Ghana Tourism Faces Major 2027 Budget Test as International Arrivals Reach 1.3 Million but Revenue Falls 10 Percent

Ghana’s tourism industry is facing renewed scrutiny ahead of the presentation of the 2027 national Budget, as a notable contrast between rising international visitor arrivals and declining tourism revenue has raised concerns over the economic benefits being generated by the sector.

Despite an increase in foreign tourist arrivals during 2025, international tourism receipts declined by approximately 10 percent, highlighting the challenge of translating visitor growth into stronger spending, employment opportunities and local business development.

According to the Ghana Tourism Authority’s 2025 Tourism Report, released in June 2026, a total of 1,306,962 international visitors were recorded during the year, representing a 1.4 percent increase compared with 2024.

However, international tourism receipts fell from US$4.82 billion in 2024 to US$4.34 billion in 2025, while average expenditure per visitor declined from approximately US$3,743 to US$3,320.

The figures have intensified calls for greater accountability, improved tourism infrastructure and more effective financial support for businesses operating across Ghana’s tourism, culture and creative industries.

As Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson prepares to present the 2027 Budget on 12 November 2026, attention is being directed towards whether previously announced financial commitments and tourism development projects have delivered measurable economic benefits.

Ghana International Tourism Arrivals Increase Despite Declining Visitor Spending

A mixed performance was recorded across Ghana’s international tourism industry in 2025, with growth in visitor numbers accompanied by a reduction in total receipts.

The increase to 1,306,962 international arrivals demonstrated the destination’s ability to continue attracting foreign visitors.

However, the decline in earnings indicated that higher arrival numbers were not automatically being converted into increased tourism revenue.

Average expenditure per international visitor dropped from approximately US$3,743 in 2024 to US$3,320 in 2025.

This reduction has raised questions about the economic value generated by international tourism and the extent to which visitor expenditure is being distributed across tourism businesses and local communities.

In the foreword to the Ghana Tourism Authority’s 2025 Tourism Report, Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie linked the declining expenditure figures with the ministry’s growing emphasis on high-value tourism.

Under this approach, greater attention is being placed on the economic contribution of visitors rather than the number of arrivals alone.

The importance of higher spending is particularly relevant for hotels, restaurants, tour operators, transport providers, attractions and local entrepreneurs whose businesses depend on tourism expenditure.

Ghana 2027 Budget Expected to Face Greater Tourism Industry Scrutiny

The upcoming presentation of the 2027 Budget has become an important focal point for discussions about the future direction of Ghana’s tourism industry.

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is scheduled to present the Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on 12 November 2026.

Ahead of the announcement, greater accountability has been requested by industry representatives and tourism development advocates.

Caleb Kofie, Executive Director of the Service Excellence Foundation-Ghana, has called for government performance in tourism to be evaluated through measurable outcomes rather than financial allocations alone.

According to the concerns raised by Kofie, greater emphasis should be placed on the number of sustainable jobs generated, the growth of tourism businesses and improvements in community incomes.

Particular caution has been urged against presenting the 2025 tourism performance figures as evidence of successful implementation of the 2026 Budget.

Because the statistics relate to the previous year, a direct connection between the reported results and subsequent budget interventions cannot be established without additional evidence.

A comprehensive government performance scorecard linking tourism initiatives with employment, small business development and local economic benefits has been requested.

GH¢40 Million Creative Industry Funding Commitment Faces Questions

The implementation of financial commitments announced under the 2026 Budget has emerged as a significant concern.

The 2026 Budget, presented on 13 November 2025, included GH¢20 million in seed funding for the Creative Arts Fund and a separate GH¢20 million allocation for the Film Development Fund.

Through these commitments, a combined GH¢40 million was earmarked to support activities across Ghana’s creative economy.

The funds were intended to provide financial assistance to industries associated with music, filmmaking, fashion, food and other creative activities.

However, questions have been raised regarding the extent to which the announced allocations have been released and made accessible to eligible beneficiaries.

During the Government Accountability Series on 10 August 2026, Abla Dzifa Gomashie reported that GH¢5 million had been released to each fund.

Based on those publicly reported figures, GH¢10 million of the combined GH¢40 million allocation had been released, equivalent to one-quarter of the originally announced seed funding.

The difference between budgetary commitments and released funds has become a central issue ahead of the 2027 Budget.

Film Development Fund Faces Unresolved Funding and Regulatory Questions

The Film Development Fund has attracted particular attention because of differences between official statements concerning its financing.

President John Dramani Mahama had previously indicated that the full GH¢20 million allocation for film had been released.

However, subsequent information provided by the tourism ministry identified GH¢5 million as the amount released to the Film Development Fund.

The differing public accounts have not been fully reconciled.

The National Film Authority launched the Film Development Fund in May 2026 and announced a management committee to support its implementation.

At the Government Accountability Series in August, it was also indicated that the legislative instrument required for the operation of the film fund had not yet been passed by Parliament.

The outstanding regulatory requirements have therefore remained an important issue in the discussion surrounding the fund.

For filmmakers and production companies, uncertainty concerning financial access can affect project planning, production schedules and business commitments.

