Ghana earned US$4.8 billion from international visitors and tourists who came into the country in 2024.

The amount represents 27 percent jump from the $3.8 billion earned in 2023.

The details were captured in the 2024 Ghana Tourism report launched by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).

Ghana got the funds from 1.2 million persons who came into the country in 2024.

In 2023, 1.1 million persons came into Ghana, representing a 25 percent increase over what the country recorded in 2022.

Background and Data Collection

The GTA has since 2019, consistently published the Annual Tourism Report.

Using 2019 as the baseline year, the 2024 report documents the sector’s progress in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Primary data were collected through interviews with inbound tourists at Kotoka International Airport (KIA), and surveys conducted at selected tourism enterprises in Accra and Takoradi during the “December in Gh” (DiGH) festivities.

The GTA disclosed that secondary data were generously provided by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), whose ongoing cooperation is gratefully acknowledged.

Furthermore, data on domestic tourism were gathered in collaboration with regional directors and site managers across the country’s tourist attractions, as well as occupancy data from selected hospitality establishments.

According to the 2024, report, the outlook for the coming years is marked by cautious optimism, grounded in indicators of sector-wide stability. The report is informed by both primary and secondary data sources.

Destination of International Travelers

The 2024 Tourism Report showed that American Nationals topped the list of visitors.

Out of the 1.2 million international visitors, 137,000 came from America. 111,000 were from Nigeria. The United Kingdom came in third with 52,000.

The report showed that it has been the trend in the top three.

The report established that, 22.4 percent of the visitors were in Ghana last year for business purposes.

Visiting family and friends accounted for about 22.2 percent of the total visit for vacation purposes. Conference came up as the 4th reason offered by visitors.

Again 1.1 million of the visitors used the Kotoka International Airport for their visits.

77,000 used the Aflao boarder and the remaining, came through Elubu which is in the third place with 53,000 visitors.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

SOS Children’s Villages in Ghana has ended a five-day Life Skills and Career Orientation Boot Camp designed to help Junior High School (JHS) graduates prepare for life after school with practical knowledge and guidance for their future paths.

The camp took place from June 30 to July 4, 2025, at the organisation’s programme site in Tema. It brought together 84 participants from SOS locations in Tema, Asiakwa, Kumasi, and Tamale, as well as young people from surrounding communities.

Held under the theme *“Helping young people develop the relevant skills for their career path,”* the camp introduced participants to a wide range of topics intended to help them build confidence and prepare for both academic and vocational options.

Participants engaged in sessions on self-awareness, decision-making, time management, financial planning, leadership, entrepreneurship, and environmental responsibility. Other sessions included discussions on sexual and reproductive health, drug abuse, gender stereotypes, and how to identify and report abuse.

Speaking during the opening session, Mr Godknows Kporha, Youth Development Advisor at SOS Children’s Villages Ghana, said the programme was intended to support young people in making informed decisions about their lives.

“This boot camp is not just about career orientation,” Mr Kporha said. “It’s about helping young people see themselves as agents of change in their communities through personal growth, resilience, and purposeful choices.”

The National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Ghana, Mr Alexander Mar Kekula, advised the participants to be purposeful in their actions and remain focused on their goals.

“Be intentional about your choices. Seek guidance, ask questions, and remain focused,” Mr Kekula told the group. He urged them to take charge of their future by making deliberate and thoughtful decisions.

During the entrepreneurship session, participants worked in teams to develop business ideas, which they presented to their peers and facilitators.

The activity was meant to encourage practical thinking and peer learning. In another group session on gender equality, the young people were encouraged to question traditional roles and discuss ways to promote fairness within their communities.

One of the sessions on child safeguarding provided practical information on how to protect oneself and others from abuse. Participants were taken through how to recognise harmful behaviour, seek help, and understand personal boundaries and consent.

The boot camp ended with an educational tour of the Tema Harbour. Many of the participants were visiting the port for the first time and had the opportunity to observe port operations and learn about career prospects in logistics, shipping, and international trade.

SOS Children’s Villages Ghana said the programme is part of its broader effort to support young people with guidance and tools that can help them make sound choices for their lives and their communities.

The organisation added that it will continue to roll out similar initiatives across its locations to promote the growth and development of Ghanaian youth.

Trump has long criticised Brics, an organisation whose members include China, Russia and India

US President Donald Trump has warned that countries which side with the policies of the Brics alliance that go against US interests will be hit with an extra 10% tariff.

“Any country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy,” Trump wrote on social media.

Trump has long criticised Brics, an organisation whose members include China, Russia and India.

The US had set a 9 July deadline for countries to agree a trade deal, but US officials now say tariffs will begin on 1 August. Trump said he would send letters to countries telling them what the tariff rate will be if an agreement is not reached.

On Monday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he expected “a busy couple of days”.

