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GTDC Launches Bold Investment Drive to Unlock Ghana’s Tourism Potential

Tourism is Ghana’s fourth highest foreign exchange earner and a proven driver of job creation and economic growth. In 2024 alone, the sector generated $4.8 billion from over 1.28 million international arrivals. Yet, experts say Ghana has only scratched the surface of its vast tourism potential.

To unlock more opportunities, the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC) has launched the Ghana Tourism Investment Platform, an online hub designed to connect investors with curated tourism opportunities across the country. These opportunities range from heritage and eco-tourism sites to hospitality, events, and community-based projects.

Joining the conversation was the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the GTDC, Professor Kobby Mensah, highlighted the initiative’s potential to create jobs and drive youth engagement.

“This is a great opportunity because young people are looking for jobs and ways to collaborate and coordinate efforts to build sustainable livelihoods. On our job creation agenda, we want the youth to know that the opportunities in the tourism sector are vast, and that’s why we’ve created this platform—to clearly showcase them.”

Professor Mensah also touched on the government’s broader vision:

“The President has promised the Ghanaian people that we are resetting, and part of that reset is focused on job creation. If I have the blessing of both the President and God to serve in this role, I must match that promise with action. That means doing exactly what the President has committed to creating jobs for Ghanaians.”

He elaborated on GTDC’s two-pronged approach:

1.Driving investment into the tourism sector to create jobs.

2.Generating employment directly through GTDC-led initiatives.

Before outlining further plans, he offered commendations to regional leaders who have supported the initiative, particularly during a recent working visit to the Savannah Region.

“We visited the Savannah Region last week, and I want to acknowledge the support of the Savannah Regional Minister, Hon. Salisu, as well as the MCE of East Gonja Municipality, Hon. Kasim Yazid, and the MP for Salaga South, Hon. Zuwera Mohammed, a dear friend. We also appreciate the MCE of Central Gonja District, Hon. Mahama Fuseni. They collectively championed the idea of opening new tourism corridors in the north especially in the Savannah Region and fully sponsored our visit.”

During the visit, the team explored Akamade, a site believed to be a historical center of Islamic scholarship in the region.

“We made incredible discoveries there. We were accompanied by Professor Wazi Apo, Dean of the School of Arts and a renowned archaeologist. The findings at Akamade are currently being reviewed by relevant authorities for interpretation. It’s truly an amazing site with great historical significance.”

Professor Mensah emphasized the need to identify and project investable tourism areas that can be showcased as part of Ghana’s cultural heritage.

“We need to uncover and share Ghana’s fascinating untold stories. We’ve all heard about historical figures like Usman dan Fodio and his conquests, but we rarely get to connect with tangible heritage linked to those stories. Now, we can take students, especially those studying social studies, to places like Akamade to experience history firsthand. I was deeply impressed by the visible footprints, horse tracks, and other relics. The support we received to profile this site was truly invaluable.”

Writer and Tour Guide: Frederick Nortey

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