Inbound Tourists Pump GHS15.2bn into Ghana’s Economy
Ghana’s tourism sector is recording strong gains, with inbound overnight visitors spending a total of GHS15.2 billion between October 2022 and September 2023, according to new figures from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).
The data, which tracked 888,584 overnight visitors representing 99 percent of all international arrivals, underscores a sharp rebound in travel and spending.
Visitor numbers peaked in the third quarter of 2023, with arrivals surging by 61.6 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2022. The growth was largely driven by tourists from West Africa, Europe, the Americas and Asia.
Accommodation and food services emerged as the biggest beneficiaries, accounting for nearly 63 percent of total spending. Hotels in particular recorded heightened demand, with stays climbing to 146,571 in the third quarter of 2023.
Business and professional travellers were the highest spenders, contributing GHS2.7 billion in a single quarter, while American tourists recorded the highest per-capita expenditure at GHS28,233.
Top heritage and cultural attractions such as Cape Coast Castle, Independence Square and Kakum National Park drew the largest crowds, highlighting Ghana’s appeal as a cultural tourism hub.
However, the GSS noted that most visits remain concentrated in Accra and the central corridor, with vast opportunities still untapped in other regions.
Commenting on the findings, Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, said the results provide a clear roadmap for enhancing tourism’s contribution to GDP. He recommended diversifying attractions beyond the capital, improving visitor services, and ensuring tourism revenue directly benefits local communities and small businesses.
With an average stay of 12 nights and a rising interest in cultural, leisure and business travel, Ghana is positioning itself as a leading African destination not only for heritage tourism but also for high-value leisure, festivals and corporate visits.
