Ghana’s ambition to be Africa’s trusted investment hub will depend as much on cyber security as on infrastructure or policy reforms. Across the continent, the Interpol Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report estimates that more than 3 billion dollars has been lost to Cyber incidents between 2019 and 2025. Sectors most affected include finance, healthcare, energy and government services.

In August 2025, Interpol and African investigators recovered nearly 100 million dollars from suspected fraudsters.  While important, this figure is only a fraction of the wider losses, underlining the urgent need for stronger investment in cyber resilience.

Ghana’s progress and recognition

At the launch of the 2025 National Cyber Security Awareness Month, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Mr Simon Madjie (Esq.) reminded stakeholders that every cyber security attack is not just a technical glitch but a threat to capital, markets and long-term investor confidence.

The event, held in Accra under the theme “Building a Safe, Informed and Accountable Digital Space,” highlighted how rising cyber-attacks disrupt markets, weaken livelihoods and undermine jobs.

Citing the World Bank’s Review of the Economic Cost of Cyber Incidents, Mr Madjie explained the global cost of cybercrime is projected to reach 10.5 trillion dollars annually by 2025, nearly 10 per cent of the World’s Gross Domestic Product.

“A single cyber-attack does not only damage systems. It shakes investor confidence, disrupts businesses and affect families who depend on digital trade for their survival,” he warned.

Despite these challenges, the GIPC CEO indicated that Ghana has registered notable achievements. In the 2024 Global Cyber Security Index published by the International Telecommunication Union, Ghana scored 99.27 per cent and secured Tier 1 status. This places the country among only 46 nations globally and five in Africa recognised as role models in cyber security development.

For GIPC, this milestone provides a strong foundation. But as Mr Madjie stressed, complacency is not an option. “We must view cyber security not as a cost but a strategic investment that protects our digital assets, unlocks opportunities and positions Ghana as a trusted digital hub in Africa,”Madjie said.

He called for stronger partnerships across civil society, industry and government. He reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to working with the Cyber Security Authority and other stakeholders to build a secure, trusted and strong digital ecosystem.

“Cyber security is the backbone of investor confidence and sustainable growth in the digital age. Together, let us ensure Ghana remains a secure and competitive investment destination and a continental leader in innovation,” he stressed.

Protecting investor data at GIPC

As the government agency responsible for facilitating investment, GIPC has made the protection of investor data a priority. Guided by the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act, 843), the Centre has strengthened its systems and adopted international best practices to safeguard sensitive information.

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) provides channels for reporting breaches. Regular anti-scam advisories further protect investors. These measures demonstrate GIPC’s commitment, not only attracting investment but also safeguarding the integrity of investor data.

GIPC applies a layered framework build on secure database, restricted access, and staff training. In July 2025, Mr Madjie met with Dr Arnold Kavaarpuo, Executive Director of DPC, to reinforce compliance with Act 843.

Cyber security and the 24-Hour economy

The focus on cyber security also resonates with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of building a 24-hour economy. For businesses to operate seamlessly around the clock, digital platforms must be secure and reliable. Without strong cyber protection, financial systems, logistics chains and e-commerce platforms would remain vulnerable to disruption.

Investment in cyber flexibility therefore becomes a basis of the 24-hour economy. It guarantees continuity of services, protects digital trade and ensures that businesses, whether local or international, can operate with confidence at all times.

Leadership and warning

As the month of October has been globally set as a period to create awareness about security, the Acting Director General (DG) of the Cyber Security Authority, Divine Agbeti, is pledging continued efforts to strengthen Ghana’s cybercrime as a national security threat.

Also, the DG of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Ghana Police Service, COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, has severally described cybercrime as a national security threat and she is absolutely right.

According to her, “The fight against cybercrime is not optional. It is essential for our survival as a modern nation”.

She has already given the assurance that her outfit has deployed Artificial Intelligence-powered platforms to track online criminals’ networks.

It is commendable that the Amber Alert Ghana system with Meta to protect missing children have been launched.

The message of Ghana’s DG of the CID is clear: “Cyber security demands a whole-of-society approach”.

Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, added a sharp warning to cybercriminals, stressing that government would not allow scammers to derail national progress or tarnish Ghana’s reputation. Every attack is not just left of data but theft of jobs, opportunities and trust,” he said.

Policy perspective

For Ghana to sustain its ambition of becoming Africa’s leading investment hub, cyber security must be treated as a central economic policy issue. By positioning cyber security as both a business enabler and a national safeguard, Ghana is aligning its investment promotion strategy with global expectations.

This alignment nit only boosts investor confidence but also supports the government’s broader economic vision, including the 24-hour economy. Cyber resilience is therefore not optional. It is necessary for protecting livelihoods, ensuring investors trust and safeguarding Ghana’s place in the global digital economy.

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.

Daniel A. Anim-Prempeh is an economist and a private legal practitioner

Economist and private legal practitioner Daniel A. Anim-Prempeh has emphasised the need for proper coordination in implementing the government’s 24-hour economy initiative, positioning it as a strategic benchmark for Ghana’s post-IMF growth.

According to him, maintaining fiscal discipline during and after the IMF programme should be a major priority for the government.

His comments come amid the ongoing fifth review of Ghana’s performance under the $3 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme, which began on September 29, 2025.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb Business on September 29, 2025, Anim-Prempeh noted that while the “Big Push” agenda under the 24-hour economy policy has the potential to stimulate growth, its success will depend heavily on proper structures and effective execution.

IMF begins fifth review of Ghana’s programme

“In implementing the Big Push in the 24-hour economy policy, it must be well coordinated and not disjointed, so that available resources are channeled into critical areas that will anchor the economy and create a ripple effect, rather than funding multiple projects that may not have any meaningful impact. Projects that anchor the economy and propel growth within the 24-hour economy are key and critical, coupled with strict fiscal discipline,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of sustained fiscal discipline, particularly as Ghana prepares to exit the current IMF support programme.

“The post-programme period is crucial for consolidating both economic and financial gains, emphasizing the need for value-for-money investments,” he added.

“Once we are out of the IMF programme, we should be able to stabilise the economy going forward and create growth and opportunities for citizens,” he concluded.

SP/MA

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The minister and his guests praying during the visit

The Assemblies of God Regional Superintendent for North East, Rev. Baba Issifu Alhassan, has led a delegation of District Pastors in the region to pay a courtesy call on the Regional Minister, Ibrahim Tia at Nalerigu.

The purpose was to officially congratulate him on his appointment as Regional Minister, on behalf of the General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana, Rev. Stephen Wengam, who hails from the region.

Rev. Baba highlighted the church’s contributions to promoting health and education, citing the Assemblies of God Hospital in Nakpanduri. He assured the Regional Minister that the church is ready for partnership and collaboration in the spirit of love that will bring development and growth to the people of the North East and Ghana as a whole.

Mr. Tia expressed his sincerest gratitude to Rev. Wengam for his love and thoughtfulness. He remarked that “Assemblies of God Church is the President’s church, so I feel highly honoured to have you.”

The Regional Minister lauded the good work of the Assemblies of God, Ghana and encouraged the pastors to continue to preach the transformative word of God in truth and honesty.

Mr. Tia enumerated some challenges that the region currently faces, key among  them are conflicts, and the sale and use of illicit drugs which are destroying the youth.

Rev. Alhassan led the delegation to pray for the Regional Minister and presented a Holy Bible and Assemblies of God calendar to him.

The Ghana cedi has crossed the GH¢12 mark on the interbank exchange market.

This is the first time since May 2025, following a period of consistent appreciation against the US dollar.

As of Monday, September 29, 2025, Bank of Ghana published rates indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢13.55 to the dollar, reflecting renewed pressure on the local currency amid persistent economic challenges and high demand for foreign exchange.

Despite headline inflation dropping marginally, the cedi continues to struggle on both the interbank and forex markets, depreciating steadily against the dollar.

The depreciation is expected to impact fuel prices at the pump in the upcoming pricing windows, increase the cost of living, and likely complicate the government’s quest to achieve single-digit inflation by the end of the year.

