Ghana’s tourism industry has demonstrated substantial growth, with data from the Ghana Statistical Service showing that inbound overnight visitors spent GHS15.2 billion between October 2022 and September 2023.
Building on this growth, the report monitored 888,584 overnight visitors, representing nearly 99% of all international arrivals, and highlights a significant recovery in both travel and expenditure.
Furthermore, visitor numbers peaked in Q3 2023, with arrivals increasing by 61.6% compared to Q4 2022. This growth was driven by increased tourism from West Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
In terms of spending patterns, accommodation and food services accounted for nearly 63% of total spending. Hotels experienced increased demand, with stays rising to 146,571 in the third quarter of 2023.
Business and professional travelers contributed GHS2.7 billion in a single quarter. American tourists recorded the highest per-capita spending at GHS28,233.
Major attractions such as Cape Coast Castle, Independence Square, and Kakum National Park attracted the largest crowds, with cultural tourism and heritage experiences taking precedence.
However, officials warn that the majority of visits are concentrated in Accra and the central corridor, leaving potential opportunities unexplored in other areas.
Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, a Government Statistician, emphasized that the findings provide a strategic framework for enhancing the sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP.
Recommendations include diversifying attractions beyond the capital, enhancing visitor services, and establishing a more direct connection between tourism revenue and local communities and small enterprises.
With an average stay of 12 nights and an increasing interest in cultural and leisure travel, Ghana is progressively establishing itself as a premier African destination—not only for heritage tourism but also for business, festivals, and high-value leisure experiences.
