Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts seeks parliamentary backing for a plan to increase tourism revenue by 50% by 2029. This growth strategy aims to boost international visitor arrivals by 70% and expand revenue from the culture and creative arts sector by 40% within the same period.
The Deputy Minister, Yussif Issaka Jajah, presented this ambitious development agenda for 2026–2029 to Parliament’s Select Committee on Trade, Industry, and Tourism. Achieving these targets requires significant investment, strong policy support, and collaboration across the entire tourism value chain. The ministry currently faces challenges in securing adequate funding, developing infrastructure, and enhancing capacity.
This initiative aligns with Ghana’s broader economic diversification efforts, aiming to position tourism as a major driver of economic growth. The sector contributes significantly to job creation and enhances Ghana's international visibility. Increased tourism revenue would directly inject foreign exchange into the economy, strengthening the Ghana cedi and stimulating local businesses. Data from 2023 indicates that tourism contributed approximately 5.8% to Ghana's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), underscoring its economic importance.
Deputy Minister Yussif Issaka Jajah stressed that sustained investment and policy support are crucial for reaching these goals. He highlighted recent achievements, including the inscription of Highlife Music on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The ministry also launched the Ghana Tourism Marketplace and implemented capacity-building programs for tourism service providers. Furthermore, the local film industry has received crucial support, showcasing a holistic approach to sector development.
The Chairman of the Select Committee, Alexander Hottordze, assured the ministry of Parliament’s commitment. He stated that Parliament would support initiatives designed to expand the sector’s contribution to national development. Modernising the National Theatre is also planned, which aims to strengthen Ghana’s cultural infrastructure and make the country more attractive to tourists. Analysts will monitor legislative actions and budget allocations to the tourism sector closely.
Realising this 50% revenue growth target by 2029 implies a substantial increase in financial earnings. If Ghana's tourism revenue in 2023 was approximately GHS 2.8 billion, a 50% increase would project earnings of GHS 4.2 billion. This financial injection could significantly impact national revenue, potentially funding critical social services and infrastructure projects. Decision-makers will need to ensure that the necessary resources are allocated to support marketing campaigns, infrastructure upgrades, and training programs. The private sector's role in attracting investment and developing new tourist attractions will also be vital to this growth.