Here’s how the cedi is faring on the BoG interbank market as of 8:00 AM, September 29, 2025:

• Dollar – Buying at GH¢12.39, Selling at GH¢12.40

• Pound – Buying at GH¢16.61, Selling at GH¢16.63

• Euro – Buying at GH¢14.49, Selling at GH¢14.50

Interbank Market: Cedi trades at GH¢12.35 to $1

Here’s how the cedi is trading at the forex bureaus

• Dollar – Buying at GH¢13.20, Selling at GH¢13.55

• Pound – Buying at GH¢17.50, Selling at GH¢18.50

• Euro – Buying at GH¢15.20, Selling at GH¢16.10

SP

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The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) has awarded scholarship worth over GH¢1.9 million to 68 tertiary students for the 2025/2026 academic year.

In addition, WAPCo for the 2025/2026 has disbursed GH¢631,584 to 68 students in Ghana, 48 of whom are from the host communities of the company such as  Aboadze, Abuesi, Dwomo, Lower Inchaban, and Shama.

The General Manager of Corporate Affairs of WAPCo,   Dr Isaac Adjei Doku, disclosed this during the award ceremony held here on Thursday, said his outfit had budgeted to spend  GH¢1,907,604 in Ghana for this year academic year.

He explained that the scholarship scheme, introduced in 2012, had supported hundreds of young people to help them achieve their dreams and contribute meaningfully to the development of the society.

Dr Doku mentioned that Christopher Amoasi, one of the beneficiaries of the scholarship who is a law graduate from the University of Cape Coast, would soon be called to the bar and Blessen Adwoa Essilfie-Konglo from Abuesi was on course to become a Doctor of Optometry.

“These examples highlight the essence of WAPCo’s investment in education to empower our youth to make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond,” Dr Doku noted.

Dr Doku advised the new scholarship recipients to take their studies seriously, saying that, “The awards are not only a recognition of their past achievements but also an investment in their future.”

The District Director of Education, Mr Raphael Adu Taylor, commended WAPCo for its continued investment in education through the award of scholarships to needy but deserving students in the district.

Education, he asserted, remained the key to unlocking opportunities for young people, regardless of their socio-economic background.

“The gesture we are witnessing today is not just about financial support. It is about giving hope, restoring dreams, and inspiring confidence in the next generation,” he stated.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Shama, Paul Otis Dentu, noted that, “Education is not only about acquiring certificates but about gaining the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes that prepare individuals for present and future challenges.”

 The Queenmother of Aboadze, Nana Kobaabo III, also lauded WAPCo for the support and urged parents to invest in their children’s instead of spending on funerals and other social activities.

Aseye Nedida Dimado, a students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed appreciation to the company for supporting their education and promised that they will study hard.

FROM CLEMENT ADZEI BOYE, SHAMA

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By Maxwell Awumah, GNA 

Ho, Sept 29, GNA – The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has held synchronized matriculation ceremonies for its Sandwich students at both the Ho and Hohoe campuses to mark the beginning of the 2024/2025 academic year. 

A total of 1,230 students—comprising both undergraduate and postgraduate entrants—were officially matriculated.  

The University received 1,612 undergraduate applications, offering admission to 1,442 applicants. Of these, 1,178 students enrolled, including 938 females and 240 males. 

For postgraduate programmes, UHAS received 145 applications, admitted 60 students, and enrolled 52—comprising 44 females and eight males. 

Presiding over the main ceremony at the Sokode-Lokoe campus in Ho, Vice Chancellor Professor Lydia Aziato congratulated the newly matriculated students for choosing UHAS as their academic home.  

She commended the postgraduate students for their bold decision to pursue advanced studies, assuring them that “the sky is the limit.” 

Professor Aziato reflected on the University’s growth, noting that UHAS began 13 years ago with just 154 students and now boasts a population exceeding 11,000.  

She urged the new students to uphold academic integrity and avoid examination malpractice, encouraging them to seize the opportunities at UHAS to enhance their personal and professional development. 

While acknowledging infrastructural challenges, she assured students that both the Government and University Management were actively working to address them.  

She also called on students to be responsible stewards of existing facilities. 

At the Fred Newton Binka School of Public Health campus in Hohoe, the ceremony was led by Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Frank Edwin.  

