Government makes strides toward creating 150,000 employment opportunities in the tourism industry
Tourism Boom Ahead: Ghana's Audacious Plan to Become a Tourism Powerhouse
Ghana is bullish on tourism, setting its sights on welcoming a staggering 2 million foreign visitors and 1.5 million domestic tourists by 2025. This ambition was revealed by the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, during the 2023 mid-year budget review in parliament. The vision? Making tourism a major revenue generator and job creator for Ghana.
Here's the lowdown on Ghana's tourism blueprint and the key initiatives they're implementing to make it happen.
Renovating Iconic Spots
The renovation of iconic locations like the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, rendered spectacular via World Bank and development partner support, is expected to contribute significantly to the anticipated tourist surge this year. By 2025, the refurbished park is projected to draw over a million tourists annually, boosting domestic and heritage tourism.
But that's not all. Ghana's government plans to continue redeveloping landmarks such as the Aburi Botanical Gardens, Salaga and Pikworo Slave Camps, and the Yaa Asantewaa Mausoleum. These renovations are expected to create jobs across various sectors, from hotels and food businesses to tour and site guiding, and car rentals.
A New Era for Ghanaian Tourism
To catapult Ghana to West Africa's tourism hub, the government is intensifying the "Experience Ghana, Share Ghana" domestic and regional tourism campaign. Additionally, designated forts, castles, and museums across the country will undergo renovation in partnership with the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB).
Boosting the Sector Through Strategic Alliances
To reposition tourism as an economic pillar, the Ghana Hotels Association is advocating for more robust infrastructure development and investment in the tourism sector. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is focusing on integrating culture and creative arts into the national tourism agenda. The government is also collaborating with international partners like the World Bank, using partnerships like the Ghana Economic Transformation Project (GET), to enhance tourism infrastructure and attract more visitors.
The Ghana Tourism Authority has established a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) department to foster closer collaboration between government and private enterprises. This includes initiatives like "The Black Star Experience" and the "Resetting Agenda," designed to reimagine sustainable tourism for future generations.
While the targets for visitor numbers are ambitious, these initiatives are geared towards propelling tourism as a significant economic and employment driver in Ghana. The country is gearing up for a tourism revolution that will showcase its rich cultural heritage and provide numerous employment opportunities. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience the vibrant heart of Africa like never before!
- The renovated Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, funded by the World Bank and development partners, is anticipated to attract over a million tourists yearly by 2025, generating employment in sectors like hotels, food businesses, tour guiding, and car rentals.
- To become the regional tourism hub, Ghana is increasing its "Experience Ghana, Share Ghana" campaign, and partnering with the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board to restore historic forts, castles, and museums.
- In a bid to reposition tourism as an economic pillar, the Ghana Hotels Association is advocating for infrastructure development and investment, while the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is working on integrating culture and creative arts into the national tourism agenda.
- The Ghana Tourism Authority has established a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) department to encourage cooperation between government and private enterprises, with initiatives like "The Black Star Experience" and the "Resetting Agenda" aimed at promoting sustainable tourism.
- Collaborating with international partners like the World Bank, Ghana is using projects such as the Ghana Economic Transformation Project (GET) to enhance tourism infrastructure and attract more foreign visitors, ultimately making tourism a major revenue generator and job creator for Ghana.
