana, and you may be asked to "dash" officers, which means tip. You can choose to give it or not as it's often only C10 to C20 (US$0.95 to US$1.90), but it may make the difference between a five-minute stop and a 40-minute one.

Police encounters in Ghana are generally nothing to worry about. Officers may have a “tough guy” attitude, but as you talk to them more, the guard comes down and they are usually friendly. 

12. Be wary of swift romantic encounters

It’s easy to meet new people in Ghana, and conversations are always flowing. People are open to new connections and tend to get close quickly at times, but be careful of fast-moving romantic approaches and those who immediately ask for favors or money. Scams are common in Ghana and can occur in romantic encounters.

13. Be sure to carry cash

When you’re in Ghana, always have some cash on you, or you may find yourself stuck. Not every establishment accepts card payments, and if they do, the POS systems are often down. ATMs are everywhere in Ghana, so getting cash is easy. You can still bring both credit and debit cards, but be prepared that not everywhere in Ghana will accept them.

Forex Bureau exchange shops will change your cash to Ghanaian cedis. Large denomination bills (100s) will get you a higher exchange rate.

14. Avoid drinking the water 

Drinking tap water in Ghana is not a good idea because there’s no guarantee that the water has gone through the proper measures to ensure it is safe. Boil your water or use a water filter before you drink it.

15. Expect weak wi-fi in most areas

Ask your accommodation about wi-fi speeds before your arrival if you plan to use it. Even if internet speeds aren’t the best where you’re staying, you can find reliable spots such as Vida e Caffè and Basecamp Initiative .  

16. Use cash for Uber and Bolt

Download Uber and Bolt before you arrive. While paying by card is an option on both apps, don’t plan on using it. Many drivers prefer cash and will cancel your ride if they find out you are paying using your card, or it could be an issue once you arrive at your destination. You can always ask the driver to stop at an ATM before the final drop-off point. 

17. Get a local phone number

Ghana is a place where verbal conversations are preferred over texting and online communication. You can get a local SIM card at Vodafone , a phone carrier at A&C Mall in Accra, so that you have a Ghanaian number. Drivers often call their passengers to find out exactly where they are.

18. Never underestimate Accra traffic 

Accra traffic is nothing to be played with. You may see an attraction that you want to check out that is only 15 minutes away from your accommodations but it might take an hour and a half simply because of the volume of traffic. It's best not to set reservations for a place if you don't have to. While traffic and delays can be extremely frustrating, you’ll have to learn to go with the flow.

This article was first published Mar 11, 2022 and updated Mar 7, 2024.

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Ghana seeks to transform its tourism offering to attract investment and increase visitor numbers

Ghana | Tourism

Ghana’s tourism sector is playing an increasingly important role in the country’s development, contributing to both economic growth and job creation. The results of the World Economic Forum’s “Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019” indicate that Ghana has significant opportunity to build competitiveness through its history, culture and abundance of natural sites, raising the country’s international profile as a tourism destination.

Performance

Tourism provides a significant source of foreign exchange in Ghana, contributing to the government’s tax revenue, economic growth and job opportunities. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) estimated that the sector accounted for 4.9% of GDP in 2018, making it the fourth-largest contributor after cocoa, gold and oil. Tourism supported 602,425 direct and indirect jobs that year, up 10% compared to 2017, when the sector employed 550,000 people. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates that by 2029 around 746,400 people will work in Ghana’s tourism sector.

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) anticipated significant growth in 2019 on the back of the Year of Return initiative, marking 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in Jamestown, Virginia (see analysis). The GTA estimated that 500,000 Africans from the diaspora would visit Ghana in 2019, up from 350,000 the previous year. As a result, revenue was projected to reach $925m, up 50% on 2018. According to the GTA, average tourism expenditure in 2018 was $2708 per person, unchanged from 2017 but up 50.3% compared to $1802 in 2016. The main source of public funding is the tourism levy, a 1% tax introduced in October 2012, which applies to all licensed tourism enterprises. The tax generated over $2.5m in 2017 and funded the entire budget of the GTA, as well as other state entities operating in the sector.

Visitor Numbers

According to MoTAC, international tourist arrivals grew by 5%, from 980,141 in 2017 to slightly over 1m in 2018. The WTTC estimated that Ghana saw a total of 1.1m visitors in 2019. The recent growth in tourist numbers has been largely attributed to the increase in business travellers. The latest figures from the GTA found that business travellers accounted for 46% of visitors to Ghana in 2016 and leisure tourists accounted for 13%, while other forms of tourism collectively made up the remaining 41%.

Despite this, the majority of revenue is generated by leisure tourism. According to the WTTC, leisure tourists accounted for around 69% of sector revenue, while business spending made up the remaining 31%. Both are expected to grow in the years ahead: leisure travel spending is predicted to increase by 4.7% per year to $2.1bn by 2028, while business travel spending is expected to grow by 2.6% per year to approximately $569.6m over the same period. “As business travellers generally use the same services and facilities and engage in leisure tourism during their trip, there is significant potential to expand this segment,” Nutifafa Attah, commercial manager of local corporate travel agency Stellar Travel, told OBG.

Source Markets

Data from the Ghana Airports Company (GAC) found that out of a total international passenger volume of 478,621 in March 2019, Europe accounted for the largest share, at 37.9%, followed by West Africa (19.8%), East Africa (14.3%), the Middle East (10.1%), Southern Africa (8.7%), North Africa (4.8%) and North America (4.1%).

In the same period, 153,629 domestic passengers passed through Ghana’s airports. This segment is expected to grow significantly in the next decade. According to the WTTC, domestic spending accounts for 65% of sector revenue, with international spending contributing the remaining 35%. These figures are supported by the country’s growing middle class, higher purchasing power and a series of recent initiatives to promote domestic tourism. “Demand from regional, expatriate and local leisure tourists is increasing, particularly as economic conditions in West Africa improve,” Ernestina Abroquah, managing director of local travel services company Litina Tours, told OBG.

