The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has formally begun its 50th anniversary festivities, which will start this week across the nation and have a notable influence on growth in the tourist sector.
Akwasi Agyeman, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTA, acknowledged the sacrifices and efforts of those who have contributed in many ways to develop the authority while discussing the success of Ghana's tourist industry at the launch.
During the launch, Mr. Agyeman announced a huge expansion of the nation's tourist industry. According to him, Ghana outperformed other African nations, which were functioning at 65% of pre-pandemic levels, while Ghana performed at 81%. Ghana had a 47% rise in international arrivals from 623,523 in 2021 to 914,892 in 2022.
He emphasised that the "Legacy efforts" of the Akufo-Addo led administration were the sole reason that this accomplishment was even remotely possible.
This demonstrates the effectiveness of the several tactics we implemented, such as the Destination Ghana campaign unveiled by H.E. the President and our ongoing endeavour through the Beyond the Return Programme to become the Mecca of the African diaspora, he added.
Mr. Agyeman further stated that domestic tourism had an excellent surge of 55% from 588,946 travellers in 2021 to 937,087 travellers in 2022. According to him, Ghanaians are "discovering the beauty of our nation and are opting to explore their own backyard, which is fantastic news for the local economy. Destinations for tourists like Aburi Botanical gardens The Kakum National Park, Kumasi Zoo, and gardens all performed well.
He also emphasised GTA's dedication by promising ongoing, major efforts to advance the tourism sector, including infrastructural upgrades that would improve the visitor experience and make it simpler for visitors to reach Ghana's various tourist destinations.
The GTA leader hinted that construction had already begun on a number of projects, including the Pikworo Slave Camp, the Yaa Asantewaa Museum, the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, and the Aburi Botanical Garden.
"MOUs were signed for project enhancements with around 13 communities. The new Legislative Instrument LI 2393 on Tourism Attractions and Sites aligns with this. We conducted industry-wide sensitization efforts last year, he said.
Mr. Agyeman also praised the business sector for its investments in the tourism sector and reaffirmed the Ghana Tourism Authority's commitment to marketing Ghana as a top travel destination.
The honourable Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, who attended the event, praised GTA and its CEO for going above and above. Yet, he gave the authority the job of bringing in 1.2 million tourists overall by the year's conclusion.
A presidential conference on reinventing Ghana's tourism, industry games, awards and dinner night, familiarisation excursions, and other exciting events are planned as part of the GTA @50 anniversary celebrations. The authorities invited all participants and Ghanaians to participate in the festivities.
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