Ghana rakes in $4.34bn from tourism as international arrivals hit 1.3million in 2025

Ghana’s tourism sector generated an estimated $4.34 billion in tourism receipts in 2025, following a rise in international visitor arrivals to more than 1.3 million.

Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Abla Gomashie, disclosed the figures on Monday, August 10, during the Government Accountability Series, where she outlined the progress made in the sector since the government assumed office.

According to the Minister, Ghana welcomed 1,303,962 international tourists in 2025, up from the 1,288,804 arrivals recorded in 2024.

The increase, she said, points to sustained interest in Ghana as a destination and highlights the growing contribution of tourism to the national economy.

Ms Gomashie also revealed that domestic tourism experienced significant growth during the same period.

Domestic visits increased by seven per cent, moving from approximately 1.68 million in 2024 to 1.79 million in 2025.

She said the country’s leading tourist attractions continued to play an important role in driving both domestic and international tourism.

The 10 most visited attractions recorded a combined 1,377,588 visits in 2025, representing about 27 per cent of total visits to tourism sites across the country.

The attractions include the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Kakum National Park, Bunso Arboretum Eco Park, Cape Coast Castle, Manhyia Palace, Kumasi Zoo, Accra Zoo, Elmina Castle, Shai Hills Resource Reserve and the Agri-Botanical Garden.

Ms Gomashie, however, pointed out that only three of the 10 most visited sites are directly under the management of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts.

The remaining attractions are managed by other institutions, a situation she said highlights the need for stronger coordination and continued investment in the development and management of tourism sites.

Creative Arts Fund

The Minister also announced that steps are being taken to establish a Creative Arts Fund, which is expected to provide additional support for Ghana’s creative industry.

She said the proposed fund would help stimulate production, improve the standard of creative content and generate employment opportunities within the sector.

According to her, the initiative is also expected to strengthen the protection and commercial value of Ghanaian intellectual property, both locally and on international markets.

She disclosed that the ministry was collaborating with the Attorney-General’s Ministry to complete the necessary arrangements for the fund to become operational.

National Theatre gets strategic plan

Ms Gomashie further disclosed that the National Theatre of Ghana now has a strategic plan covering the period 2026 to 2030.

The plan, launched in March 2026, is intended to provide a clear framework for the management and development of the facility and enhance its contribution to tourism, culture and the creative arts.

She said the strategic direction would help position the National Theatre to play a stronger role in Ghana’s creative economy.

The Minister also announced support from a German theatre group, which has donated a 40-foot container of lighting and sound equipment to the National Theatre.

The equipment, she said, would contribute to efforts to improve the facility’s technical capacity and create a better environment for performances and other creative activities.

Ms Gomashie said the various interventions form part of broader efforts by the government to strengthen Ghana’s tourism, culture and creative arts sectors and maximise their contribution to economic growth and job creation.

   Comments0