Government Pledges to Transform Tourism into Economic Driver at Stakeholder Meeting

Ghana's Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts has reaffirmed its dedication to elevating the tourism, culture, and creative arts sector into a primary engine for economic growth, job creation, and national development. This commitment was articulated during a High-Level Stakeholder Consultative Meeting in Accra, which convened government officials, agency heads, private sector representatives, and industry leaders.

Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah stressed the importance of robust collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders. He highlighted innovation and compelling storytelling as vital elements for promoting Ghana as a premier tourist destination. "If you don't tell a story very well, no one knows. Innovation must lead our tourism agenda if we are to capture the attention of potential tourists and grow visitor inflows," Debrah stated, urging stakeholders to develop creative, market-driven tourism products.

Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, outlined the Ministry's "domestic-first, global-next" strategy. This approach prioritizes strengthening domestic tourism and cultural engagement as a foundation for international expansion. Achievements highlighted include the launch of the Ghana National Cultural Policy, the UNESCO Culture|2030 Indicators Programme, and the development of Ghana's first Tourism Satellite Account. Efforts to preserve cultural heritage were also noted, particularly following the inscription of Highlife music, dance, and Kente on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Gomashie also detailed various tourism innovation initiatives, such as the Afro Gastro Festival, National Photo Competition, Ghana Tourism Marketplace, Ghana Tourism Investment Platform, and Akwaaba Night. She called for increased private sector investment in tourism training and skills development. Furthermore, Ghana secured the hosting rights for the 70th Session of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa in 2027, which will coincide with the nation's 70th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

Elsie Appau-Klu Esq., Technical Advisor to the Ghana Revenue Authority, underscored the role of taxation in national development and advocated for improved tax compliance, referencing recent tax reforms aimed at simplifying the system.

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If you don't tell a story very well, no one knows. Innovation must lead our tourism agenda if we are to capture the attention of potential tourists and grow visitor inflows.