Prez Akufo-Addo gives impetus to Ghana’s tourism agenda with 2-day summit
Demonstrating the government's strong commitment to the tourism sector, President Akufo-Addo led Ghana's inaugural Presidential Summit on Tourism, a two-day event focused on revitalizing the country's tourism industry.
With the aim of recovering pre-pandemic tourism numbers by the end of 2023, the summit convened key stakeholders from the tourism, arts, and culture sectors to strategize and chart a path towards sustainable growth.
Under the theme "Rethinking Tourism for Economic Growth and Job Creation," the summit underscored the government's dedication to harnessing the potential of tourism as a catalyst for economic prosperity. President Akufo-Addo unveiled his transformative vision for the sector, encapsulated in the "4Ps for transforming tourism": preservation, promotion, policy leadership, and partnership.
Against the backdrop of Ghana's picturesque beaches, vibrant culture, and rich historical heritage, the President stressed the need to prioritize the preservation and promotion of the country's unique attractions. He emphasized the role of digitalization in enhancing tourism experiences and highlighted the importance of strategic investments to create an appealing tourism environment.
Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to leveraging tourism as a driver of economic growth. He outlined ambitious plans to position Ghana as the premier destination in West Africa and the preferred brand for discerning travelers.
Prominent figures, including Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, emphasized the imperative of protecting and preserving Ghana's historical sites. Recognizing the immense value of these landmarks, Osei-Opare called for collective efforts to safeguard Ghana's cultural heritage for future generations.
Throughout the summit, stakeholders engaged in dynamic discussions focused on enhancing collaboration among the tourism, arts, and culture sectors to stimulate economic growth. Six panel discussions featuring industry experts, creative arts icons, and members of the Ghanaian diaspora explored topics such as using tourism to jumpstart the economy, creating a conducive business environment for tourism growth, and leveraging technology and data for sector expansion. Other panels delved into themes such as building synergy for tourism growth, the role of the creative sector in driving economic prosperity, and harnessing the diaspora's potential for economic growth.
By convening this groundbreaking summit, the Ghanaian government has demonstrated unwavering dedication to revitalizing the tourism sector. The comprehensive discussions, insightful perspectives, and strategic proposals generated during the event provide a solid foundation for future initiatives. With renewed enthusiasm and a clear roadmap, Ghana is well-positioned to leverage its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historical treasures to usher in a new era of economic growth and job creation through tourism. This shared consensus emerged from the two-day summit.
As Ghana sets its sights on a vibrant post-pandemic future, the Presidential Tourism Summit also marks a significant milestone in the country's journey to become a leading global tourism destination and a catalyst for sustainable development. With the goal of generating $4 billion in revenue and attracting a minimum of 2 million tourists by 2025, Ghana remains committed to showcasing its abundant offerings and establishing itself as a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide.
The summit took place from May 30-31, 2023, at the Peduase Lodge, the official presidential summer residence of Ghana.
