Tourism sector earns GH₵15.4bn from foreign visitors
The nation’s international tourism industry generated an estimated GHS15.42 billion in visitor spending, according to the first Ghana International Travellers’ Survey released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).
The findings were published ahead of World Tourism Day on 27 September 2025, providing the country’s most detailed baseline data yet on international travel patterns and economic impact.
Comprehensive Tourism Data
The survey covers both inbound same-day and overnight visitors. It forms the basis for Ghana’s first Tourism Satellite Account, which is a key framework for measuring tourism’s direct contribution to national development and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and Ghana’s long-term tourism strategies.
Launching the report, Government Statistician Dr Alhassan Iddrisu stressed that the results highlight tourism’s crucial role in job creation and investment.
“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 said.
Dr Iddrisu added that the survey addresses a long-standing data gap, equipping policymakers and investors with robust statistics to guide sector planning and targeted interventions.
Visitor Numbers and Spending
Between the fourth quarter of 2022 and the third quarter of 2023, Ghana welcomed 901,448 international visitors, comprising 12,864 same-day and 888,584 overnight travellers.
Overnight arrivals made up 98.6 per cent of total visits, underscoring Ghana’s growing appeal as a stay-over destination.
Visitor expenditure during this period reached GHS15.42 billion. Same-day visitors spent about GHS24 million, Overnight visitors accounted for GHS15.18 billion, offering the first official benchmark of inbound tourism’s economic value
Top Attractions and Travel Patterns
The survey tracked tourism flows to key sites, identifying Bisa Abrewa Museum, Cape Coast Castle, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Independence Square, the Arts Centre and the National Museum as the most popular destinations for both same-day and overnight visitors.
Same-day travellers were predominantly transit passengers, with Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia serving as top source markets. Overnight visitors were mostly adults aged 36 to 64, with men outnumbering women. Visiting friends and relatives remained the leading reason for travel, followed by business and leisure.
Policy Recommendations
The report urges measures to promote short-stay tourism, expand accommodation options and enhance visitor experiences with modern facilities and digital services.
It also highlights opportunities to grow cross-border tourism by leveraging Ghana’s strategic location and regional trade and travel frameworks.
