Prez Akufo-Addo gives impetus to Ghana’s tourism agenda with 2-day summit

In a significant move showcasing the government’s commitment to the tourism sector, President Akufo-Addo presided over Ghana’s first-ever Presidential Summit on Summit, a two-day event aimed at rejuvenating the country’s tourism industry.
With Ghana eagerly seeking to regain pre-pandemic tourism numbers by close of 2023, the summit brought together key stakeholders from the tourism, arts, and culture sectors to strategise and chart a course for sustainable growth.
The summit, held under the theme “Rethinking Tourism for Economic Growth and Job Creation,” 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.
A section of dignitaries at the event, including President Akufo-Addo (middle) and Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal (immediate left by the president)
Amidst a backdrop of scenic beaches, vibrant culture, and rich historical heritage, the President emphasised the need to prioritize the preservation and promotion of Ghana’s unique attractions. He underscored the significance of digitalization in enhancing tourism experiences and highlighted the importance of strategic investments to create an enticing tourism environment.
The Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to utilizing tourism as a driving force for economic growth. Emphasising the objective of making Ghana the premier destination in West Africa, the Minister outlined ambitious plans to position Ghana as the brand of choice for discerning travellers.
Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei-Opare flanked by members of one of the panels
Notable attendees, including Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, emphasised the imperative of protecting and preserving Ghana’s historical sites. Acknowledging the tremendous value of these landmarks, Osei-Opare called for concerted efforts to safeguard Ghana’s cultural heritage for future generations.
Throughout the summit, stakeholders engaged in dynamic discussions centered on enhancing collaboration among tourism, arts, and culture to stimulate economic growth. The agenda encompassed six panel discussions featuring industry experts, creative arts icons and members of the diaspora community in Ghana deliberating on topics such as leveraging tourism to jumpstart the economy, creating an enabling business environment for tourism growth, and harnessing technology and data for sectoral expansion. Additional panels explored themes including building synergy for tourism growth, the role of the creative sector in driving economic prosperity and leveraging the diaspora dividend for economic growth.
A cross-section of participants at the tourism summit
By convening this landmark summit, the Ghanaian government has signaled its unwavering dedication to revitalizing the tourism sector. The event’s comprehensive discussions, insightful perspectives, and strategic proposals provide a solid foundation for future initiatives. With renewed vigour and a clear roadmap in place, Ghana is poised to harness its rich cultural tapestry, natural beauty, and historical treasures to usher in a new era of economic growth and job creation through tourism. This was the consensus gleaned from the two-day summit.
As the nation sets its sights on a vibrant post-pandemic future, the Presidential Tourism Summit also marks a pivotal milestone in Ghana’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 welcoming a minimum of 2 million tourists by 2025, Ghana is committed to showcasing its abundant offerings and positioning itself as a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide.
The summit was held from May 30-31, 2023 at the Peduase Lodge, the Ghana’s official presidential summer residence.