On the Ho campus, student representatives Mr. Pius Boateng and Ms. Emmanuella Narki Kweku-Duah delivered an inspiring address, affirming their cohort’s commitment to their chosen fields, while Mr. Bediako Saviour and Ms.  

Constance Domotey at the Hohoe campus emphasized the collaborative nature of public health and the importance of curiosity, resilience, and teamwork.  

They pledged that their cohort would be “a living testimony” of determination throughout their academic journey. 

The main campus ceremony was attended by key university officials, including Registrar Ms. Yaa Amankwaa Opuni, alongside Deans, Directors, faculty, and staff.  

At Hohoe, Director of Academic Affairs Dr. Cedric Dorkernoo represented the Registrar, joined by other university leaders. 

A historic milestone was achieved with the admission of Mr. Emmanuel Kojo Sackey, a Level 300 Bachelor of Public Health (Nutrition) student, who is the first and only visually impaired student at UHAS to date.  

His enrollment underscores the University’s commitment to inclusivity and the rights of vulnerable persons. 

UHAS held its first Sandwich matriculation on July 18, 2015. This year marks a decade since the programme’s inception, which opened pathways for certificate and diploma holders to pursue bachelor’s degrees.  

Previously, nurses and midwives with certificates were required to complete a diploma and gain work experience before qualifying for degree programmes. 

Since its founding, UHAS has pioneered several innovative healthcare training programmes. It remains the only university in Ghana offering first-degree training in Sports and Exercise Medical Sciences and Orthotics and Prosthetics.  

New programmes, including a master’s in nursing leadership and management, are expected to be launched soon. 

UHAS continues to rise as a leading institution in healthcare education, and the 10th Sandwich Matriculation ceremony stands as a testament to its enduring mission to build a fit-for-purpose healthcare training institution. 

GNA 

Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/George-Ramsey Benamba 

Market capitalisation hits GH¢161.8 billion on September 26, 2025

The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) ended Friday, September 29, 2025, on a positive note, recording gains in both trading volume and turnover.

A total of 1,502,523 shares were traded, corresponding to a market value of GH¢5.91 million. This marked a 261% increase in volume and a 293% jump in turnover compared to the previous trading session.

The market’s performance was fueled by strong investor sentiment. Fifteen listed equities participated in Friday’s session, with six gainers and no losers, indicating broadly positive market breadth.

Here’s how the Ghana Stock Exchange performed on Wednesday

CalBank led the gainers with a 3.28% increase, closing at GH¢0.63 per share. It was followed by Republic Bank Ghana with a 1.69% gain, MTN Ghana up 1.4%, and Ecobank Transnational rising 1.12%.

MTN Ghana dominated trading activity, with 1.15 million shares exchanged, accounting for the bulk of the day’s volume. Other actively traded stocks included SIC Insurance Company (219,519 shares), CalBank (52,066), and Ecobank Transnational (42,981).

The GSE Financial Stocks Index (GSE-FSI) edged up 0.35% to close at 3,751.34, representing a 5.2% gain over the past week, 9.95% over four weeks, and a 57.57% year-to-date increase.

With no losers recorded and strong index performance across the board, analysts remain optimistic about continued investor confidence in the market, particularly as financial and telecom stocks maintain strong momentum.

SP/MA

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play videoGhanaians are unable to save because of the low salaries they earn.

There is a saying, “make hay while the sun shines.” It is why people try their best to set aside some money for future or emergency use.

However, with the meagre salaries many workers receive, coupled with the high cost of living, from food and transportation to rent, most incomes cannot even sustain basic upkeep until the next payday.

This has left many cash-strapped and unable to save.

Speaking on GhanaWeb TV’s BizTech, hosted by Ernestina Serwaa Asante, economist Professor Godfred Bokpin said Ghanaians are unable to save because of the low salaries they earn.

He further explained that the country’s economic structure does not empower citizens to save.

As a result of limited local capital accumulation, government often resorts to external borrowing to fund development projects.

“Even now, with the minimum capital, Ghanaians are visibly absent because they are not saving. Salary levels are very low, and it’s very common everywhere. Look, any country that has not empowered its citizens to save is not accumulating capital. That country cannot finance its own development,” the economist told BizTech.

