We plan to make tourism the second-largest contributor to Ghana’s GDP — GTA CEO

Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Marilyn Maame Efua Houadjeto, says the Authority is working to make tourism the second-largest contributor to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

She made the statement on Monday, June 23, while addressing the opening session of the Ghana-China Business Summit in Accra.

The summit is aimed at strengthening bilateral economic ties, promoting trade, and unlocking new investment opportunities between Ghana and China, particularly in trade, tourism and other key sectors.

Speaking at the event, Madam Houadjeto outlined a number of initiatives and investment opportunities the GTA is rolling out to support the tourism sector and drive economic growth.

“Tourism is one of the most important sectors in Ghana. Our aim is to become the second-largest income earner to support the GDP,” she said.

According to her, Ghana’s diverse heritage, natural attractions, and cultural richness position the country as a unique tourism destination in West Africa, adding that infrastructure investments will be crucial to unlocking its full potential.

She revealed that the GTA plans to revamp and promote major tourism sites, including Mole and Kakum National Parks, by developing eco-lodges and conservation infrastructure.

The GTA CEO also mentioned plans to establish Ghana’s first state-of-the-art amusement park and build event centres in both the Central Region and Accra.

Madam Efua Houadjeto further emphasized sustainability as a core focus of Ghana’s tourism strategy, indicating that efforts are underway to support hotels and hospitality facilities to shift from the national grid to renewable energy.

“We are mobilising funds for our hospitality industry to help them move from the national grid to solar energy. This will reduce costs and make Ghana a more attractive tourism destination,” she stated.

She also highlighted ongoing campaigns to boost domestic tourism and plans to promote Ghana more aggressively across Asia, the Americas, and Europe, especially targeting African Americans and other diaspora groups.