Ghana’s tourism sector in 2025 shows mixed progress, with key policy promises lagging despite rising visitor numbers. An analysis by the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education indicates that of nine major commitments in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) 2024 manifesto, four have yet to start, four are in progress, and only one has been fully achieved.
The sole promise achieved is the revival of the Creative Arts Fund, with GH¢20 million allocated in the 2026 budget to support start-ups and creative enterprises across music, fashion, visual arts, culinary arts, and related sectors. While this milestone represents a concrete step toward financial support for creative industries, other areas of the tourism policy remain at various stages of implementation.
Projects in progress include the rehabilitation of heritage sites and forts such as Ussher and James Fort, the ongoing modernization of cultural centres, partnerships with international cultural organizations, and the launch of digital platforms to track tourism data in real time. These initiatives signal an intent to strengthen Ghana’s cultural and tourism infrastructure, but progress has been uneven, with some projects delayed or underfunded.
Meanwhile, four key promises remain unstarted. These include the establishment of “Cultural Villages” to showcase Ghana’s diverse cultural heritage, investments in tourist facilities for persons living with disabilities, modernization of existing centres into commercially viable performance spaces in new regions, and a review of taxes and incentives in the hospitality and broader culture, arts, and tourism (CAT) sector.
IMANI notes that the absence of progress in these areas could limit the sector’s growth potential, particularly in attracting private investment and ensuring inclusive tourism development.
Stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism sectors have raised concerns over bureaucratic delays, unclear regulatory frameworks, and gaps in fiscal policy, which continue to affect private sector confidence. IMANI further emphasizes that without stricter oversight, clearer timelines, and active stakeholder engagement, Ghana risks seeing a disconnect between policy promises and tangible results on the ground.
Ghana’s tourism sector, however, remains resilient. International arrivals reached over 1.2 million in 2024, with tourism receipts surpassing pre-COVID-19 levels. The challenge now is to translate this momentum into sustained policy implementation that ensures infrastructure development, accessibility, and investment in cultural heritage, while maintaining transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
IMANI concludes that translating this momentum into concrete policy achievements will be crucial for securing tourism as a lasting pillar of the national economy.
