The success of this year’s “Beyond the Return” and “December in GH” events could be heavily influenced by the political climate in Ghana during December. Both events have enjoyed strong patronage from the diasporan community and locals, contributing significantly to the country’s economy through dollar inflows from event organizers and foreign visitors. These events have also spurred investments and enhanced Ghana’s global visibility.
However, heightened political tensions and incendiary rhetoric by politicians could pose a risk to the level of patronage. In years of significant political unrest, foreign missions in Ghana have issued travel advisories, cautioning their citizens about visiting the country. Such advisories during the election period could severely impact the success of both events.
Andrew Egyapa Mercer, the Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, is aware of these risks. At the launch of the two events, he expressed hope for peaceful elections on December 7, ensuring the smooth unfolding of the planned festivities.
The December events are expected to significantly boost Ghana’s tourism value chain, benefiting key sectors such as hospitality, transportation, food services, and event management. Businesses within these sectors are poised to see substantial gains, with 64 out of 95 proposals already approved for participation in the event, while others have been sent back for revisions to better align with the strategic goals of the events.
The initiative aims to attract investment from the diaspora, positioning the tourism sector as a crucial contributor to Ghana’s national economy. The Ministry also announced plans to reopen its portals to accept proposals that align with the event’s pillars.
The 2022 edition of “December in GH” generated $2.5 billion in revenue, driven by the arrival of 914,892 foreign tourists, marking a 47% increase compared to 2021. For 2023, the Ministry of Tourism has set an ambitious target of 1.2 million arrivals, with a projected revenue of $3.4 billion. President Nana Akufo-Addo has articulated a vision of making tourism the top revenue generator for Ghana, aiming to reach $4 billion by 2024, positioning the country as the tourism hub of West Africa.