Tourism Assets

Ghana boasts a rich network of historical landmarks, cultural attractions, national parks and reserves. The traditional leisure tourist circuit is a triangular route from Cape Coast to Kumasi via Accra, with visits to Kakum National Park and the beaches along Cape Coast. The main attractions for leisure visitors from overseas are the forts and castles, beaches and national parks. Ghana has two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the forts and castles in the Volta Region, and the Asante traditional buildings in the Kumasi area. In June 2019 the Forestry Commission announced that Mole National Park, the country’s largest national park, was also to be given UNESCO status.

Ghana’s tourism assets have the potential to deliver significant economic growth and boost state revenue, but many require extensive maintenance. For example, of the country’s 64 slave trade exit points, lodges and castles built between 1480 and 1760, 32 remain standing and 18 are in good condition. There is a pressing need for renovation work on those in disrepair. Ghana also needs to develop tourism infrastructure at some of its natural attractions; there are five resource reserves in Ghana, but Shai Hills is the only reserve that currently has specific visitor facilities.

Hotel Infrastructure

With a range of new projects announced by both the government and private operators, hotel room capacity in Ghana increased significantly between 2015 and 2019. Growth has been driven by the arrival of several large hotel chains such as Kempinski in 2016 and Marriott in 2018, following on the heels of global companies such as Holiday Inn, Mö venpick and Golden Tulip. Recent developments include a Protea Hotel at Kotoka International Airport (KIA), announced in November 2018, and the construction of a Hilton hotel in Ada Foah on the south-east coast.

According to global hospitality research firm STR, hotels in Accra have the second-highest average daily rate (ADR) in Africa, after Addis Ababa. STR estimated that the highest ADR between July 2018 and June 2019 was $160.34. This is a significant factor hindering the rise of occupancy rates in Accra, which stood at around 60% in the same period. “Hotels in the capital remain expensive, even within the region,” Roman Krabel, general manager of Accra City Hotel, told OBG. “This is a deterrent to expanding domestic tourism.”

The government continues to encourage large-scale hotel construction projects. An incentive package was introduced under the Investment Promotion Act in 2013, providing hotel companies with reduced value-added tax, five-year tax breaks, and duty exemptions for specific equipment such as air conditioners and refrigerators. However, these benefits are limited to projects worth at least $50m, which does not encourage smaller firms to enter the market. “Government support has been limited in terms of investment opportunities and incentives for smaller and new operators,” John Mason, founder of Ghana EcoLodge Company, told OBG. “This is especially true for some segments of the tourism industry, such as rural tourism and ecotourism, which would ideally be limited to an investment range of $2m-5m.”

Niche Markets

Indeed, the potential to expand niche tourism segments in Ghana is significant. A World Bank report published in 2018 showed that high-end leisure and ecotourism has already had a positive impact on local income and job creation around key sites including Mole National Park, Kakum National Park, and coastal areas such as Takoradi and Elmina. According to the Global Business Travel Association Foundation, demand for ecotourism, cultural attractions and adventure tourism is expanding faster than traditional segments such as wellness, business and cruise tourism, both in Africa and globally. Importantly, tourists in these niche segments often spend more time and money on their trip.

Ghana’s community-based ecotourism offering, in particular, has expanded in recent years. The segment aims to foster a close relationship between tourists, tourism operators and communities. The country’s main ecotourism sites include Mole National Park, Kakum National Park and the Buabeng Fiema monkey sanctuary. Although the segment is still in its early stages, Ghana has made significant progress in developing ecotourism facilities at some of its main nature reserves. The country’s first eco-hotel – accommodation designed to be environmentally sustainable and have minimal impact on the natural environment – opened in 2018 at Mole National Park, and a second is under construction at the Shai Hills resource reserve.

Competitiveness

Despite improvements in the country’s economic outlook in 2018, the sector still has some way to go to improve its competitiveness and attract the investment needed for it to expand. According to the World Bank, Ghana’s tourism sector is held back by municipal government regulations, and high costs of access and doing business. Tellingly, the cost of credit and energy tariffs are estimated to be four times higher than the regional average. In addition, more than 15 different permits, taxes and levies must be paid by tourism operators to various government agencies each year.

Nevertheless, Ghana has improved its international standing in recent years. The country ranked 115th out of 136 countries in the 2019 World Economic Forum’s travel and tourism competitiveness index, compared to 120th in 2017. However, Ghana still scored behind Rwanda (107th), Senegal (106th) and the Gambia (111th), demonstrating the need to improve tourism infrastructure and reduce accommodation prices. “Attracting private sources of financing and ensuring sustained spending and investment in infrastructure remains a priority. Addressing high prices and low competitiveness is also important,” Krabel told OBG. “Allowing Ghana to become a more affordable destination is crucial to expand the country’s tourism base and attract revenue by targeting individual segments.”

According to the GAC, a total of 2.4m passengers travelled through Ghana’s airports in 2018, a slight increase on 2.3m in 2017. The majority of passengers in 2018 were international travellers, making up almost 2m, while the remaining 483,261 were domestic passengers.

Ghana has six airports located in the major cities of Accra, Ho, Kumasi, Takoradi, Tamale and Wa. In October 2019 Wa Airport officially launched its first commercial flight, operated by Africa World Airlines (AWA). It is hoped that the new airport will open up the Wa region to tourism and investment. The country’s only international airport, KIA, is located in Accra. In recent years KIA has expanded to support rising visitor numbers: in 2014 the Terminal 2 arrival hall was expanded by 5148 sq metres and a number of new facilities were added, including up-to-date security systems and two new baggage-handling stations. In September 2018 the new Terminal 3 building opened, positioning KIA as one of the region’s major airports. The $250m terminal is designed to welcome up to 5m passengers per year and 1250 passengers per hour (see Transport chapter).

