Ghana, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks, continues attracting local and international visitors. In this article, we present key facts, statistics, and trends in tourism in Ghana.
Key takeaways
- Ghana’s tourism industry rebounded from a 69% decline in 2020, surpassing pre-pandemic levels with 1.15 million visitors in 2023.
- Despite record growth, the government cut its tourism budget from 47.2% in 2021 to 23.5% in 2022.
- The United States remained Ghana’s largest source of international tourists, with 133,885 visitors in 2023.
- In December 2023, tourists spent an average of $1,376.73 per day in Ghana, more than double the daily spending of $606.79 in 2022.
- Domestic tourism grew by 49% in 2023, with 1.4 million Ghanaians visiting attraction sites.
- The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park was the most visited tourist site in 2023, with 208,577 visitors.
General statistics
1. There were seven ongoing tourist site projects in 2023. (Ghana Tourism Authority)
In 2023, seven major tourist site projects were under development across five different regions in Ghana.
These include:
- Savannah Region: Salaga Slave Wells and Bath, Salaga Slave Market
- Bono East Region: Tano Boase Sacred Grove
- Upper East Region: Piroko Slave Camp
- Central Region: Denkyira Kyekyewere Eco Park
- Greater Accra Region: Geese Park, Nationalism Park
These projects aim to enhance eco-tourism and Ghana’s cultural heritage.
2. International tourists visit for business purposes. (Statista)
A 2022 survey showed that business was the most common reason international tourists visited Ghana. Of 915,000 international visitors, 24.2% travelled for business, while 1.1% travelled for official/government affairs—the lowest proportion recorded.
3. There were more licensed tourism enterprises in Ghana in 2022. (MTAC)
As of 30 September 2022, 5,245 tourism enterprises had been officially licensed, an increase from 5,081 in 2021.
Of these, 4,185 were accommodation enterprises, the most licensed. Travel agencies had the fewest, with only 18 registered enterprises.
4. More hotel and accommodation facilities were licensed in 2023. (Statista, Ghana Tourism Authority)
In 2023, over 4,600 businesses received licenses to provide accommodation for tourists. As a result, hotels in Ghana experienced a rise in occupancy rates that year:
| Hotel | 2022 | 2023 |
| 5-star hotels | 65% | 71% |
| 4-star hotels | 45% | 50% |
| 3-star hotels | 50% | 55% |
Tourists spent an average of 13 days in these accommodation establishments.
5. More Ghanaians travelled to other parts of the world in 2022. (World Travel and Tourism Council)
In 2022, more Ghanaians travelled internationally. The top destinations were:
| Destination | Percentage of travellers |
| The United States | 15% |
| South Africa | 8% |
| Togo | 8% |
| Nigeria | 8% |
| Côte d’Ivoire | 6% |
| Other destinations | 15% |
6. More tourism plants rolled onto the Visit Ghana app. (MTAC)
In 2022, 341 tourism services were added to the Visit Ghana App to improve digital access to tourism-related services.
Inbound tourism statistics
7. International tourists visiting Ghana increased in 2022 and 2023. (Oxford Business Group, Ghana Tourism Authority)
Ghana experienced a significant increase in international tourist arrivals in 2022 following the pandemic. According to the Oxford Business Group, the total number of international visitors rose from 623,523 in 2021 to 914,892 in 2022.
This growth continued into 2023, as Ghana welcomed 1,148,002 international visitors, compared to 914,892 in 2022, representing a 25% increase. The growth was consistent across all four quarters of 2023:
| Quarters | 2022 | 2023 | Percentage increase |
| First | 170,696 | 248,129 | 45% |
| Second | 216,589 | 264,018 | 22% |
| Third | 257,762 | 306,365 | 19% |
| Fourth | 269,845 | 329,490 | 22% |
8. Most tourists in Ghana in 2023 were from the United States of America. (Ghana Tourism Authority)
In 2023, the United States remained Ghana’s largest source of international tourists, with 133,885 tourists from the US, followed by Nigeria with 82,642 tourists and the United Kingdom with 51,785 tourists.
9. Most international visitors entered the country through the Kotoka International Airport. (Ghana Tourism Authority)
In 2023, 1,017,576 visitors entered Ghana through Kotoka International Airport (KIA), representing 88.64% of all international arrivals.
19,811 (1.73%) visitors entered through the Paga border, 43,467 (3.78%) through the Elubo border, and 67,148.00 (5.85%) through the Aflao border.
