By Hajara Fuseini

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A survey by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has revealed that Ghana raked in 15.42 billion from inbound international visits.

The country’s first International Travellers Survey, conducted from the fourth quarter of 2022 to the third quarter of 2023, found that Ghana welcomed over 900,000 international visitors.

Government Statistician Dr Alhassan Iddrisu shared the findings of the survey carried out as the travellers departed through six key exit points, namely the Kotoka International Airport, the Aflao border, the Paga border, the Elubo border and the Ports of Tema and Takoradi.

The survey identified Inbound same-day travellers and Overnight Visitors.

Inbound same-day travellers
According to him, the country recorded 12,864 same-day visitors, many of whom were in transit and a significant share of whom were holiday makers.

“Most were men with adults aged 36-64 years. Nearly three-quarters of them travelled by air and their favourite attractions included the Bisa Abrewa Museum, Cape Coast Castle, the National Museum and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.”

They are said to have collectively spent ¢24 million, providing a boost in local businesses.

Overnight Visitors
In the case of overnight visitors, he said Ghana welcomed 888,584 of them, with most coming to visit friends, relatives and do business.

“West Africans and Americans showed strong interest in our tourist sites. Hotels were the most popular accommodation, and the top destinations included Independence Square, the Arts Centre, Cape Coast Castle and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.”
He reported that these visitors spent ¢15.2 billion, highlighting tourism’s enormous economic impact.

“When we combine both groups, Ghana received more than 901,000 visitors who spent a total of ¢15.42 billion.”

Story by Hajara Fuseini