The growth of air travel has also been supported by the liberalisation of the air service market across Africa, in accordance with the Yamoussoukro Declaration of 1999 – allowing open skies between most African countries – and the creation of the Single African Air Transport Market in 2019. As a result, there has been a growing tendency to promote the participation of private sector operators to meet the market’s needs. Despite this, the high cost of access and fuel, landing fees and airport taxes, which are reflected in the price of airline tickets, continue to limit Ghana’s ability to attract price-sensitive international visitors.

AWA is the only indigenous regional airline connecting Accra to various capital cities in West Africa, and is the main operator offering a daily service from Accra to Lagos, Abuja, Freetown and Monrovia. It also launched a new service from Accra to Abidjan in 2019. Air Peace and Asky Airlines are the other major regional operators in Ghana.

In August 2019 Joseph Kofi Adda, minister of aviation, announced plans to launch a new home-based carrier. According to local media, the airline will connect several cities in the region with affordable airfares in order to target price-sensitive travellers and make Ghana a regional air transport hub.

Reform Agenda & Oversight

Despite underlying challenges, Ghana’s government agencies have shown a strong commitment to push through the necessary improvements in the tourism industry. In 2012 the government unveiled the 15-year National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP). By 2027 the plan aims to increase the annual number of visitors to 8m and raise sector revenue to $8.3bn per year. The 2019 budget highlighted the authorities’ commitment to boosting tourism, allocating GHS75m ($14.5m) to MoTAC, up 70% compared to GH43.9m ($8.5m) in 2017.

In 2017 Ghana joined other countries such as Mauritius, Rwanda and the Seychelles in introducing a visaon-arrival policy for visitors from most African nations, in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 strategy. According to the “Africa Visa Openness Report 2018”, Ghana is the seventh-most open country on the continent in terms of granting visas to other African nationals. In April 2019 Vice-president Mahamudu Bawumi announced the introduction of a new e-visa, emphasising the government’s commitment to making Ghana a business-friendly country while leveraging technology to improve service efficiency.

The GTA has implemented a series of measures to formalise the sector. In February 2019 the authority announced that all tourism sites would require licensing and certification, in order to improve overall quality and ensure that they meet international standards. Over 30 facilities in the Eastern Region, including restaurants and hotels, were closed in June 2019 following inspections to ensure compliance with the regulations.

Efforts to improve the quality of tourism facilities have also been enacted at a regional level. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Free Movement Protocol and the African Union Development Agency’s Tourism Action Plan are chief examples of initiatives to promote the industry’s development. The AfCFTA, for instance, is expected to increase intra-regional trade from 15% to 20% by 2040, with tourism identified as one of five key pillars of economic growth.

In 2019 the government and the GTA announced several promotional and branding initiatives to raise Ghana’s profile as a destination for international visitors, while also seeking to stimulate domestic and leisure tourism. In 2018 President Nana Akufo-Addo announced that the GTA had recorded more than 600,000 visitors to various tourist sites under the See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana and Feel Ghana campaign. The initiative sought to promote the visibility of local products, such as food, handicrafts, clothing and beverages, in order to stimulate the country’s economy.

Ghana’s commitment to supporting the development of the creative arts industry is also considered crucial to expanding business opportunities for local suppliers. The government finalised the Creative Arts Bill in 2019, which will lead to the setup of the Creative Arts Fund to build the capacity of the country’s arts and culture facilities and events.

President Akufo-Addo has identified 2019 as the Year of Return, marking 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in Jamestown, Virginia. The initiative aims to capitalise on historical links with the African diaspora, as well as boost Ghana’s marketability as a tourist destination. A number of different platforms have been employed to promote the initiative, including social media, promotional shows and trade fairs. “With a growing number of promotional events under way, the government has made a dedicated push to transform Ghana into a mainstream tourism destination,” Sajid Khan, general manager of Tang Palace Hotel in Accra, told OBG.

In order to tap into new markets, the GTA has initiated partnerships with niche hobby and interest groups across the world. For example, the authority is looking to attract more Chinese tourists through exhibitions and conferences at tourism events such as China International Travel Mart, China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market and Shanghai World Travel Fair.

Ghana’s ability to transform the tourism sector, particularly the leisure segment, depends on its ability to attract private investment and maximise available resources. This means addressing underlying constraints that have held back development, such as regulatory policy, deteriorating tourism assets and infrastructure gaps. Despite the sector’s importance, Ghana has yet to develop a comprehensive strategy to capitalise on tourism as a source of foreign exchange. Creating an enabling environment will include supporting a skilled workforce, promoting Ghana as a tourism destination worldwide and implementing a parallel set of reforms to ensure long-lasting change. As the country’s hotel offerings, transport infrastructure and visitor numbers continue to improve, increased tourism flows could become a reality in the coming years.

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Ecotourism in Ghana

Ghana is a nature lover’s delight. It’s sunny equatorial climate and fertile well-watered soils sustain an enchanting selection of wildlife, ranging from elephants to monkeys and marine turtles to crocodiles, as well as hundreds of colorful bird and butterfly species. More than 5% of the country’s surface area has been accorded official protection across 16 national parks or lower-profile conservation areas, of which the most popular tourist destinations are the vast Mole National Park in the northern savannah and the forested Kakum National Park near the coast.

Over recent years, Ghana has emerged as a pioneer in the field of community-based ecotourism, which aims to create a mutually beneficial three-way relationship between conservationists, tourists and local communities. The Boabeng-Fiem Monkey Santuary, home to sacred troops of mona and black-and-white colobus monkeys, led the way in 1995, and it remains the flagship for more than two dozen other community-based tourism projects countrywide. These range from the award winning Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary in the Upper West and Amansuri Wetland Sanctuary in the Western Region to cultural sites such as the Domana Rock Shrine, set in the forests near Kakum National Park, and the painted houses and pottery of Sirigu in the Upper East.