He continued, “And that is why, every day, a president will go to China, Japan, and elsewhere to bring in capital. Because we are not building capital here. So the limited economic opportunities we have, we can’t take advantage of them.”

Professor Bokpin added that Ghanaian businesses are unable to compete due to a lack of capital, which has allowed foreign nationals to dominate the retail market.

He stressed that it is time SMEs are better structured through joint ventures and partnerships with foreign investors.

This, he noted, would allow local businesses to benefit from advanced technologies and remain competitive.

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SA/MA

Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund, Dr. Hanna Louisa Bissiw-Kotei, has opened up about her difficult childhood, revealing that the abuse she endured while living with her mother’s elder sister shaped her resilience and strength.

Speaking on the Upside Down Show on Channel One TV on Sunday, September 28, 2025, Dr. Bissiw-Kotei explained that her aunt took her in under the guise of raising her but instead subjected her to what would now be considered abuse.

“You know those days when your Auntie, older than your mom or older than your dad, could just come for you to live with them—that’s what happened to me. My mother’s elder sister came for me, saying she would train me, and that’s where everything started, all my ordeals started. I went through what any child who you call abuse today went through,” she recounted.

Despite the painful memories, Dr. Bissiw-Kotei stressed that she harbours no bitterness, describing the experience as part of God’s plan to prepare her for life.

“When I look back at that time, I don’t feel negative. I think it rather made me. For me, any bad experience I have been through in life, I see it as something that God allowed to happen because he wants my life to be a living example to other young women,” she said.

The Chairman of Parliament’s Select Committee on Energy, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, has stressed that the House will not approve any electricity tariff increment until power sector agencies demonstrate significant improvements in revenue collection and efficiency.

Speaking to journalists after a monitoring visit to the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), the Energy Commission, and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), the Ho West Member of Parliament (MP) said the committee had repeatedly cautioned that tariff hikes must be justified by evidence, not external pressure.

Mr. Bedzrah revealed that widespread commercial losses remained a major concern, citing meters distributed in rural areas that are yet to be captured in the national grid for billing.

“If you add up all those meters into the collection of the revenue or collection of money as tariff, I believe that we will not get to that 225 percent that we’re looking at,” he said. He further pointed to illegal power connections and weak internal collection methods as significant leakages.

“We think that it is high time now they begin to look at how much they collect and how they can collect the revenues that are due to them,” he said, insisting that any call for higher tariffs must be preceded by clear steps to plug these gaps.

While acknowledging the need for new investments in the power sector, the committee chair questioned why the country already pays the highest electricity tariffs in the sub-region despite exporting power to neighbouring countries such as Benin.

Mr. Bedzrah also raised alarms over illegal mining activities (galamsey) undermining electricity infrastructure. 
He warned that the excavation of soil around high-voltage pylons could lead to fatal accidents and national blackouts if not checked.

GRIDCO

The committee plans to present a comprehensive report to Parliament for debate, which will guide any decision on the forthcoming multi-year tariff review.

“We are the representatives of the people. We cannot sit down for any rate to be bundled at us. We need to know what exactly it entails and if we are going to be in the same alignment or the same price range with our neighbours,” Mr. Bedzrah affirmed.

During the visit, GRIDCo’s Deputy Chief Executive for Engineering and Operations, Frank Okyere, outlined plans to enhance power transmission through the $353.65 million Eastern Corridor Project, which will expand and upgrade substations and construct new transmission lines across the Volta, Bono East, Oti, Savannah, and Northern regions.

The management said feasibility, environmental, and social impact assessments, and resettlement compensation were underway, with construction expected to begin in 2027.

They urged expedited financial clearance under the Public Financial Management Act to fast-track implementation and highlighted threats to transmission infrastructure from illegal mining (Galamsey)  and encroachment, stressing proactive planning for future renewable integration.

Energy Commission, PURC

The Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, Eunice A. Biritwum, told the Committee on Energy that Ghana was steadily advancing its energy transition despite the 2070 target being ambitious.

She enumerated ongoing solar, wind, and hybrid projects, including VRA’s wind-solar initiatives and the 12,000-installation scheme with battery storage.

She urged stronger support for local industries to drive renewable energy growth and sustainability.

