Ghana Tourism Authority and security agencies coordinate for safe December in GH 2026

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has intensified preparations for December in GH 2026 by holding a major stakeholder engagement with state security agencies and industry players. The meeting brought together the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana National Fire Service, National Ambulance Service, National Security and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to brief event organisers, tourism operators and vendors on measures for safety and security during the festive season. The session allowed organisers and suppliers to clarify regulatory requirements, raise concerns and discuss operational issues with the relevant authorities. This coordinated approach aims to ensure that the country’s flagship festive-season tourism programme is both vibrant and secure for all participants.

The December in GH initiative affects a wide range of travellers and businesses, including diaspora visitors, domestic tourists, leisure travellers, business guests, groups and event organisers. With over 150 GTA-endorsed events expected in 2026, the programme will attract both local and international audiences, especially from the African diaspora. The GTA’s Deputy CEO for Operations, Ekow Sampson, highlighted that in 2025, 55 percent of visitors were domestic and 45 percent were from the diaspora. This mix means that tour operators, car rental companies, hotels and event venues must be ready to serve diverse client needs and comply with all safety and regulatory standards.

For the travel trade, the stakeholder engagement has several practical implications. Event organisers and sellers are urged to engage state institutions early in their planning, especially on security, crowd control, traffic management, fire prevention, emergency medical preparedness, immigration requirements and tax obligations. The GTA stressed that all venues must meet safety standards and secure the necessary permits before hosting activities. The GRA provided guidance on tax compliance for event organisers, while security agencies introduced the SALUTE framework for reporting suspicious activities. Sellers should advise clients to use emergency numbers 999 and 18555 for urgent situations and ensure that all statutory requirements are met before events proceed.

The SALUTE framework is a new tool for public vigilance during the festive season. It guides people on what to report if they notice something suspicious: Size (the size and features of an object), Activity (what is happening), Location (where it is), Uniform (any uniform worn), Time (when it occurred), and Equipment (materials seen). This approach, together with the ongoing “See Something, Say Something” campaign, is designed to help both residents and visitors contribute to a safe environment. Agencies should brief clients and staff on these protocols, especially those managing large groups or high-profile events.

Connectivity from African hubs to Accra remains a key factor for the success of December in GH. While no official air connectivity data was confirmed in this session, Accra is widely recognised as a major gateway for West Africa, with direct flights from Lagos, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Addis Ababa and other regional centres. The expected influx of visitors during the festive period may increase demand for flights, accommodation and ground transport. Agencies should monitor airline schedules and advise clients to book early, as capacity may be limited during peak dates. However, the lack of confirmed visa rules and entry requirements for African travellers is a gap, and sellers should check with Ghanaian authorities for the latest updates.

In comparison with other African festive-season markets, Ghana’s December in GH shares similarities with Nigeria’s Detty December, which also features a packed calendar of music, culture and entertainment events. Both countries attract large numbers of diaspora and regional visitors, and both face challenges in managing crowds, safety and regulatory compliance. However, no official data on Nigeria’s event numbers or visitor statistics was found in this session. The GTA’s structured approach, with early engagement of security agencies and clear safety protocols, may serve as a model for other markets seeking to professionalise their festive-season tourism offerings.

Background figures from the GTA show that in 2025, more than 150 events were endorsed, with a near-equal split between domestic and diaspora visitors. For 2026, the Authority expects a similar number of events, spanning arts, culture, heritage, music, food, fashion and entertainment. The initiative has grown significantly since the Year of Return in 2019, which brought global attention to Ghana as a destination for the African diaspora. The GTA now positions December in GH as a national platform for tourism, entertainment, culture, hospitality and business, moving beyond its original promotional focus.

The history of December in GH is rooted in the Year of Return 2019, which marked 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in the Americas. That campaign attracted international visitors and established Ghana as a preferred destination for diaspora travel. Since then, December in GH has evolved into a major annual event, with the GTA working to improve quality, safety and visitor experience each year. Deputy CEO Ekow Sampson emphasised that “the success of December in GH should not be measured solely by the number of events organised or visitors attracted, but also by the quality, safety and overall experience of visitors.”

There are several open questions for the trade. Visa facilitation measures for African and diaspora visitors have not been confirmed, and there is no official list of GTA-endorsed events for 2026 at this time. Arrival statistics for previous years have not been published by official sources, making it difficult to assess growth trends. Agencies should monitor the GTA’s official channels for updates on event endorsements, visa policies and safety protocols as the festive season approaches. Early engagement with authorities and compliance with all requirements will be essential for a smooth and successful December in GH.

The outlook for Ghana’s festive-season tourism is positive, with the GTA’s proactive approach to safety, coordination and quality assurance setting a new standard for the region. The involvement of multiple state agencies and the introduction of structured safety frameworks like SALUTE reflect a maturing approach to event management and visitor experience. As Ghana continues to attract both domestic and international visitors during December, the travel trade can expect growing demand for tailored packages, group arrangements and compliance support. However, the lack of confirmed data on arrivals, air connectivity and visa rules means that agencies should remain alert to further announcements and be ready to adapt as new information becomes available.

Sources: primary facts provided by editor from official statements by the Ghana Tourism Authority and state security agencies, November 2026