Volta Region, the most topographically varied part of Ghana, also hosts the country’s largest concentration of community-based ecotourism sites, and offers outdoor enthusiasts some superb opportunities for hiking, rambling and mountain biking. Popular attractions include the sacred monkeys of Tafi Atome, a plethora of magnificent forests and waterfalls around Amedzofe, the country’s highest peak on Mount Afadjato, and the magnificent forests and waterfalls around Amedzofe, the country’s highest peak on Mount Afadjato, and the impressive forest-fringed Wli Falls, the tallest cascade in West Africa.

Ghana is highly alluring to birdwatchers, with 725 species recorded in an area comparable to Great Britain. For casual visitors, it is colourful savannah birds such as gonoleks, rollers, parrots and weavers that tend to catch the eye, as well as the eagles and other raptors that inhabit the drier north. Serious birdwatchers, however, are likely to want to seek out the more elusive residents of the shadowy rainforests interiors of Kakum, Bui and Ankasa, as well as the exceptional variety and volume of marine species that congregate on coastal lagoons such as Keta, Songor and Muni-Pomadze.

Not least among Ghana’s Natural attractions are the suberb palm-lined beaches that line its 500km Atlantic Coastline. One of the most beautiful is Ada Foah, on the Volta Estuary, an important nesting site for endangered marine turtles. The beaches flanking Elmina and Cape Coast are ideal for those who wish to combine their sunbathing with some historical sightseeing, while their less developed counterparts further west around Busua, Axim and Beyin offe the opportunity to truly get away from it all in idyllic surrounds. And for those with limited time, there is always La or Coco Beach, lively sun-drenched expanses of white sand situated on the outskirts of the city of Accra

Various Ecotoursim Sites

Kakum Natioanl Park & Assin Attadanso Resource Reserve Kakum and the Assin Attandanso reserves constitute a twin National Park and Resource Reserve. It was gazetted in 1991 and covers an area of about 350 km2 of the moist evergreen forest zone. The emergent trees are exceptionally high with some reaching 65 meters. The reserve has a varied wildlife with some 40 species of larger mammals, including elerpahnats, bongo, red riverhog, seven primates and four squirrels. Bird life is also varied. About 200 species are known to occur in the reserve and include 5 hornbil species, frazer-eagle owl, African grey and Senegal parrots. To date, over 400 species butterflies have been recorded. The Kakum National Park is about the most developed and subscribed eco-tourism site among the wildlife conservation areas.

Nini Suhien National Park & Ankasa Resource Reserve Nini Suhien National Park and Ankasa Resources Reserve are twin Wildlife Protected Areas that are located in the wet evergreen forest area of the Western Region of Ghana. These areas are so rich in biodiversity that about 300 species of plants have been recorded in a single hectare. The areas are largely unexplored but 43 mammal species including the bongo, forest elephant, 10 primate species including the endangered Dina monkey and the West African chimpanzee have been recorded. Bird fauna is also rich. The reserves offer very good example of the west evergreen forest to the prospective tourist.

Mole National  – Click here to Visit Mole Park This park was established in 1958 and re-designated a National Park in 1971. It covers an area of 4,840 km2of undulating terrain with steep scarps. The vegetation is pristine Guinea savanna with gallery forests along the rivers and streams. The Park has over 90 mammal species notably elephants, buffalo, roan, kob, hartebeest, waterbuck and 4 primate species. Lion, leopard and hyena also occur and over 300 bird species have been recorded.

Paga Crocodile Pond  Located in the north-eastern border of Ghana, Paga is a sacred crocodile sanctuary. Although crocodiles are considered as wild creatures, the Paga crocodiles are friendly and coexist with humans.

The friendly relationship between the crocodiles and humans continue to baffle the minds of many. This is in contrast to the perception of crocodiles as dangerous. It is a customary offence to harm, kill or show any sign of disrespect to the crocodile of Paga. It is not uncommon to find children and or visitors sitting at the back of or holding the tale of a crocodile without any harm, after a sacrifice of fowl. This is normal for the people of Paga but a mystery to visitors.

Boabeng – Fiema Monkey Sanctuary Boaben-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary is a community based Sanctuary located at Boaben and Fiema a twin community in the Nkoranza district of Brong Ahafo Region. The sanctuary protects the headwaters of the streams that are consumed in the locality. it has a good number of the Black and White Colobus, Mona, spot nosed monkeys and a variety of birds. The monkeys in the reserve are regarded as the children of the gods of the community; therefore they are neither hunted nor killed. A system of traditional taboos and their community enforcement protected the monkeys for generations. Recent affluence and behalf patterns, coupled with weakening of traditional enforcement of the sanctions associated with the taboo systems however threatened the continued survival of the monkeys. The situation created the need to offer statutory legal instruments to strengthen the traditional protection of the animals. Consequently, the local people were assisted to constitute the reserve under district Assembly byelaws which they are being assisted by the Wildlife Department to enforce. It is the first protected area where local indigenous protection system has been given statutory back-up enforcement of traditional/indigenous protection of wildlife in the country. The reserve is quite accessible by road and has a modest resthouse facility.

Tagbo Falls Liate Wote, home of the serene Tagbo Falls and Mt Afadjato, the highest mountain in Ghana (2950 ft above sea level) is a peaceful village nestled at the foot fo the range of mountains that make up the Ghana-Togo border

Wli Falls 20km from Hohoe, in the Wli Natural Reserve. This waterfall is becoming very popular in the West African sub-region. It is perennial as water cascades throughout the year. It is located at the edge of the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary, which has hundreds of fruit bats and a few monkeys and antelopes. The water falls from a height of about 1,600 feet

Aburi Botanical Garderns The Aburi Botanic Garden is one of the most beautiful, peaceful and fascinating places in Ghana. Opened in March, 1890, and covering 64.8 hectares and overlooking the Accra coastal plain from an elevation of 370 to 460 metres above sea level, the Aburi Botanic Garden is a must experience for every Ghanaian as well as visitors to Ghana.

