Ghana not in the 'upper league' of tourism despite huge potential – Kyerematen

Leader of the United Party (UP), Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, has called for increased investment in tourism, saying the sector has the potential to become Ghana’s leading foreign exchange earner.

He said Ghana had significant tourism potential, given its cultural heritage, natural attractions and coastline, but had yet to develop the sector to its full capacity.

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Speaking at a meeting with the media on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, Kyerematen said tourism could play a major role in transforming the country’s economy.

“Tourism alone can transform our economy. And it’s not just about our heritage sites,” he said.

He cited Ghana’s heritage sites and natural attractions as key resources that could attract more international visitors if properly developed and promoted.

“Can you imagine that Ghana has 32 out of the 42 globally accredited UNESCO World Heritage Sites? One country. UNESCO Heritage Sites, 42. Ghana has 32 of them. And still you don’t have any tourist industry,” he stated.

Kyerematen also called for increased funding for the tourism sector, alongside effective branding and marketing to position Ghana as a leading tourist destination.

He said the country needed to develop its beaches, rivers and waterfronts to attract more visitors.

“But we have to start looking at funding and financing of tourism. Because what we are doing now is not bad. But we are not in the upper league,” he said.

He also raised concerns about Ghana’s lack of a commercial national airline, poor customer service and high hotel prices, saying these challenges could discourage tourists.

Kyerematen called for greater investment in human resource development and tourism infrastructure to enable the sector to contribute more significantly to economic growth.

ANAS/MA