“We’ve had a lot of people change their tune in terms of negotiations. So my mailbox was full last night with a lot of new offers, a lot of new proposals,” he told CNBC.

So far, the US has only struck trade agreements with the UK and Vietnam, as well as a partial deal with China.

Although, Britain and America have still not reached a deal over taxes for UK steel imported by the US.

Since taking office this year, Trump has announced a series of import tariffs on goods from other countries, arguing they will boost American manufacturing and protect jobs.

In April, on what he called “Liberation Day”, he announced a wave of new taxes on goods from countries around the world – with some as high as 50% – although he quickly suspended his most aggressive plans to allow for three months of talks up until 9 July.

During this period, the US implemented a 10% tariff on goods entering the States from most of its international trading partners.

The European Union (EU) is reportedly in talks to keep a provisional 10% tax in place for most goods shipped to the US beyond the deadline.

It is also in discussions about reducing a 25% tariff on EU cars and parts and a 50% tax on steel and aluminium sales to the US.

On Monday, a spokesperson said that the European Commission’s president Ursula von der Leyen had a “good exchange” with Trump. Just a few weeks ago, the US president had threatened the EU with a 50% tax unless it reached an agreement.

Asked whether the taxes would change on 9 July or 1 August, Trump said at the weekend: “They’re going to be tariffs, the tariffs are going to be tariffs.”

He added that between 10 and 15 letters would be sent to countries on Monday advising them on what their new tariff rate will be if they don’t agree a deal.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified that the taxes will come into force on 1 August.

Last week, Trump said Japan could face a “30% or 35%” tariff if the country failed to reach a deal with the US by Wednesday.

Last year, the list of Brics members expanded beyond the original group of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The countries in the bloc – which was designed to boost the nations’ international standing and challenge the US and western Europe – account for more than half of the world’s population.

The threat by Trump on Sunday to countries working with Brics nations emerged after members criticised US tariff policies as well as proposing reforms to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and how major currencies are valued.

Following a two-day meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brics finance ministers issued a statement criticising tariffs as a threat to the global economy, and bringing “uncertainty into international economic and trade activities”.

Andrew Wilson, deputy secretary general of the International Chambers of Commerce, said it would be challenging for countries to move away from doing business with China.

He told the BBC’s Today programme: “Shifting away from China…in a number of sectors is far more difficult to achieve in the world in practice.

“You look at the dominance China has in a number of sectors – EVs, batteries [and] particularly rare earths and magnets, there are no viable alternatives to China production.”

A deal with the UK to cut tariffs on UK cars and parts from 27.5% to 10% up to a quota of 100,000 vehicles. Taxes on aerospace goods have been cut to zero. In return, the UK has agreed to remove import taxes on US ethanol and beef. a deal with Vietnam whereby Vietnamese goods shipped to America will be taxed at 20% and US products exported to Vietnam will face no tariffs. Any goods “trans-shipped” through Vietnam by another country that are sold into the US will be taxed at 40%.

A partial deal whereby US taxes on some Chinese imports fell from 145% to 30% and China’s tariffs on some US goods were cut from 125% to 10%. China has also halted and scrapped other non-tariff countermeasures, such as the export of critical minerals to the US.

Accra, July 7, GNA- The Ashaiman community came alive as hundreds of young people gathered for the premiere of three youth-led short films under the Ghana Grows Programme.

The event, a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and the Springboard Road Show Foundation, with creative direction from Meraki Arts Africa, utilised the power of storytelling to redefine how young Ghanaians perceive agriculture and agribusiness.

The films, written and produced by Meraki Arts, boldly challenges long-held stereotypes around agriculture and ATVET (Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training), while spotlighting real-life stories of transformation and purpose.

Mrs Comfort Ocran, Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, said, “This was more than a film premiere. It was a turning point, proof that stories can unlock confidence, reshape mindsets, and inspire a new generation to see agriculture and ATVET as creative, fulfilling, and dignified career options.”

Celebrated actor Adjetey Anann, who appeared in the series, praised the energy and insight the young filmmakers brought to the screen. “It’s more than entertainment, it’s about identity, dignity, and the future we’re building together,” he said.

The premiere drew participation from youth across Ashaiman and beyond, along with media houses, creative industry leaders, and key stakeholders.

Following the screenings, a lively panel discussion offered the cast and production team a platform to share their journey and reflections on storytelling as a tool for mindset change.

Ashaiman was chosen for its vibrant youth population and track record of community-led success stories. Its energy and engagement captured the very essence of Ghana Grows, to spark real change where it matters most.

Led by the Springboard Road Show Foundation and funded by the Mastercard Foundation, the Ghana Grows Programme continues to make strides nationwide by promoting agriculture and ATVET as modern, viable, and respected career paths for Ghana’s youth.

