Princess Umul Hatiyya Ibrahim Mahama has urged increased investment in Ghana's tourism sector. She believes this will position the country as a leading African tourist destination.
Her call follows a 90-day, 6,814-kilometre expedition across all 16 regions of Ghana. During this journey, she observed significant challenges. These include poor infrastructure, inadequate sanitation, and environmental degradation. She stated that no tourist wants to visit a "filthy village, town, or country."
This initiative aligns with Ghana's broader economic strategy to diversify revenue streams beyond traditional exports like gold and cocoa. The tourism sector currently contributes significantly to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). For instance, in 2019, tourism contributed 7.1% to Ghana's GDP, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. Improving infrastructure and visitor experiences could further boost this contribution and attract more foreign exchange.
Princess Umul emphasized Ghana's rich cultural heritage, wildlife, and historical sites. She compared Ghana's potential to leading African tourism destinations like Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia. She stated, "Ghana has everything it takes to become one of the three most visited countries in Africa, but potential alone is not enough."
Increased tourism will create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and generate vital foreign exchange for Ghana. Decision-makers must address the identified barriers to attract more international visitors. The government's 'Beyond the Return' initiative also seeks to leverage Ghana's heritage to draw diaspora tourists. Sustained investment in tourism infrastructure and visitor experiences is critical for long-term growth.
Beyond advocating for tourism, Princess Umul also launched a fundraising initiative. This aims to raise GHS 2 million to improve facilities at the Savelugu and Ashanti Schools for the Deaf. This effort seeks to remove barriers for children with hearing impairments. She highlighted that these children are talented and capable, and the initiative is about enabling their potential. The expedition also generated seven terabytes of video footage for a documentary series. This series will tell Ghanaian stories and inspire exploration of the country's heritage.