Ghana’s tourism sector recorded an impressive GH¢15.42 billion in revenue from international arrivals between October 2022 and September 2023, according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).
The data, captured through the Ghana International Travellers’ Survey, marks a significant milestone in the measurement of tourism’s economic impact in Ghana.
Speaking at the online official launch in Accra on Wednesday, Government Statistician, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, said the period under review saw the arrival of 901,448 inbound international visitors.
Of this number, he stated that 888,584 were overnight visitors, representing 98.6 per cent, while same-day visitors accounted for 12,864.
The total visitor expenditure during this period, Dr Iddrisu said was estimated at GH¢15.42 billion, with overnight visitors contributing GH¢15.18 billion and same-day visitors spending GH¢24 million.
“These figures represent the first official benchmark of the value of inbound tourism to the Ghanaian economy,” he said.
Dr Iddrisu indicated that the release of the survey report coincided with the global commemoration of World Tourism Day on September 27, 2025, and is seen as a major step towards the development of Ghana’s first Tourism Satellite Account.
“This initiative is expected to offer a structured framework for quantifying tourism’s contribution to GDP, employment, and investment, and aligns with both Ghana’s long-term tourism development plans and the Sustainable Development Goals,” he stressed.
The Government Statistician underscored the broader socio-economic relevance of tourism.
“Tourism is not just a cultural and social asset, but a driver of jobs, investment, and growth. These reports provide evidence to shape policies, attract private sector partnerships, and strengthen Ghana’s position as a leading tourism destination,” he stated.
He said the survey also provided insights into travel patterns and visitor characteristics. Same-day visitors were mostly transit passengers, with Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia being the major source countries.
On the other hand, the Government Statistician said overnight visitors were predominantly adults aged between 36 and 64, with males consistently outnumbering females.
He said visiting friends and relatives emerged as the most common reason for overnight travel, although business and leisure were also key motivations.
Dr Iddrisu stated that popular tourist sites among international travellers included the Bisa Abrewa Museum, Cape Coast Castle, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Independence Square, the Arts Centre, and the National Museum.
These attractions featured prominently throughout the year, appealing to both short-term and extended-stay tourists.
The Government Statistician proposed a range of policy measures aimed at enhancing tourism’s contribution to regional growth and employment.
These include regional campaigns such as a “Visit Ghana in a Day” initiative targeting short-haul travellers from neighbouring countries.
BY KINGSLEY ASARE
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