Xafi Bird Watching Santuary The Lotor river at Xavi is nestled by coastla savannah fringing the wetlands of the Avu Lagoon. here, a great diversity of birds can be viewed whilst padding a canoe across the river.

Bunso Arboretum Discover the beauty of Bunso Arboretum. This is a 6.5 hectare protected forest reserve, which is home to over 110 species of birds, butterflies, different kinds or herbs and indigenous trees.

Amedzofe You are welcome to this picturesque hilltop settlement of extraordinary beauty, which rests at 2,500 ft above sea level. it is an ideal location for toursists looking for a refreshing, near temparature climate and panoramic views

Tafi Atome Monkey Santuary Tafi Monkey Sanctuary (a sacred grove) is a traditional conservation area backed by statutory enforcement in co-operation with local communities. It is located in the Volta Region of Ghana. Tafi Atome is the home of Mona and Patas monkeys. These monkeys are found in a remnant patch of forests, which has survived fire and human disturbance around the village. These monkeys are regarded as gods and as such the natives do not kill them. They are protected by tradition. Similar sacred groves and burial grounds protected by local people are widespread in the region. These can further be developed for small-scale tourism in the local communities to enhance rural development.

Bia National Park & Resource Reserve/Biosphere Reserve The Bia National Park and Bia Resource Reserve constitute a twin conservation area. It is found in the transitional zone between moist-evergreen and moist semi-deciduous forest types. It covers a total area of 305.62km² of the original National Park, which was later divided into. 277.92km² Bia Resource Reserve and the other 77.7km² represent the National Park.. It is the only the Biosphere Reserve in the country. Sixty-two species of mammals have been recorded. These include 10 primates amongst which are the Black and White Colobus, the Oilve Colobus, Red Colobus monkeys and chimpanzees. The forest elephant and the highly threatened bongo are present. Over 160 species of birds have been recorded; they include the internationally endangered white-breasted guinea fowl.

Bui National Park Bui National Park is the third largest Wildlife Protected Area in the country. It covers 1,821km² and is bisected by the Black Volta. It is located in a typical woodland savanna zone in the Brong Ahafo and Northern Region of Ghana. It has spectacular gallery forests along rivers courses. The reserve is particularly notable for its resident Hippo population in the Black Volta. Primates like the endangered black and white colobus monkey and a variety of antelopes and birds are also present.

Digya National Park The Digya National Park was gazatted in 1971 and covers an area of 3,478 km2 of undulating terrain with sandstone inselbergs. It is situated on the western shores of the Volta Lake. Guinea savanna woodland predominates with gallery forest along the major lines. The Park supports at least six primate species including black and white colobus, elephants and a variety of antelopes. Manatee and clawless otter are also reported to be present in the Park.

Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site The Keta Lagoon Complex, which has management area of 1200km² and lagoon area of 300km², has been established as a wetland protected area (Ramsar site) with multiple-use management and significant local participation. Apart from the conservation objective of protecting thousand of migratory birds, the mangrove forest and breeding grounds of sea turtle, it has tourism potential.

The Keta Lagoon with its brackish waters is the largest lagoon in Ghana. Its tiny islands provide sites of special attraction for Ornithologists, bird watchers and tourists in general. The site is however yet to be developed to receive tourists. It is our hope that the information that we have provided above gives enough insight into the Ghanaian wildlife resources.

Kyabobo National Park Kyabobo National Park, a newly created Park in the Atwode traditional area, is located in the Nkwanta district of the Northern Volta Region. This park which covers an area of 359.8 km² is found in the Dry semi-deciduous forest zone and has both forest and savanna species of plants and animals. Its forests contain the nationally endangered endemic tree Talbotiella gendtii. Animals common to the Park include, Buffalo, Kob, Warthog, Aardvark and Baboon. Threatened species of animals, which with adequate protection may recover, include Lion, Elephant, Bongo, Reedbuck and Hartebeest, which may recolonise the Park from the adjacent Fazao National Park in Togo. Tourist infrastructures are vigorously being developed in Fazaso. Kyabobo will be an attraction from Fazao.

Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary Agumatsa can boast of spectacular geographical features in the district. A forty-five minutes nature walk through cool shades of trees will finally get you to Ghana highest waterfalls (800m). The magnificent view of the falls is enhanced not only by the towering face of the gorge but most extraordinarily by the several thousands of yellow coloured bats clinging to its sides.

Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary Among its protected species, Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary takes pride in housing the rare bare headed rock fowl. Bomfobiri is a showcase of a rare tropical landscape.

Gbele Resource Reserve Gbele resource reserve lies partly in the areas of Wa (regional capital), Nadowli and Tumu (district capital). The reserve is 61km away from Tumu and 89km away from Wa. Vegetation is that of open savannah woodland. Gbele is proud to be associated with faunas such as Roan Antelope, Waterbuck, Hartebeest, Bushbuck, Savannah Duikers, Baboons, Patas monkey, Green monkey and more.

Shai Hills Resource Reserve The reserve consists of a very striking and attractive range of rocky hills set in the middle of expansive open and wooded grassland plain. The rocks are visible in many places as impressible and sleep cliffs and large and attractive rocky outcrops. The reserve is fenced to prevent animals from straying out. It consists of a prominent isolated hill ridge of hornblende gneiss surrounded by an area of Accra Plain savannah. There are beautiful scenic views across the Accra Plain from the top.

Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary Owabi can best be described as a secondary forest surrounding a large water reservoir. It is a tranquil site with a great variety of birdlife and fascinating forest walks. It an ideal place for winter migratory birds and hundreds of Mona Monkeys

Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary A protected area consisting of a 40km stretch down the leangh of the Black Volta River. It is a home ro hippos, bats, chameleans, hedgehogs and many different types of lizards and snakes

ESTABLISHING GHANA AS A PREFERRED TOURISM DESTINATION FOR THE DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL TOURIST

Tourism is one of the world’s fastest growing industries and has served as an effective contributor to the socio-economic development of many countries especially developing nations. This research evaluates Ghana’s potential in the tourism industry in light of the country’s abundant assets such as sprawling beaches, plentiful wildlife, extensive natural, historical and cultural attractions and adventure opportunities. The main aim of the study was to investigate possible strategies or models that can be used to harness the country’s tourism potential. Secondary data relating to tourism destination development and marketing were consulted and reviewed. Analysing data using Price Comparison Websites (PCWs) proved useful, in that, the tool enabled comparisons to be drawn between tourism products in Ghana and other countries. This therefore helped to measure and determine the competitive level of Ghana’s tourism in relation to successful tourist destinations. The study showed that the application of information technology (IT) in marketing of tourist destinations in Ghana are fairly limited. It further highlighted the role of travel and price comparison websites (PCWs) in tourism planning. The end result of this project is to provide information on how strategies used in prosperous tourist destinations can be adapted to suit the Ghanaian tourism setting. This information can be used by the Ministry of Tourism and other tourism-related agencies to aid in the planning and development of tourism in Ghana and other West African countries.

Related Papers

Fatima Eshun , Alex B Owusu , George Owusu , Ebenezer F Amankwaa

The marketing and promotion of tourist sites through modern technologies such as geographic information system (GIS) and dynamic web technologies are slow in developing countries. This paper explores the potential of GIS in marketing tourism and examines how this can influence tourists’ destination choice. The study mapped 41 tourist destination spots and ranked 10 of them. The study finds that the middle belt of Ghana has the highest diversity of tourist attractions. The spatial mapping revealed that nine of the 10 most visited destinations are located in Southern Ghana with the remaining in Northern Ghana. This finding is useful in guiding policy-makers towards enacting policies that will boost sustainable tourism in the south while effectively developing the potentials of the north. The study recommends the development and adoption of competitive marketing strategy using geospatial tools directed at meeting the needs of global tourist while integrating local participation.

Zelalem Hayema

i am a MBA student

Emmanuel A . Adu-Ampong

Historical research on tourism development policies and planning is generally limited, with scant attention on destinations in the Global South. This paper traces the historical trajectories of the development of tourism policy and planning in Ghana using the “Development First” and “Tourism First” framework. A qualitative approach allows for a detailed contextual analysis of key national economic development plans and national tourism development policies and plans. Four broad political eras are identified: (i) 1957–1966: post-independence era of Development First; (ii) 1966–1981: political instability era of Tourism First; (iii) 1981–2000: structural adjustment era of mixed Tourism First-Development First and; (iv) 2000–2017: democratic consolidation era of Development First. The analysis highlights how the distinct historical contexts of state involvement shape the present and future characteristics of tourism development. The findings suggest the need for more detailed exploration of the historical processes of tourism development in Global South destinations.

Manish Mittal , Roberta Dawson-Amoah , Telecom Solutions

Manish (given name) Mittal (family name) (Mr.) Assessing the brand knowledge of Ghana as a tourism destination

Manish Mittal , Roberta Dawson-Amoah

The study focuses on assessing the brand knowledge of Ghana as a tourism destination. It envisages identifying whether Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) projected image and tourists " perceived image of Ghana are same, in order for the country to achieve her vision of becoming a leading tourism destination in West Africa. The study revealed that tourists choose from a variety of information sources such as word-of-mouth and marketer-controlled sources such as brochures and official websites of tourism authorities. The analysis indicates that on the attributes of brand image, most of the tourists sampled (48%) indicated that Ghana is an attractive destination. Majority of same sample (50%) indicated that Ghana has a fair weather. Forty-Eight percent of tourists sampled consider Ghana as a suitable destination for children. Most tourists see Ghana as a quiet and safe destination. Most tourists (50%) consider residents trendy and are able to communicate with tourists. However, less than fifty percent of tourists sampled agreed that Ghana has good tourism facilities and infrastructure. Assessing the brand knowledge of Ghana as a tourism destination

African Journal for Physical Health Education, Recreation and Dance

Prof Dr Milena Ivanovic (Emerita)

Samuel Aroni Ccalta

NII ARMAH TAGOE

Eunice Fay F Amissah , ishmael mensah

With reference to the literature on positioning and images, this paper identifies the shortfalls with attempts by the government of Ghana and other stakeholders to position Ghana on the African American market. The growth in the population and purchasing power of African Americans, Ghana’s enormous heritage attractions connected with the Transatlantic Slave Trade and relative stable political atmosphere are seen as good prospects for positioning the country on the African American Market. However, such efforts are constrained by the general perception of Ghana as an expensive destination, a misunderstanding of the characteristics and motivations of the African American market, hostilities between African Americans and Ghanaians as well as the negative images associated with Africa. It is therefore suggested that a uniform image centered on the ‘Slave Roots’ should be projected by various stakeholders.

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2024 “December in GH” launched, targets 1.3 million visitors  

By Hafsa Obeng/Emelia Nkrumah

Accra, Aug. 28, GNA – The 2024 edition of the “December in GH” has been launched with the target of attracting over 1.3 million visitors into the country.  

It was launched by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) under the auspices of the “Beyond the Return” steering committee and the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture (MoTAC). 

The mandate of “December in GH” is to promote Ghana as a prime destination for the December holiday season.  

Speaking at the launch in Accra, Mr Andrew Egyapa Mercer, Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture said “This year our target is 1.3 million visitors, which is almost 150, 000 people more than we got last year and with our relentless marketing efforts spearheaded by GTA we hope to achieve that.” 

He said “December in GH” was a celebration of everything Ghanaian, explaining that it brings together Ghanaians, the diaspora, and global travelers to experience the vibrant traditions, music, dance, and cuisine. 

Mr Mercer said the ministry remained resolutely committed to enhancing and promoting Ghana as a premier destination for international and local tourists alike adding that through initiatives like “December in GH,” “we cultivate a platform for cultural exchange, artistic expression, and economic growth.” 

