Mr Emmanuel Frimpong, a Tourism Consultant and Analyst, has assessed Ghana's implementation of tourism, arts and culture initiatives outlined in the 2026 Budget as promising but incomplete. He noted progress in institutional development, digitalisation and cultural promotion. However, several major commitments remain at the preparatory or implementation stages. Mr Frimpong urged the Government to shift its focus from policy announcements to measurable results.
The introduction of the Ghana Tourism Marketplace and the Ghana Tourism Investment Platform are important developments. These initiatives aim to improve market access for tourism businesses and connect investors to opportunities in the sector. Additionally, AfroGastro and the promotion of Ghanaian cuisine in hospitality establishments, as well as renovation works and facility upgrades at the National Theatre, are notable initiatives.
Mr Frimpong highlighted that the establishment of digital platforms and the release of funds are commendable. However, the industry needs to see corresponding improvements in infrastructure, access to financing, business growth and sustainable job creation. The Ghana Tourism Marketplace offers tourism businesses opportunities to showcase and sell their products and experiences. The investment platform connects potential investors to hotels, tourist attractions and community-based tourism enterprises.
Despite the progress, Mr Frimpong identified challenges confronting operators, including poor access roads, inadequate financing, limited digital skills, weak marketing capacity and insufficient visitor facilities. He emphasized that digital tourism promotion must go hand in hand with physical infrastructure development. The quality of roads, sanitation, security, accommodation and visitor services ultimately determines tourists' experiences.
Ghana recorded 1,306,962 international tourist arrivals in 2025, generating an estimated US$4.34 billion in revenue. Domestic tourism visits increased from 1.68 million in 2024 to 1.79 million in 2025. Licensed tourism enterprises grew by 6.1 per cent and travel trade enterprises by 18.6 per cent. However, Mr Frimpong cautioned against attributing these figures directly to the implementation of the 2026 Budget, as they largely reflect the sector's performance in 2025.
Mr Frimpong called for more detailed information on jobs created through individual projects, businesses benefiting from interventions, funds disbursed, private investments attracted and revenue generated. He advocated for the timely release and utilisation of approved budgetary allocations, the completion of outstanding infrastructure projects, improved tourism data systems and accessible financing for small and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism and creative industries.
Mr Frimpong recommended establishing a Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) to provide accurate information on tourism's contribution to Gross Domestic Product, employment and national revenue. He stressed that stronger collaboration among the Government, private sector operators, local authorities and communities is necessary to ensure that tourism growth translates into improved livelihoods. The industry's success should be measured not only by visitor numbers but also by the income retained in local communities, sustainable jobs created and the commercial viability of tourism businesses.
Key points
- The implementation of Ghana's 2026 tourism budget is promising but incomplete, with several major commitments still at the preparatory or implementation stages.
- The tourism sector recorded significant growth in 2025, with 1,306,962 international tourist arrivals generating an estimated US$4.34 billion in revenue.
- The analyst called for more detailed information on the impact of tourism projects and advocated for the establishment of a Tourism Satellite Account to provide accurate information on tourism's contribution to the economy.
