Ghana has earned more than GH¢15.4 billion from international travelers, according to the country’s first-ever International Traveller Survey (ITS), positioning tourism as a critical engine of foreign exchange and economic growth.
The survey, conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) and sighted by Accra Street Journal, between the last quarter of 2022 and the third quarter of 2023, captured spending patterns and travel motivations of visitors exiting the country. Using systematic sampling, every third departing traveler was interviewed across six exit points—Kotoka International Airport, Aflao, Paga, Elubo, and the ports of Tema and Takoradi.
Big Spending by Overnight Visitors
The findings reveal that 888,584 overnight visitors spent GH¢15.2 billion, while 12,864 same-day visitors contributed GH¢24 million, bringing total international tourism spending to GH¢15.4 billion.
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“Tourism is not just about sightseeing. It creates jobs, brings in foreign exchange, and drives inclusive growth,” the GSS presentation noted.
Overnight visitors mainly travelled to visit friends and relatives, though business travel also accounted for a significant share. Tourists from West Africa and the United States were among the most active, with top destinations including Cape Coast Castle, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Independence Square, and the Arts Centre. Hotels emerged as the most preferred accommodation.
Leisure Drives Same-Day Travel
For same-day visitors, leisure and recreation dominated spending, with attractions like the Bisa Abriwa Museum, Cape Coast Castle, and the National Museum standing out. The majority were men aged 36 to 64, with nearly three-quarters arriving by air.
Building a Tourism Satellite Account
The GSS emphasized that the ITS is more than a spending survey—it is the foundation for Ghana’s first Tourism Satellite Account (TSA), which will measure the sector’s direct contribution to GDP in line with international best practices.
“These numbers matter,” the GSS said. “Same-day visitors show potential for short-stay packages, while overnight visitors highlight the strength of family, business, and cultural ties. Both underline the need to improve facilities, diversify products, and market Ghana more effectively.”
Policy Recommendations
Key recommendations include:
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A “Visit Ghana in a Day” campaign to attract regional travellers.
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Diaspora-focused and business travel packages to target high-spending overnight visitors.
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Expanded private sector opportunities in shopping, dining, and accommodation.
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Innovations such as a national tourism app and multilingual help desks at major entry points.
The GSS described the survey as “a game-changer,” adding that robust data will enable government, businesses, and civil society to make tourism more inclusive and sustainable. Further reports on domestic and outbound tourism are expected in the coming weeks.
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on September 25, 2025 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