With support from creative and technical collaborators such as Meraki Arts Africa, Lyme Haus, and others, the programme remains committed to mindset shift, skills development, and youth empowerment.

GNA

Christian Akorlie

Head of Public Affairs for the Accra Regional Police Command, Superintendent Juliana Obeng, has issued a stern warning against the reckless and unlawful use of firearms at public and cultural gatherings.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Superintendent Obeng condemned such behaviour, describing it as a serious threat to lives and public safety.

“At this moment, we would want to take the opportunity to strongly condemn the reckless and unlawful use of firearms at public and cultural events, which poses a grave risk to lives and public safety,” she said.

The police command also reminded the public that possession and discharge of firearms without lawful authority is a serious offence under the law.

Superintendent Obeng emphasised that anyone found violating these laws would face strict legal consequences.

“The command goes again to remind the public that possession and discharge of firearms without lawful authority is a serious offence and those who are found to be flouting the law will be dealt with accordingly,” she stated.

Her remarks follow the tragic death of Fatima, a second-year student at Bimbilla Senior High School, who was killed by a stray bullet during the annual Fire Festival in Bimbilla, Nanumba North Municipality, in the Northern Region.

The incident occurred as a crowd moved in procession from the regent’s palace to Wampu Dam, where festival rituals were expected to take place on July 6.

The caution comes ahead of a number of upcoming cultural events, including the Homowo festival by the Ga people in Accra, as authorities seek to ensure the safety and security of all participants.

Celebrations are usually accompanied by the firing of musketry loaded with gunpowder, but there is an increasing trend of the use of sophisticated guns and live ammunition.

The police urged the public to cooperate fully and report any illegal activity to help maintain peace during these celebrations.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

The 24-Hour Economy logo was unveiled on July 2, 2025

The Head of Finance at Merban Capital, Nelson Cudjoe Kuagbedzi, has averred that the projected US$4 billion cost for implementing the 24-Hour Economy policy is inadequate.

He questioned how the private sector and the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) would generate the required revenue to finance the project, which is the flagship programme of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Speaking on Channel One’s The Big Issue programme, Kuagbedzi said; “The government said it will be committing $300 million as seed money for the initial rollout of the programme. The question we need to ask ourselves is how the private sector or the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund will raise this money.”

“Where are they going to raise this money? We must have a secure source of funding to make implementation easy. The issue is that anytime programmes or policies are rolled out in this country, we don’t have a dedicated source of funding for the programme,” he added.

Kuagbedzi opined that the government could leverage pension funds to support the policy.

According to him, assets under management by pension funds are projected to reach nearly GH¢100 billion by the end of 2025.

“One of the areas I think they can look at is the pension funds. The assets under management of pension funds by the close of the year [2025] are targeted to hit close to GH¢100 billion. I think they can leverage pension funds to get some funds to support the 24-hour policy,” he stated.

Meanwhile, during the launch of the policy, President John Dramani Mahama noted that while the government is the driving force behind the 24-Hour Economy, it will play a facilitative role to allow the private sector to lead its implementation.

He explained that any government funding would serve as catalytic seed capital, while additional financing would be sourced from commercial banks, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and blended financing instruments.

This approach, he noted, is intended to unlock larger pools of capital while reducing the fiscal burden on the state.

The 24-Hour Economy Policy is projected to cost US$4 billion, with the government committing between US$300 million and US$400 million as seed capital to bridge viability gaps and attract private sector investment.

The programme is envisioned as a nationwide economic agenda, targeting the creation of 1.7 million quality jobs over four years.

SA/MA

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

Celebrated Ghanaian musician, Black Sherif

Ghana’s global music export, Black Sherif, continues to solidify his place among the elite with a record-breaking close to his Iron Boy UK Tour.

In a remarkable feat that underscores his rising global stature, Black Sherif sold out London’s iconic O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire not once, but twice on consecutive nights.

As though that wasn’t enough, he followed up with a third sold-out show at the O2 Institute in Birmingham.

These landmark captures the grand finale of his ‘Iron Boy’ world tour and signal the undeniable presence of the Ghanaian superstar on the international stage.

Each night, fans were treated to an electrifying live experience drawn from Black Sherif’s critically acclaimed sophomore album, Iron Boy, released earlier this year.

From the very first note, the energy inside the venues was palpable. Crowds roared back every lyric, reaffirming the deep connection between Black Sherif’s music and a global fanbase that transcends borders, cultures, and languages.

The UK triumph adds to what has already been an incredible year for Black Sherif.

Following the album’s release, he embarked on an ambitious North American tour, selling out venues across cities like New York, Toronto, Chicago, and Washington, DC.

He then took ‘Iron Boy’ to Europe, where he continued to play to packed houses in cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Copenhagen, bringing his total number of sold-out shows on the tour to over 20 venues.