Greater clarity has consequently been requested regarding the operational framework, available resources and procedures for accessing financial support.

Creative Arts Businesses Seek Clear Funding Rules and Disbursement Timelines

The accessibility of the Creative Arts Fund and Film Development Fund has been identified as a critical issue for practitioners across Ghana’s creative industries.

Caleb Kofie has questioned whether the funds can be considered broadly accessible while important operational and financial details remain unresolved.

Calls have been made for eligibility requirements, application procedures, disbursement timelines and regular expenditure reports to be published.

The availability of this information is considered important for musicians, filmmakers, event organisers and other creative entrepreneurs seeking financial assistance.

Without clearly communicated procedures, difficulties can be encountered in preparing applications and determining when financial support might become available.

The impact of funding delays can also extend beyond individual creative professionals.

Film productions, music events and cultural programmes can generate business for technical workers, transport operators, accommodation providers, catering businesses and other supporting services.

Through more transparent and predictable funding arrangements, stronger connections between public financial support and measurable commercial outcomes could be established.

The need for such accountability has also been highlighted in recent assessments of the funds.

Ghana Hotels Association Raises Concerns Over Tourism Budget Support

Concerns about financial support for the tourism sector have also been raised by the Ghana Hotels Association.

Following the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review in August, attention was drawn to the absence of a fresh allocation for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts.

This development added to wider industry questions about the availability of resources for tourism development and business support.

Hotels and other accommodation establishments represent an important part of Ghana’s visitor economy.

Their operations are closely connected with employment, food and beverage services, transportation, events and local supply chains.

The financial environment affecting the hospitality industry therefore has implications beyond accommodation businesses alone.

Industry concerns have also included operating costs and the financial pressures experienced by tourism enterprises.

Ahead of the 2027 Budget, attention is being directed towards the balance between government spending commitments and the practical requirements of businesses responsible for delivering visitor experiences.

Accra by Night Tourism Initiative Records Strong Digital Booking Performance

While funding delays and infrastructure challenges have attracted criticism, positive results have also been recorded through selected tourism initiatives.

One of the most prominent examples has been Accra by Night, a guided evening tourism experience operated by the Ghana Tourism Development Company.

The initiative was developed to encourage visitor participation in nighttime activities and expand tourism-related commercial opportunities in Accra.

During the December 2025 festive season, Accra by Night accounted for approximately 93 percent of the revenue generated through the Ghana Tourism Marketplace booking platform.

This performance established the experience as the dominant revenue contributor on the platform during its early operating period.

The initiative has been highlighted as an example of how structured tourism experiences can support restaurants, performers, transport operators and other businesses.

The strong booking performance has also demonstrated the potential of digital platforms to connect visitors with organised tourism products.

However, the concentration of platform revenue in a single experience has also reinforced the importance of expanding available tourism offerings.

Tourism Development Beyond Accra Identified as Major Priority

The success of Accra by Night has prompted calls for similar tourism development opportunities to be extended beyond the national capital.

According to Caleb Kofie, stronger economic benefits could be generated through the development of attractive visitor experiences across additional destinations.

However, infrastructure limitations continue to affect tourism activity outside Accra.

Poor access roads, inadequate sanitation, unreliable electricity and water supplies, insufficient signage and safety concerns have been identified among the challenges restricting the visitor experience.

These limitations can influence how long tourists remain at destinations and how much money is spent locally.

Tourism-related income for guides, drivers, caterers and craft sellers is often closely connected with visitor activity and length of stay.

When destination infrastructure is inadequate, opportunities for additional spending can be reduced.

The development of more reliable facilities and services is therefore being identified as an important requirement for expanding tourism’s economic contribution across Ghana.

National Theatre Accra Refurbishment Supports Cultural Tourism Growth

Progress has been reported through the refurbishment of the National Theatre in Accra.

The development has been associated with renewed activity at the cultural facility and an improvement in visitor participation.

According to the ministry, patronage had increased by 15 percent as of July 2026.

The reported increase represents a positive development for a cultural institution associated with performances, artistic activities and public events.

Cultural infrastructure plays an important role in supporting the creative economy by providing facilities where productions and events can be presented.

The availability of established venues can also contribute to the development of cultural tourism experiences.

Through improvements to the National Theatre, opportunities for increased public engagement and cultural participation have been supported.

However, the progress reported at the Accra facility has been accompanied by continuing uncertainty surrounding other major cultural infrastructure commitments.

Second National Theatre in Kumasi Awaits Progress on Existing Projects

Plans for a second National Theatre in Kumasi have remained part of Ghana’s wider cultural development agenda.

The proposed facility is intended to expand cultural infrastructure beyond Accra and strengthen opportunities associated with artistic and performance activities.

However, the government has indicated that existing cultural projects in the Ashanti Region are to be completed before construction of the second National Theatre proceeds.

The sequencing of these projects has therefore become an important consideration for the proposed development.

The completion of cultural infrastructure outside Accra could support broader participation in the creative economy and provide additional venues for tourism-related activities.

For businesses associated with performances, events, accommodation and local services, the availability of functional cultural facilities can contribute to commercial opportunities.