10. Ghana welcomed a total of 9,152 international visitors on cruise ships in 2023. (Ghana Tourism Authority)
Ghana also saw growth in cruise ship tourism, with 9,152 international visitors arriving via Tema and Takoradi ports in 2023. The majority (86.6%) of these visitors docked at Takoradi port.
Domestic tourism statistics
11. There was an increase in domestic tourists’ visits to attraction sites in Ghana in 2023. (Ghana Tourism Authority)
In 2023, the number of Ghanaians visiting attraction sites increased from 945,405 in 2022 to 1,407,709, a 49% increase.
12. There was an increase in revenue accrued from entrance fees in 2022. (MTAC)
The increase in domestic tourism directly impacted revenue generation, as revenue from entrance fees increased from GH₵ 2.60 million in 2022 to GH₵ 3.70 million in 2023.
Tourism growth rate in Ghana
13. Government collective spending on tourism declined in 2022. (World Travel and Tourism Council)
In 2022, the government’s total expenditure on tourism-related sectors declined significantly, dropping from 47.2% in 2021 to 23.5%.
14. Visitor exports decreased in 2022. (World Travel and Tourism Council)
Visitor exports—the total spending by international tourists within Ghana—also significantly declined. After experiencing an exceptional growth of 220.3% in 2021, visitor exports fell to 71.9% in 2022.
15. Ghana’s tourism industry is steadily recovering post-pandemic. (Ghana Tourism Authority)
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted Ghana’s tourism industry, leading to a 69% decline in 2020. However, the sector recovered significantly in 2021, surging from -69% in 2020 to 76% due to the “Beyond the Return” campaign.
The growth trend slowed in 2022, dropping from 76% in 2021 to 47% in 2022 and 25% in 2023. Still, the overall number of international visitors in 2023 surpassed pre-pandemic levels. The 25% growth in 2023 reflects a 1.57% increase from 2019.
The table shows the total international visits over the five years:
| Year | Total international visits |
| 2019 | 1,130,307 |
| 2020 | 355,108 |
| 2021 | 623,523 |
| 2022 | 914,892 |
| 2023 | 1,148,002 |
Ghana’s “Year of Return” campaign statistics
16. Requests for Airbnb accommodation increased in 2023. (Ghana Tourism Authority)
During the “Beyond the Return” campaign in December 2023, requests for Airbnb accommodations increased from 11.5% in 2021 to 27%.
At the same time, tourists stayed longer in Ghana, with the average length of stay increasing to 17 days in 2023. This was during the December in Ghana (DiGH).
17. Average daily and accommodation expenditures increased in 2023. (Ghana Tourism Authority)
The average daily expenditure per visitor during DiGH increased from $606.79 to $1,376.73 in 2023, representing 126% from the previous year. The details are shown in the table below:
| Category | 2021 | 2023 | % Increase |
| Accommodation | 202.26 | 476.57 | 135.6% |
| Entertainment | 117.75 | 267.50 | 127.2% |
| Food & Beverage | 90.28 | 204.66 | 126.7% |
| Shopping | 82.91 | 188.26 | 127.1% |
| Gifts | 38.83 | 83.46 | 115.0% |
| Transport | 52.18 | 118.58 | 127.3% |
| Other Expenses | 16.38 | 37.70 | 130.1% |
| Total | 606.79 | 1376.73 | 126% |
Likewise, the average length of stay increased from 14 to 17 nights, with male participants averaging 17.38 days and females 16.71 days.
Tourism economic impact statistics
18. Revenue receipt from international arrivals increased in Ghana in 2023. (Ghana Tourism Authority)
Ghana’s tourism revenue from international visitors increased to $3,812,500,003.10 in 2023, a 51.9% increase from $2,509,548,756 in 2022.
19. Ghana’s average tourist expenditure in 2022 contributed billions to GDP. (Ghana Tourism Authority)
The average tourist expenditure per visitor was $2,743 in 2022, directly contributing approximately $1.3 billion to Ghana’s GDP. The average tourist expenditure per visitor was estimated to increase by 36.59% in 2023.
20. In 2023, tourism’s direct contribution to employment increased in Ghana. (World Travel and Tourism Council)
In 2022, travel and tourism directly supported 258,347 jobs, ranking Ghana 51st globally but 49th with a total contribution of 762,000 jobs that same year.
