Tourism sector targets growth beyond 5.7% GDP contribution

By Christabel Danso ABEAM

 The tourism sector is gearing-up for a strong rebound in 2025, as the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) intensifies efforts to raise the industry’s contribution to the national economy beyond its current 5.7 percent share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Based on data from the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Statistical Service, the tourism sector generated approximately US$4.82 billion in revenue in 2024 – marking significant part of the country’s record-breaking GDP, which grew by 5.7 percent overall for the year.

Deputy Director-Corporate Affairs, GTA, Kofi Atta Kakra during the Accra Arts and Craft Market second edition launch said the tourism sector is implementing projects so that as part of a broader strategy they will scale up tourism’s share of the country’s GDP.

“Initiatives like the Accra Arts and Crafts Market will boost arrivals, deepen cultural exchange and enhance export linkages in the creative arts. This will increase receipts in terms of tourism’s contribution to GDP from 5.7 to a very notable figure in percentage,” he stressed

The Accra Arts and Crafts Market is a vibrant hub dedicated to showcasing the diverse and rich artistic traditions of Africa. Its mission is to connect artisans with art enthusiasts from across Ghana and West Africa including exhibitors from Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria – providing a platform for cultural exchange and appreciation.

Here, visitors are able explore a wide range of handcrafted items; each reflecting the unique heritage and craftsmanship of its creator.

Steady recovery and economic impact

Data from the 2024 Ghana Tourism report launched by GTA show that Ghana earned        US$4.8billion from international visitors and tourists who came to the country in 2024.

The amount represents a 27 percent jump from the US$3.8billion earned in 2023, indicating a significant comeback from the sharp declines experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. Kakra highlighted tourism as one of Ghana’s most valuable foreign exchange earners, directly creating employment and indirectly supporting livelihoods across the hospitality, transport, crafts and agribusiness value chains.

He noted that: “If this continues, with support from government-backed programmes such as the Black Star Experience and Beyond the Return, the sector could  exceed its current pre-pandemic growth levels within the next two years”.

Emphasising the impact of Accra Arts and Craft Market, he said that art, culture and heritage is the sector’s growth strategy – adding: “It aligns with the Black Star Experience which is structured around seven pillars – audio, cuisine,cinema, aesthetics, fashion, style and heritage.”

Driving Growth Through Collaboration

To achieve this goal, the Deputy Director says GTA is partnering the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to promote the country’s exports.

He said these collaborations will allow local manufacturers to earn from both domestic tourism and international market exposure.

Manager-Accra Arts and Craft Market, Adnan Mohammed, said the exhibition’s second edition held at the William Edward Barrington Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan African Culture in Accra.

He also indicated that the fair will be an avenue to boost tourism and promote the country’s rich African culture.

“Our mission is to promote the rich cultural heritage of Africa through authentic crafts: from traditional masks and fabrics to modern art and accessories. We’re creating a platform that celebrates creativity, culture and commerce.” he noted.

The 10-day market will include activities such as an opening ceremony, a special forum on ‘How to become a professional artist’, as well as free breast cancer screening (Pink October initiative) followed by a Gala Night and Fundraising Dinner.

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