The Executive Secretary of PURC, Dr. Shafic Suleman, said his outfit had tightened oversight of power-sector revenues through the cash waterfall mechanism and the consolidation of ECG’s 80 accounts into a single holding account.

He flagged the absence of a regulatory framework for clean drinking water as a major national gap and urged lawmakers to pass a Clean Water Act.

He outlined ongoing multi-year and quarterly tariff reviews, clarified that IMF requirements do not mandate automatic increases, and highlighted challenges with streetlight maintenance, industrial gas subsidies, and the need for stronger stakeholder engagement nationwide.

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.

022/2023, according to findings from the Ghana International Travellers’ Survey (GITS).

The survey recorded a total of 901,448 inbound visitors, comprising both same-day and overnight travellers, whose spending provided a significant boost to the local economy.

Of this, same-day visitors spent approximately GH¢24 million, while overnight visitors contributed GH¢15.18 billion.

The survey, conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), forms a cornerstone for the country’s tourism planning and the development of its first-ever Tourism Satellite Account (TSA).

The TSA is expected to better capture the true contribution of tourism to GDP, aligning with international best practices and Sustainable Development Goal 8.9, which promotes sustainable tourism, culture, and local products.

Visitor numbers and profile

Out of the total visitors, 12,864 were same-day travellers, while 888,584 were overnight visitors. Males consistently outnumbered females across all age groups, with adults between 36 and 64 years forming the largest demographic. The third quarter of 2023 recorded the highest influx of visitors, with a notable peak in male overnight travellers within the 36–64-year bracket.

For same-day visitors, transit travel dominated, except in the final quarter of 2022, when nearly half (45.9%) visited for holidays, leisure, and recreation. However, this figure sharply declined to 0.6% by the third quarter of 2023. Côte d’Ivoire consistently topped the list of West African countries sending same-day visitors, except in Q3 2023, when Liberia emerged as the lead source country.

Among overnight visitors, visiting friends and relatives (VFR) was the most common reason for travel across the survey period, with business and professional travel dominating only in Q4 2022 at 46.9%. This pattern underscores the strong role of the Ghanaian diaspora and cultural ties in driving inbound tourism.

Tourist sites and experiences

Cultural and heritage sites remained a strong attraction, with same-day visitors most frequently visiting the Bisa Aberwa Museum, Cape Coast Castle, National Museum, and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.

Overnight visitors favoured Independence Square and Arts Centre, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, and Cape Coast Castle.

Policy recommendations

The GITS report also provided forward-looking recommendations for both the government and the private sector.

For same-day tourism, the government has been urged to launch a “Visit Ghana in a Day” campaign, targeting short-haul regional travellers. This would be complemented by investments in border and seaport facilities to enhance the visitor experience.

Private operators have also been encouraged to develop ready-made one-day itineraries and loyalty packages, while development partners were called upon to support local tourism packaging initiatives.

In the overnight tourism segment, the report recommended targeted campaigns for high-spending markets such as the diaspora, business travellers, and those visiting relatives. Leveraging the ECOWAS free movement framework for cross-border packages was also advised.

For the private sector, opportunities were identified in expanding shopping, dining, and festival offerings, as well as investing in affordable accommodation options.

Development partners were further encouraged to back the rollout of a National Tourism App and provide virtual guide tools, alongside multilingual help desks at entry points.

Boosting tourism agenda

The GITS findings are expected to provide critical baseline data for policy, planning, and investment decisions as Ghana seeks to fully harness the economic potential of its tourism industry. With the 15-Year Tourism Development Plan (2013–2027) and flagship initiatives like the “Black Star Experience” under the Resetting Ghana agenda, the country is positioning tourism as a driver of jobs, growth, and cultural promotion.

The survey, covering key exit points including Kotoka International Airport, Aflao, Paga, Elubo land borders, and the Tema and Takoradi seaports, used systematic random sampling and face-to-face interviews to ensure reliability. Officials say the data will not only inform national planning but also attract private investment into tourism-related infrastructure and services.

As the country works towards enhancing its global profile as a competitive and sustainable tourism destination, the GITS report indicates that the sector already contributes significantly to the economy. The recommendations, however, stress the need to expand visitor spending, diversify experiences, and ensure fair access across all market segments.