21. There was increased capital investment in tourism in Ghana in 2022. (World Travel and Tourism Council)
Capital investment in tourism increased from approximately $1,955,700 in 2021 to 2,407,300 in 2022, reflecting government and private sector efforts to develop infrastructure, attractions, and hospitality services.
Most visited tourist sites in Ghana
22. There was an increase in the top ten tourists in 2023. (Ghana Tourism Authority)
Ghana’s tourism industry saw a remarkable increase in visitor numbers at major attractions. In 2022, the top ten tourist sites recorded 770,638 visitors. In 2023, this number surged to 1,157,632.
The newly renovated and reopened Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park became Ghana’s most visited tourist site, drawing 208,577 visitors in 2023. The table summarises the most visited tourist sites in Ghana in 2023:
| 2023 Rank | Tourist Site | Visitors (2023) | Visitors (2022) | 2022 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park | 208,577 | – | – |
| 2 | The National Museum | 166,884 | – | – |
| 3 | Kakum National Park | 159,271 | 136,256 | 2nd |
| 4 | Kumasi Zoo | 142,518 | 114,684 | 3rd |
| 5 | Cape Coast Castle | 101,134 | 86,692 | 4th |
| 6 | Aburi Botanical Gardens | 93,719 | 186,109 | 1st |
| 7 | Elmina Castle | 78,870 | 72,691 | 5th |
| 8 | Bunso Arboretum | 78,203 | 40,895 | 8th |
| 9 | Accra Zoo | 71,137 | 45,825 | 7th |
| 10 | Manhyia Palace | 57,319 | – | – |
Forms of tourism in Ghana
23. Ghana has over 30 traditional festivals. (Ghana Tourism Authority)
Ghana is home to over 30 traditional festivals celebrated across the country. These festivals showcase Ghanaian culture and traditions and draw local and international visitors.
24. Damba festival is Ghana’s largest festival. (Visit Ghana)
The Damba Festival is celebrated in five regions in Ghana:
- Northern Region
- Savanna Region
- North East Region
- Upper East Region
- Upper West Region
Another major festival is the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC), which displays the rich traditions of all 16 regions.
25. Over 1 million people visit Kwahu for Easter festivities. (Visit Ghana)
Over 1 million domestic and international tourists visit Kwahu in the Eastern Region of Ghana during Easter festivities. The area is known for its paragliding activities, traditional ceremonies, and street celebrations.
26. Ghana had over 20 ecotourism sites as of 2022. (Statista, Ghana Tourism Authority, The Travelling Sociologist)
As of 2022, Ghana has over 20 ecotourism sites, covering approximately 5% of its total land surface area. These are the ecotourism sites in the various regions:
| Region | Number of ecotourism sites |
| Volta | 11 |
| Upper West | 3 |
| Upper East | 4 |
| Brong Ahafo | 4 |
| Ashanti | 10 |
| Eastern | 7 |
| Northern | 4 |
| Western | 9 |
These sites offer experiences such as wildlife safaris and nature reserves that promote sustainable tourism.
27. Ghana has 1109 animals in ecotourism. (Ghana Tourism Authority)
Ghana is home to 1,109 documented animal species, including 222 mammals, 128 reptiles, 38 amphibians and 721 bird species, making it a prime destination for nature lovers.
28. About 50 participants were selected for the Pan African Historical Theatre Project (PANAFEST) tour in 2023. (Ghana Tourism Authority)
In 2023, 50 participants were selected for a 5-day PANAFEST pilgrimage tour, including staff from the Ghana Tourism Authority and the public.
29. The Elmina Castle in Ghana is designated as a World Heritage Monument. (PBS)
UNESCO has designated Elmina Castle a World Heritage Monument. This historic site attracts visitors worldwide, especially those who want to trace their African roots.
30. 32 forts and castles have been discovered along Ghana’s coast as World Heritage Sites. (Visit Ghana)
Ghana is also home to 32 forts and castles, officially recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Below is a regional breakdown of forts and castles in Ghana:
| Region | Number of forts and castles |
| Central | 17 |
| Greater Accra | 6 |
| Volta | 1 |
| Ashanti | 1 |
| Western | 8 |
FAQs
Is Ghana safe for tourists?
Yes, Ghana is generally safe for tourists, but travellers are advised to exercise high caution and stay informed about security updates.
Conclusion
Ghana’s tourism industry thrives and expands, attracting more visitors and contributing significantly to the economy.
With ongoing investments, cultural festivals, and increased digital access, Ghana remains a top travel destination in West Africa.
What are your thoughts on these statistics and trends?
