1.2m visitors expected in 2023, 150,000 jobs to be created in tourism sector – Ofori-Atta

Government has announced plans to work closely with the private sector to improve key tourist sites and events as part of the Beyond the Year of Return initiative.

According to the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, government has made considerable progress towards achieving 1.2 million visitors for 2023 with 150,000 jobs along the value chain, and 2 million foreign visitors and 1.5 million in domestic tourism by 2025.

Presenting the 2023 Mid-Year Budget Review, Mr. Ofori-Atta said the move is part of measures to make tourism attractive in the country and generate more revenue for the country.

To make Ghana the Tourism Hub for the West Africa, the Finance Minister said the Domestic & Regional Tourism Campaign, dubbed “Experience Ghana, Share Ghana” was intensified across the country by the government.

“Our goal is to complement this campaign, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, which was redeveloped and modernised with support from the World Bank and other development partners, was commissioned by President Akufo-Addo on 4th July, 2023. The redeveloped park will boost domestic and heritage tourism and is expected to attract over 1 million tourists annually”, he explained.

He also said the government will continue with the redevelopment of Aburi Botanical Gardens, Salaga and Pikworo Slavery Camps and Yaa Asantewaa Mausoleum to boost domestic tourism.

Furthermore, in partnership with the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB), efforts will continue to renovate selected Forts, Castles and Museums across the country.