Currently, Black Sherif’s sophomore album, Iron Boy, occupies the top ten spots on Apple Music Ghana Top 100 songs and is charting on other notable digital streaming platforms.

A group of level 400 students at the University of Ghana is preparing to petition the University’s Sports Directorate to block the New Patriotic Party (NPP) from holding its National Annual Delegates Conference at the UG Sports Stadium from July 17 to 19, 2025.

The students have raised concerns about a possible escalation of COVID-19 cases, warning that allowing thousands of delegates from across the country to gather could worsen the outbreak and potentially spread the virus beyond the university community.

They argue the event would violate preventive protocols issued by the University Health Directorate.

On June 23, the University of Ghana Health Services Directorate announced a resurgence of COVID-19 cases on campus and in surrounding areas, urging students, staff, and visitors to remain vigilant.

Two days later, the Dean of Students suspended all social gatherings, affecting events organised by student bodies, including the SRC and GRASAG.

The SRC, in a June 28 notice, also appealed to students to comply with preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus.

In Parliament on July 1, the Minister of Health confirmed 107 positive cases out of 316 suspected infections within the university community but assured that the outbreak had not yet spread beyond campus.

The concerned students say hosting the NPP’s large gathering in the current climate risks turning the stadium into a hotspot for transmission.

They are calling on the Sports Directorate, university management, and government to engage the NPP leadership and halt the conference to prevent a potential nationwide lockdown.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Bank of Ghana’s gold coin

The investment price of the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) gold coins continues to decline, a development attributed to the Ghana cedi’s appreciation against the US dollar.

The Central Bank introduced these gold coins as a strategic measure to discourage the hoarding of US dollars and absorb excess liquidity in the market, ultimately aiming to strengthen the cedi against major foreign currencies.

As of Monday, July 7, 2025, the BoG reported the following updated prices for its gold coins:

• The 0.25 oz coin is now selling at GH¢9,542.47, down from GH¢9,552.30 on July 3, 2025.

• The 0.50 oz coin is priced at GH¢18,369.87, down from GH¢18,389.54.

• The 1.00 oz coin is selling for GH¢36,067.04, down from GH¢36,106.37.

The Ghana gold coin is available in three denominations: one-ounce, half-ounce, and quarter-ounce, and can be purchased through commercial banks.

pic.twitter.com/zf7ee0gZER

— Bank of Ghana (@thebankofghana) July 7, 2025

SP/MA

Cheque Fraud EXPOSED: How it works and how to stay safe

Ghana’s Black Queens begin their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign today against reigning champions South Africa.

This marks Ghana’s return to the tournament for the first time since 2018 when they exited at the group stage as hosts. After missing the 2022 edition, Kim Lars Bjorkegren’s side is eager to make a statement.

Their opening match is a familiar one, Ghana and South Africa have opened against each other twice in the past at WAFCON, with the Queens winning both encounters: 4-0 in 1998 and 3-0 in 2004. In total, the two sides have met seven times at the tournament.

Ghana vs South Africa – WAFCON Head-to-Head:

• 1998: Ghana 4-0 South Africa
• 2000: Ghana 0-1 South Africa
• 2004: Ghana 3-0 South Africa
• 2006: Ghana 1-0 South Africa
• 2008: Ghana 0-1 South Africa
• 2014: Ghana 1-1 South Africa
• 2016: Ghana 1-0 South Africa

The match kicks off at 16:00 GMT and will be broadcast live on SuperSport Channel 224, with radio commentary on Joy 99.7 FM.

How to Watch:

• TV: SuperSport, GTV Sports-Plus
• Radio: Joy 99.7 FM (Live Commentary)
• Kick-off: 16:00 GMT

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

UK-based research and risk analysis firm, Fitch Solutions, has projected that gold prices will remain relatively high compared to historical averages over the medium term.

According to Fitch, this development is expected to boost Ghana’s foreign reserves and economic influence.

In its latest Sub-Saharan Africa Monthly Outlook, Fitch noted that the sustained rise in gold prices will carry significant political and economic implications for countries across the region, particularly Ghana, where gold remains the top export commodity, accounting for about 40% of total exports.

“We think that high gold prices will have a broad range of political implications in Sub-Saharan Africa, given that most countries in the region export at least some gold,” the report stated.

Fitch also indicated that strong gold prices have contributed to increased foreign reserves, with the boost in gold export earnings expected to enable governments to make bold economic decisions.

The firm forecasts that Ghana’s current account surplus will widen from 4.2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2024 to 5.8% in 2025, largely driven by robust gold prices and higher export receipts.

Ghana’s foreign reserves are projected to rise sharply from $6.4 billion in 2024 to $11.6 billion by the end of 2025, providing the country with a comfortable import cover of 4.8 months.

SP/MA

Cheque Fraud EXPOSED: How it works and how to stay safe