“Our goal is to create harmonious synergy among tourism, arts, and culture sectors, an alignment essential to delivering authentic Ghanaian experiences to the world,” he added. 

According to him, since 2019, the tourism industry had witnessed a commendable trajectory of growth as tourist arrivals surged by nearly 45 per cent from the previous years’ figures, driven by the successful Year of Return campaign. 

Mr Mercer said the upward trend underscored the importance of continuing to place Ghana on the global map as a nexus of cultural richness and hospitality. 

“I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the steering committee whose tireless dedication has orchestrated yet another promising season.  

Their diligence ensures that each edition not only meets but exceeds the high expectations we set for sharing the splendour of Ghana with the world,” he added. 

Unveiling the events, Mr Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of GTA commended the efforts of the ‘Beyond the Return’ Secretariat and all other individuals who have partnered to make Ghana a global destination for the past few years.  

“All events that are selected as part of the “December in GH” events are selected from a first call of entry which is done during the first quarter of each year and a second one around this period; they all undergo the necessary processes and deliberations by a steering committee to ensure that all events lined up on the calendar are successful and enjoyable for all people who attend.” 

He encouraged Ghanaians to join in this year’s mission to give Ghana a global appeal and make all events lined up from sceneries and education through to night life and recreation a success. 

Mr Daniel Asaah, Event Organiser, Little Havana said Ghana had gradually become the official holiday zone for Christmas across the world, saying “all these and more achievements and contributions are because our events contribute to attracting many from diverse backgrounds to visit the country and contribute massively to the Ghanaian economy.” 

Mr Asaah urged government to contribute more to maintain peace and security before, during and after the election to ensure a smooth and peaceful “December in GH” celebration. 

“This year is an election year and I would urged government to contribute more to maintain the peace and security we enjoy as a nation before, during and after the election so we can celebrate this year’s events in peace”. 

Launched in 2019 as part of ‘The Year of Return,’ “December in GH” has become a cultural and tourism cornerstone.  

Visitors from around the world eagerly immerse themselves in our heritage, arts, and entertainment scene.  

This year’s events promise an extraordinary experience, allowing exploration of Ghana’s beauty while fostering connections with local communities throughout the festive season. 

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Discover Ghana. Experience Africa

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Our services include booking of domestic flights within Ghana and Regional flights to other African countries, Ground and Marine transportation, provision of accommodation in hotels, guesthouses or private villas, and development of dynamic itineraries which expose our clients to the Culture, Heritage, Eco-Tourism, Adventure and Leisure experiences in destinations we offer services in.

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The rise of African diaspora tourism: Traveling to learn about culture

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African diaspora-centered tourism is a fast-growing travel industry market. In contrast to traditional leisure-based and consumption-oriented mass tourism, diaspora tourism emphasizes traveling to learn about culture.

Black people in the United States are booking more trips outside of this country and traveling to other nations to learn about and be part of diverse diaspora Black communities. In places like England, they can meet with the group Black History Walks , which offers bus tours, talks, river cruises, and walking tours to inform people about Britain’s Black history.

Mexico recently observed its Afrodescendencias Festival in the center of Mexico City. On August 10, the eastern Mexico state of Veracruz held its Yanga Carnival , its annual celebration commemorating the creation of the first self-liberated Black city in the Americas.

In Argentina, local activists from Lunfarda Travel conduct tours of Afro Argentina’s past and present. In Brazil, the self-styled Afrotourism platform Guia Negro provides local news on its website, sponsors walking tours, and promotes local Black-owned businesses.

This type of heritage-oriented tourism is being touted as bringing more socio-economic benefits to communities by creating a wider range of local jobs. In many African nations, tourism was principally geared toward entertaining visitors in the past who wanted to go on wild animal safaris and hunting trips. Heritage tourism steers visitors toward local restaurants, cultural sites, and businesses, and encourages more interaction with local residents.

Diaspora travel in the spotlight

Ghana’s successful Year of Return campaign in 2019 put the idea of diaspora travel in the spotlight. When the Adinkra Group , a U.S.-based cultural resource organization, joined forces with the Ghana Tourism Authority to promote what it calls birthright journeys, it opened up explicit spaces for Black people in the Americas to reconnect with the continent.

Year of Return metrics show that the effort was financially successful for Ghana. “According to Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, about 1.1 million people arrived in Ghana in 2019, compared to 956,372 in 2018,” according to the United Nations’ digital magazine Africa Renewal . Ghana’s Diaspora Affairs Office added that some 1,500 Black Americans have moved to the country since 2019. The Ghana government found the venture so successful that it created a 10-year “Beyond the Return” project so it could continue promoting tourism to the country until the year 2030.

Mari Conyers Taylor is in awe of Ghana. She had worked as a healthcare professional in New York City, and when she moved to Georgia, she and some friends established a successful event planning agency. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she put her healthcare hat back on and did her part to contribute her expertise to helping people pull through. As the pandemic neared its end, Conyers Taylor said she was still feeling a wave of depression from all the pain she’d witnessed — but then her daughter invited her to take a trip with her to Ghana, where she was going to be part of a wedding.

“I went to Ghana and my life has not been the same,” Conyers Taylor said. “I could not find peace. I had traveled to Georgia, I had traveled to North Carolina, I traveled to my grandparents’ grave, I traveled everywhere in the States to try to find peace –– to places that used to bring me peace …the moment I landed in Ghana, it was as if my spirit took a breath, if that makes sense. I didn’t know what had happened. I felt this new feeling of happiness.”

Now the director of Culture Seekers and Culture Seekers Africa , Conyers Taylor said that even though she owned a travel company, she had never thought of traveling into Africa any further than Egypt or Morocco, even though that was something her grandmother had always spoken of wanting to do. Then Conyers Taylor lost her grandmother to COVID.

“It was amazing to be there,” she said, “and I know my daughter for a moment thought that I had lost my mind because I was talking to myself. But I was really speaking to my grandmother, because my grandmother taught me that our ancestors stay with us and whenever I walk into a room, my ancestors walk in with me. So, as I got off the plane, I said, ‘Hey, Grandma, here we go. We’re in Ghana.’”