Ahead of the 2027 Budget, greater clarity regarding project financing, implementation schedules and construction priorities has been requested.

Accra Marine Drive Project Remains Under Review

Another major tourism development project facing implementation challenges is the Accra Marine Drive Project.

Originally outlined in 2016, the proposed public-private development covers approximately 241 acres of beachfront in Accra.

The project was conceived as a major development initiative involving the capital’s coastal tourism environment.

However, the plans are being revised, and questions remain regarding the implementation schedule.

The extended development process has brought attention to the importance of project preparation, financing and coordination.

Caleb Kofie has linked delays affecting major tourism projects to challenges involving land, planning, regulation, funding and institutional coordination.

These factors can influence the ability of public and private stakeholders to proceed with large-scale tourism investments.

Calls have therefore been made for greater transparency concerning project milestones, funding arrangements and procurement procedures.

Quarterly progress reports have also been proposed as a means of allowing investors and industry stakeholders to assess implementation risks.

Lower Taxes and Operating Costs Sought by Tourism Businesses

Alongside calls for additional investment, concerns have been raised regarding the cost of operating tourism businesses in Ghana.

Lower taxes, utility charges and regulatory expenses have been requested by Caleb Kofie as part of a broader effort to improve the operating environment.

The financial pressures experienced by tourism operators can influence profitability, investment decisions and the ability to expand employment.

For smaller enterprises, the combined cost of utilities, regulatory compliance and other operating expenses can represent a significant challenge.

Such businesses often form an important part of destination experiences, particularly through accommodation, transport, food services, guiding and cultural activities.

The call for cost reductions has therefore been connected with the wider objective of strengthening the commercial sustainability of tourism enterprises.

Under this approach, tourism policy would be assessed not only by public spending but also by the conditions under which private businesses operate.

IMANI Assessment Highlights Uneven Tourism Policy Implementation

Concerns regarding the implementation of Ghana’s tourism and culture agenda have also been reflected in an assessment by the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education.

Earlier in 2026, the organisation characterised delivery across the government’s tourism and cultural priorities as uneven.

The assessment added to questions about the difference between policy announcements and completed initiatives.

While positive developments have been reported in areas such as domestic tourism, digital platforms and cultural facilities, delays continue to affect selected projects and funding commitments.

These differing outcomes have increased the importance attached to measurable performance reporting.

Greater transparency would allow the progress of individual tourism initiatives to be evaluated against announced objectives.

The publication of implementation schedules, expenditure information and economic outcomes has consequently been identified as a priority for improving accountability.

Domestic Tourism Emerges as Stronger Performer With Seven Percent Growth

Despite the decline in international tourism earnings, stronger growth has been recorded in Ghana’s domestic tourism market.

According to the Ghana Tourism Authority’s 2025 Tourism Report, visits to 55 tracked tourism sites increased by approximately seven percent.

Domestic visits rose from 1.68 million in 2024 to 1.79 million in 2025.

The increase indicates continued interest in tourism experiences among domestic travellers.

Growth in domestic tourism is important because visitor activity can support businesses throughout the year and across different destination markets.

Domestic travellers contribute to spending on transport, accommodation, attractions, food services and other tourism-related activities.

The increase in visits also provides an opportunity for destinations to strengthen their offerings for local audiences.

However, the economic benefits generated from domestic tourism remain dependent on infrastructure quality, accessibility and the range of available experiences.

The continued development of domestic tourism has therefore been identified as an important part of Ghana’s broader tourism growth strategy.

Ghana Tourism Industry Awaits Clearer Economic Results From 2027 Budget

As the 2027 Budget approaches, expectations across Ghana’s tourism, hospitality and creative industries are increasingly centred on measurable economic outcomes.

The contrast between higher international arrivals and lower tourism receipts has demonstrated that visitor numbers alone cannot provide a complete picture of sector performance.

In 2025, Ghana attracted more than 1.3 million international visitors, yet total international tourism earnings declined to US$4.34 billion.

At the same time, domestic tourism recorded growth, selected digital tourism initiatives gained traction and improvements were reported at the National Theatre in Accra.

However, unresolved funding questions, delayed infrastructure projects and concerns over business operating costs continue to shape the industry’s outlook.

The GH¢40 million allocation for the Creative Arts Fund and Film Development Fund remains a prominent issue, with only GH¢10 million reported as released through the ministry’s August 2026 account.

Greater transparency regarding the accessibility of these resources, completion of major projects and distribution of economic benefits has been requested.

With Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson scheduled to present the 2027 Budget on 12 November, the next phase of tourism policy will be assessed against the sector’s need for stronger earnings, sustainable employment and broader business participation.

The central challenge remains the conversion of growing visitor interest into measurable economic value.

Through improved infrastructure, accessible creative industry financing, stronger destination experiences and transparent policy implementation, greater benefits could be delivered across Ghana’s tourism economy.

The upcoming Budget will therefore be closely examined for evidence of how government commitments are intended to support tourism businesses, strengthen visitor spending and extend economic opportunities beyond the country’s established tourism centres.

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