Government officials and industry leaders reaffirmed the role of tourism in Ghana’s economic growth
Government officials and industry leaders on Friday reaffirmed the central role of tourism in Ghana’s economic growth at the 2025 National Tourism Awards, held at the Grand Arena in Accra.
The ceremony celebrated outstanding achievements across the hospitality, travel, culinary and creative sectors, highlighting tourism’s expanding influence on national development.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, emphasised tourism’s rising contribution to the economy, noting that the sector generated GHS 4.8 billion in 2024. She described the performance as significant to Ghana’s economic stability and its positioning on the global tourism map.
The Minister also underscored the sector’s shift toward data-driven decision-making, referencing reforms captured in the 2026 national budget. Key initiatives include the forthcoming Tourist Satellite Account by the Ghana Statistical Service, which will, for the first time, provide a comprehensive calculation of tourism’s contribution to GDP, and Ghana in Numbers, an annual publication designed to equip investors and policymakers with detailed sector insights.
Dzifa Gomashie called for improved road infrastructure to major tourism sites and urged a nationwide commitment to environmental cleanliness, arguing that clean beaches, waterways and public spaces are essential to Ghana’s competitiveness as a preferred destination.
She further proposed the introduction of a Tourism Dialogue Day in future editions of the Awards to facilitate reflection on industry trends and policy priorities.
Representing the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe commended Ghana’s diverse natural and cultural attractions—from Mount Afadzato and Wli Waterfalls to the Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, Mole National Park, Larabanga Mosque, and the Kintampo and Boti Falls.
She highlighted the vibrancy of local nightlife across Oxford Street, Jamestown, Kumasi, Takoradi and Tamale, noting its growing contribution to domestic tourism and the creative economy.
She also praised Ghanaian creatives and digital content producers for promoting the “Black Star Experience” globally, and encouraged the sector to embrace technology and artificial intelligence to support cultural preservation and enhance visitor experiences.
Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) CEO Maame Efua Houadjeto commended industry practitioners for their resilience and contribution to the country’s growing international visibility.
The 2025 National Tourism Awards, organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority, honoured excellence in various categories including Hotel of the Year, Tour Guide of the Year, Tour Operator of the Year, Chef of the Year, Creative Tourism Performance, Community-Based Tourism Initiative and Frontline Staff Excellence.
Additional awards recognised top-performing hotels, innovative tour operators, culinary professionals elevating Ghanaian cuisine and creatives whose work strengthens local storytelling.
Special honours were presented to cultural icons including Grace Amaboe (Maame Dokuno), celebrated folklorist Egya Koo Nimo, cultural advocate Efua Sutherland and Highlife legend Gyedu-Blay Ambolley for their enduring contributions to Ghana’s cultural and creative heritage.
The event was attended by a high-profile delegation of diplomats, creatives, industry stakeholders, ministers of state, members of Parliament and staff of the Ministry and its agencies, who gathered to celebrate this year’s awardees.
