International visitors spend GHS15.42 billion in Ghana’s tourism sector – GSS

Ghana’s tourism industry recorded GHS15.42 billion in expenditure from international visitors between the last quarter of 2022 and the third quarter of 2023, according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).

The data, released through the first Ghana International Travellers’ Survey, forms the baseline for the country’s inaugural Tourism Satellite Account. The report was published ahead of the global commemoration of World Tourism Day on September 27, 2025.

Within the period under review, Ghana welcomed 901,448 international visitors – made up of 888,584 overnight visitors and 12,864 same-day visitors. Overnight arrivals accounted for 98.6 per cent of the total, contributing GHS15.18 billion, while same-day visitors spent GHS24 million.

Government Statistician, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, hailed the initiative as a milestone in evidence-based policymaking.
“Tourism is not just a cultural and social asset, but a driver of jobs, investment, and growth. These reports provide evidence to shape policies, attract private sector partnerships, and strengthen Ghana’s position as a leading tourism destination,” he said.

The survey revealed that international travellers patronised key cultural and heritage sites, including the Bisa Abrewa Museum, Cape Coast Castle, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Independence Square, the Arts Centre, and the National Museum.

It also found that same-day visitors were largely transit passengers, mainly from Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia, while overnight visitors were mostly adults aged 36 to 64 years, with men outnumbering women. Visiting friends and relatives emerged as the leading motivation for travel, alongside business and leisure.

According to the GSS, the data fills a longstanding gap in tourism statistics, providing a benchmark to measure the sector’s direct contribution to the national economy. It further recommended targeted initiatives to boost short-stay tourism, diversify accommodation, enhance visitor experiences, and expand cross-border tourism by leveraging Ghana’s regional hub status.