With Culture Seekers Africa, Conyers Taylor has partnered with Ghanaians and locals in countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Cape Verde, Benin, Uganda, Kenya, Morocco, Senegal, Seychelles, Mauritius, Tanzania, Togo, Ivory Coast, and Botswana to offer personalized itineraries for visitors who want a curated guide throughout their journey, or to be taken to historic sites.

Tourism is a culture

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve been really promoting a lot of the heritage tours because the demand is high,” said Richard Cox of the Harlem Tourism Board. “Folks would like to discover their ancestry and a lot of the folks who booked the tours really like to ‘start at the exit routes,’ as we say.

“The exit routes are in Ghana and the castle at Elmina , or some people like to go through the other door of no return, which is in [ Gorée Island,] Senegal . Those two locations, whether you’re exiting out of Ghana or Senegal — that’s where folks like to see: the exit points.”

The Harlem Tourism Board is currently promoting a 10-day trip to Ghana on its website that it’s co-hosting with the Taste of Afrika for this November. The trip is being marketed as “More than a trip, it’s a legacy … This journey isn’t just about ticking off destinations; it’s about leaving your mark. Visit community projects, engage with local businesses, and be part of a collaborative effort that empowers and uplifts,” the promotion states.

Wakanow , a technology-driven African travel company based in Nigeria, deals with every aspect of tourism, but its core business is providing flights and hotel services to customers across the continent. Although it can offer tour, hotel, and airline reservations to people worldwide, most of its customer traffic remains internal, mainly from users on the African continent.

Gbenga Onitilo, vice president of Wakanow’s B2B business, noted that more governments in Africa –– in countries like Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Namibia, Kenya, and Rwanda –– are trying to divert money to revenue streams and invest more in tourism.

“Tourism is a culture in most of these countries,” he told the Amsterdam News . “The government is making major investments to ensure that the people are part of the ecosystem and [that] whatever is happening anywhere in the world does not impact that, because Africa is still trying to catch up with the rest of the world in terms of economic growth and development. Tourism is what some of these countries have talked about and are trying to use to rebrand themselves and also to position themselves. Tourism is key for most of these countries.”

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Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

• Leisure and business travel spending in Ghana 2019-2022

Leisure and business travel expenditure in Ghana from 2019 to 2022 (in million U.S. dollars)

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• Number of international tourist arrivals in Africa 2014-2029
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• Tourism sector GDP share in Africa 2020, by country
• Age distribution of tourists in Ghana 2022
• Number of tourist arrivals in Ghana 2023, by country of origin
• Share of international tourists in Ghana 2022, by purpose of visit
• Main countries of destination of Ghanaian tourists 2021
• Tourist spending in Ghana 2008-2020
• Domestic tourist spending in Ghana 2019-2022
• Share of tourist expenditure in Ghana 2019-2021, by purpose
• Average daily tourist expenditure in Ghana 2023, by purpose
• Share of the GDP of the tourism sector in Ghana 2013-2028
• Direct contribution of travel and tourism to employment in Africa 2019, by country
• Travel and tourism's direct contribution to employment in Ghana 2008-2019
• Total contribution of travel and tourism to employment in Ghana 2005-2023
• Travel and tourism's direct contribution to employment in Ghana 2008-2021
• Employed population in arts and entertainment in Ghana 2021, by gender
• Employed population in accommodation and food services in Ghana 2021, by region
• World Heritage Sites in Africa 2024, by country
• Number of visits at tourist attractions in Ghana 2016-2023, by residency status
• Number of visits to the Kakum National Park in Ghana 2016-2023
• Number of licensed tourist accommodation enterprises in Ghana 2016-2023
• Length of stay in hotels in Ghana 2020
• Average rate of occupancy of hotel rooms in Ghana 2014-2023
• Annual contributions of hotels and restaurants to GDP in Ghana 2013-2022
• Real per capita consumer spending on restaurants and hotels in Ghana 2014-2029
• Largest hotels in Greater Accra in Ghana 2022, by number of rooms
• Hotels in the Eastern region of Ghana with the highest number of rooms 2022

Other statistics that may interest you Tourism industry in Ghana

• Premium Statistic Number of international tourist arrivals in Africa 2014-2029
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• Basic Statistic Leisure and business travel spending in Ghana 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic Share of the GDP of the tourism sector in Ghana 2013-2028
• Basic Statistic Contribution of travel and tourism to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Ghana 2019-2023
• Basic Statistic Direct contribution of travel and tourism to employment in Africa 2019, by country
• Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's direct contribution to employment in Ghana 2008-2019
• Basic Statistic Total contribution of travel and tourism to employment in Ghana 2005-2023
• Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's direct contribution to employment in Ghana 2008-2021
• Premium Statistic Employed population in arts and entertainment in Ghana 2021, by gender
• Premium Statistic Employed population in accommodation and food services in Ghana 2021, by region

Attraction sites

• Premium Statistic Most visited tourist attractions in Ghana 2023
• Basic Statistic World Heritage Sites in Africa 2024, by country
• Basic Statistic Number of visits at tourist attractions in Ghana 2016-2023, by residency status
• Basic Statistic Number of visits to the Kakum National Park in Ghana 2016-2023

Hotel and accommodations

• Basic Statistic Number of licensed tourist accommodation enterprises in Ghana 2016-2023
• Premium Statistic Length of stay in hotels in Ghana 2020
• Premium Statistic Average rate of occupancy of hotel rooms in Ghana 2014-2023
• Basic Statistic Annual contributions of hotels and restaurants to GDP in Ghana 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Real per capita consumer spending on restaurants and hotels in Ghana 2014-2029
• Premium Statistic Largest hotels in Greater Accra in Ghana 2022, by number of rooms
• Premium Statistic Hotels in the Eastern region of Ghana with the highest number of rooms 2022

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